upper kachura lake
Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan
Quick Info
Attraction Type
Lake
Location
Skardu, Pakistan
Timings
Tickets / Entry
Recommended Duration
2 to 3 Hours
Visa / NOC Info
Standard Tourist Visa
Wheelchair Support
Not Accessible
Description
Upper Kachura Lake is a freshwater lake in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan. It sits high up in the mountains. The lake has clear, cold water and is surrounded by green hills and trees. People come here to enjoy nature and relax. It is less crowded than Lower Kachura Lake.
What To Do
- Go boating on the lake.
- Fish for trout (get a permit first).
- Take photos of the lake and mountains.
- Have a picnic by the water.
- Walk around the lake's edge.
What To Buy
- Dry Fruits: Famous local apricots, almonds, and walnuts from Skardu Bazaar. Get Directions
- Handicrafts: Locally made wooden items and stone crafts at Skardu Bazaar. Get Directions
- Pashmina Shawls: Warm shawls made from local wool, available in shops around Skardu Bazaar. Get Directions
- Traditional Caps: Embroidered caps worn by local men, sold in Skardu Bazaar. Get Directions
- Local Jams and Honey: Made from fruits grown in the region, found in small stores near Skardu Bazaar. Get Directions
Policies & Info
- Keep the lake area clean by not throwing trash.
- Respect local culture; dress simply and modestly.
- Ask for permission before taking photos of local people.
- Loud music or disturbing others is not allowed.
- Follow any instructions from local guides or signs.
Health & Safety
- Drink bottled or filtered water to stay safe.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven paths.
- Carry warm clothes, even in summer, as weather can change fast.
- Be aware of altitude sickness signs like headache or nausea, and rest if you feel unwell.
- Inform someone about your travel plans if you are going to remote areas.
Best Season to Visit
Spring: March to May. Weather is cool and fresh. Trees start to get green and some flowers bloom. Good for walks.
Summer: June to August. Days are mild and sunny. This is the best time for boating and outdoor fun.
Monsoon/Rainy: /Rainy: July to August. Skardu gets less heavy rain than other parts of Pakistan. There might be light showers. Roads can become tricky after heavy rain.
Autumn: September to November. Weather becomes cool. Trees turn yellow and red, making the view pretty.
Winter: December to February. It gets very cold and snows a lot. The lake may freeze. Many roads can be closed. Not easy to visit.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest active airport is Skardu Airport (KDU). It is about 30 minutes drive from Skardu city center. You can fly here from Islamabad.
- By Road: You can reach Skardu by road from Gilgit via Jaglot-Skardu Road (S-1). From Islamabad or Rawalpindi, take the Karakoram Highway towards Jaglot, then turn onto S-1. The drive is long but scenic.
- By Train: There is no train service to Skardu or Gilgit-Baltistan. The nearest major active railway station is Rawalpindi Railway Station (RWP), which is about a 20-hour drive from Skardu.
- By Public Transport: From Skardu city, you can hire a local jeep or taxi to reach Upper Kachura Lake. It is a short drive from the main city area.
Where to Eat / Stay
- Where to Eat:
- PTDC Motel Restaurant Skardu: Skardu Bypass Road, Skardu. Contact: +92 5815 920509. Get Directions
- Riveria Hotel & Restaurant: Airport Road, Skardu. Contact: +92 5815 450500. Get Directions
- Where to Stay:
- Serena Hotel Skardu: Khasumik, Skardu. Contact: +92 5815 455800. Website: serenahotels.com. Get Directions
- Hotel One Skardu: Airport Road, Skardu. Contact: +92 5815 452200. Website: hotelone.com.pk. Get Directions
Emergency Contacts
- DHQ Hospital Skardu: Hospital Road, Skardu. Phone: +92 5815 920400. Get Directions
- Ambulances: Dial 1122 for Rescue 1122 (official emergency number in Pakistan).
- Police Station: City Police Station Skardu: College Road, Skardu. Phone: +92 5815 920211. Get Directions