The Cold Desert, also called the Katpana Desert or Biama Nakpo, is a high-elevation desert situated close Skardu, in Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan district. The desert contains territories of huge sand ridges that are here and there shrouded in snow during winter. Arranged at a height of 2,226 meters (7,303 feet) above ocean level, the Katpana Desert is probably the highest desert in the world.
The desert, in fact, extends from the Khaplu Valley to Zanskar in Ladakh, yet the biggest desert territory is found in Skardu and Shigar Valley. The segment most visited is situated close to Skardu Airport.
This is one of the most wonderful vacation spots of Northern Areas in Pakistan. It is called Cold Desert of Skardu. Its hypnotizing cold evenings and glorious sandy view makes it a magnificent spot to visit. There are huge sand hills in Katpana Desert which gives a tremendous look.
Surprising Dunes
The North of Pakistan is full of surprises but the Katpana Desert has stunned the visitors with its high altitude and strong winds hitting the dunes hard. The granules of sand in Katpana desert are white, not yellow which has marked this desert as a wonder on earth.
When the sun shines on these granules, they seem like pearls. People who see this desert once are mesmerized by its beauty and wish to see it again and again. Don’t trust it? Visit it yourself and get hypnotized by its ravishing beauty.
Surroundings
The katpna desert is a high place at an elevation of 303 meters. It is surrounded by blackish grey rocky mountains, suburbs and bushes. The whole scene is very strange and miraculous to see. It will give you goosebumps to see revitalizing and dry creations at the same place. It will seem no more than a dream if you haven’t visited this place before. The adventure and nature lovers who go to Africa and Europe in search of miraculous places are highly recommended to visit this natural wonder of God.
Weather Conditions
Much the same as this one of a kind desert, its climate is likewise extremely one of a kind. This shocking virus desert has stunningly cool evenings and sandy perspectives that demands the voyagers visit it. It is marked as the top best deserts of the world to visit.
It has also lush plantation and vegetation. Its temperature is on the average of 8 degree Celsius to 26 degree Celsius in October which falls to -10 degree Celsius in December to January. Its temperature can sometimes decrease to extreme low as -25 degree Celsius making it colder than any hill station.
When To Visit ?
It is better in the event that you visit Skardu in the summers since it is very cold in winters. The most fascinating point about Skardu is that it has a sandy desert territory. You will discover tremendous sand fields here in Skardu. The spot is a visitor’s top pick. You will see the individuals of Skardu as understanding and the general climate is inviting. In spite of the fact that you can discover every one of the things required for day by day use in the business sectors of this city, it is better in the event that you convey your prescriptions with you. Keep comfortable garments with you. In winters you may require intemperate comfortable garments in light of the fact that the spot is extremely cold in winters. You can appreciate quiet relaxes here at Skardu. It is an exquisite spot to be.
How To Reach There ?
Here are two ways to reach Skardu. You can go by road or even by air as its airdrome is functional now. If you really want to enjoy the beauty of this place and stunning scenery encountered during its journey then I suggest you take by road journey. It will take two days to reach Skardu but these two days are going to be memorable for the whole life. The tracks are very beautiful and comfortable to go.
To witness each and every beauty, visit Skardu in summers rather than winters. It will save you from extreme weather conditions and the inability to explore each and every place.