The best-known lakes in Skardu are Satpara, Lower Kachura (Shangrila) and Upper Kachura, all within a day’s drive of town, plus Sheosar Lake on the high Deosai plains. They are very different places: two are easy afternoon stops, one needs a short hike, and one needs a 4×4 and a summer window.
This guide compares the lakes near Skardu so you can decide which to visit, in what order, and when. It draws on our detailed lake guides and the sources listed at the end. Last checked: October 2026. Distances, fees and road conditions change, and published figures vary, so confirm locally.
Quick answer: which Skardu lake should you visit?
- Shortest trip: Satpara Lake, about 7 km from Skardu and roughly 25 minutes by road.
- Best half day: the two Kachura lakes together. Lower Kachura is the easy, developed one; Upper Kachura is quieter and needs a short walk.
- Most dramatic: Sheosar Lake in Deosai National Park, at roughly 4,100 to 4,250 m, open only in the summer months.
- Best months: roughly April or May to October for the lower lakes, and June to September for Sheosar.
Lakes in Skardu at a glance
| Lake | Elevation | Getting there | Best for | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Satpara Lake | About 2,636 m | Around 7 km from Skardu, roughly 25 minutes | A quick, easy lake visit and boating | Most of the year, best May to October |
| Lower Kachura (Shangrila) Lake | About 2,500 m | About 20 km, 30 to 40 minutes by road | Gardens, cottages, boating, families | April or May to October |
| Upper Kachura Lake | About 2,500 m | Short hike or drive beyond Lower Kachura | Quiet, walking, photography | April or May to October |
| Sheosar Lake | About 4,100 to 4,250 m | Several hours by 4×4 across Deosai | Wild scenery, camping, wildlife | June to September |
Elevations come from our individual lake guides, and different sources give slightly different numbers, especially for Sheosar.
Satpara Lake
Satpara is the lake most visitors see because it is so close. It sits in a rocky bowl above town, with very little flat ground between the cliffs and the water, and the colour shifts from dark navy in the morning to deeper blue later in the day. A small island sits in the middle and can be reached by local boat.
The lake owes its current size to the Satpara Dam, built at the outlet between 2003 and 2011 and operated by WAPDA. It is a working piece of infrastructure as well as a viewpoint. Rowboats and motorboats can be rented at the lake, and trout fishing needs a licence. Our Satpara Lake travel guide has the details.
Who it suits: anyone with an afternoon free, or a stop on the way to Deosai.
Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila Lake)
Lower Kachura is the developed one of the pair. It is often called Shangrila Lake after the resort on its banks, a name taken from James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon. The red-roofed cottages of Shangrila Resort overlook the water, and the lake is often described as heart-shaped.
You can walk the grounds, photograph the lake and arrange a boat ride. Check in advance whether the resort charges an entry fee or whether boating is running, because these arrangements change. Our guide to the Kachura Lakes compares both lakes in more depth.
Who it suits: families, couples and anyone who wants an easy, scenic stop with facilities.
Upper Kachura Lake
Upper Kachura, locally called Foroq Tso, is the quieter lake. It lies above Lower Kachura at about 2,500 m, with a depth of around 70 m, among steep slopes, conifers and wild apricot trees. There are very few facilities, with no hotels at the lake and no shops nearby, so bring water and snacks.
The walk from the Lower Kachura side is roughly 15 to 30 minutes uphill depending on pace. Published driving times and distances to Upper Kachura vary widely between sources, so ask your driver or hotel for the current route. See the full Upper Kachura Lake guide.
Who it suits: walkers and photographers who prefer quiet to facilities.
Sheosar Lake, Deosai
Sheosar is the centrepiece of Deosai National Park, a high-altitude lake clear enough to mirror the surrounding peaks, with Nanga Parbat visible on a good day. It is roughly 2.3 km long and 1.8 km wide, and sits at about 4,100 to 4,250 m depending on the source.
The route from Skardu is a few hours by 4×4 across the plateau, and the road is rough and unpaved. There is also an approach from Astore. Trout fishing needs a permit from park authorities, and camping is popular at Sheosar and nearby Bara Pani. At this altitude, altitude sickness is possible, so do not rush your first day in Skardu. Read the Sheosar Lake guide and our overview of Deosai National Park before you go.
Deosai is snow-bound for roughly seven months. It is reported to open around mid-May and close by mid-September, if the road is passable, but we could not find an official date. Ask a local operator before committing a day to the trip.
Who it suits: travellers with a full day, a 4×4 and a summer window.
How to combine the lakes
- Half day: Satpara in the morning, then Lower and Upper Kachura after lunch.
- Full day: a Deosai day trip, stopping at Satpara on the way in, as in our 5 days in Skardu itinerary.
- Short stay: if you only have one day, choose Deosai in summer and the Kachura lakes outside it.
Best time to visit the lakes of Skardu
The lower lakes are best from about April or May to October. Skardu is dry and sunny in summer, with July highs above 31°C in the climate table, while October brings cooler air and autumn colour. Sheosar depends on the Deosai season, so plan it for July or August if you want the best chance of open roads. See our best time to visit Skardu guide for the month-by-month picture.
Practical tips
- Hire a driver in Skardu for all four lakes. Public transport is not practical for Deosai.
- Carry cash. ATMs are unreliable outside central Skardu.
- Dress in layers. Mornings and the evenings at Deosai are cold even in summer.
- Respect local residents and keep the lake shores free of litter.
- Book a hotel with flexible dates, as weather can delay flights. See best hotels in Skardu.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main lakes in Skardu?
Satpara Lake, Lower Kachura (Shangrila) Lake, Upper Kachura Lake and Sheosar Lake in Deosai are the four most visited.
Which lake is closest to Skardu?
Satpara Lake, at around 7 km from town and about 25 minutes by road.
Is Shangrila Lake the same as Lower Kachura Lake?
Yes. Shangrila is the popular name for Lower Kachura Lake, taken from the resort on its banks.
Can I visit Sheosar Lake in winter?
No. Deosai is snow-bound for roughly seven months, so Sheosar is a summer destination.
How long do I need for the Kachura lakes?
Allow a half day for both, including the walk up to Upper Kachura.
Roads, entry fees and seasonal access change. Confirm current conditions locally before you travel.