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Upper Kachura Lake sits just a few minutes past the crowds at Shangrila. It’s a genuinely different experience: naturally formed rather than artificial, quieter, and surrounded by apricot and conifer forest instead of resort infrastructure.
Upper Kachura Lake travel guide: how it differs from Shangrila
Locally called Foroq Tso, Upper Kachura Lake formed naturally. Lower Kachura Lake, better known as Shangrila Lake, was established as an artificial lake in 1983 alongside Skardu’s first resort hotel. Upper Kachura’s water actually feeds into Lower Kachura, so the two are connected even though they feel worlds apart. Walk a short distance from the main visitor area and it’s genuinely possible to have a stretch of shoreline entirely to yourself. Shangrila’s more developed banks rarely offer that.
| Detail | Upper Kachura Lake |
|---|---|
| Elevation | Roughly 2,500 meters |
| Depth | Around 70 meters |
| Distance from Skardu | Roughly 30 km, 30 to 45 minutes by jeep |
| Best season | April to October |
What there is to do
- Boating: locally operated boats are available, often informally arranged with vendors right at the lakeside.
- Trout fishing: the lake’s depth and clarity make it a genuine option for anglers, not just a scenic backdrop.
- Hiking: trails run through the surrounding conifer and wild apricot forest, with the option to continue toward higher viewpoints.
- Photography: the turquoise water against rock formations and snow-capped peaks is the reason most people come, and it photographs best in the softer light of morning or early evening.
Getting there
From Skardu, hire a jeep or taxi toward Kachura village, roughly 30 km and 30 to 45 minutes on a paved road. Upper Kachura sits just beyond the Shangrila Resort turnoff. That makes it an easy add-on to a Lower Kachura visit rather than a separate trip.
Upper Kachura Lake travel guide: practical tips
- Combine this with Shangrila Resort. Visiting both lakes in one outing makes far more sense than treating them as separate trips.
- Walk past the main visitor area for real quiet. The lake’s appeal is largely about solitude, which requires a short walk to actually find.
- Visit in the softer light of morning or evening. The turquoise water photographs noticeably better outside the harsh midday sun.
- Bring cash for informal boat rides. Arrangements here tend to be casual, negotiated on the spot rather than pre-booked.
Pair this with our 5-day Skardu itinerary, which routes through the Kachura Lakes on day one.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between Upper and Lower Kachura Lake?
Upper Kachura Lake formed naturally and stays quieter. Lower Kachura Lake, also called Shangrila Lake, is artificial and home to Skardu’s first resort hotel. Upper Kachura’s water feeds into Lower Kachura.
How far is Upper Kachura Lake from Skardu?
Roughly 30 km, about 30 to 45 minutes by jeep on a paved road.
Is Upper Kachura Lake less crowded than Shangrila?
Yes, noticeably. Walking a short distance from the main visitor area typically means having a stretch of shoreline to yourself.
Can you fish at Upper Kachura Lake?
Yes, trout fishing is a genuine option here, thanks to the lake’s depth and clean, clear water.
When is the best time to visit Upper Kachura Lake?
April through October. The lake freezes in winter, and water levels peak around July.