Kachura Lake is a beautiful and serene lake located in the Skardu district of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Kachura Lake Skardu is surrounded by the majestic Karakoram Mountains and is one of the most picturesque destinations in the region. Kachura Lake is also known as Shangrila Lake due to the Shangrila Resort located on its eastern bank.
Elevation of Kachura Lake Skardu
Kachura Lakes are three lakes in the Skardu district of Gilgit-Baltistan in northern Pakistan.
The lake is about 2,500 meters above sea level and covers an area of approximately 123 acres. It is fed by the melting glaciers of the Karakoram range and is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout and rainbow trout. The water of the lake is crystal clear and reflects the surrounding mountains, making for a stunning sight.
The latter lake is also known as Shangrila Lake and is located in the Shangrila Resort outside the city of Skardu, another lake called Zambakha Lake is located in the small village of Zambakha adjacent to Shangri-la. The lakes are in the Karakoram Mountains in the western Himalayas, the greater Kashmir region, and the Indus River basin.
Upper Kachura Lake
Kachura is One of the most beautiful and magical lakes in the region. It is about a 40-minute drive from Shangrila Resort and almost 1.5 hours from Skardu capital city.
Upper Kachura Lake has clear water and is 70 meters (230 ft) deep. It has a temperature of 15 °C (59 °F) in summer. In winter, the surface is frozen. The upper Indus River flows nearby at a lower elevation.
The beauty of Upper Kachura Lake is almost untouched and mostly unexplored by travelers due to a lack of infrastructure due to its rugged terrain. The area has a rich flora of the Western Himalayan Subalpine Coniferous Forest Ecoregion and is also famous for its Wild Apricot – Prunus armeniaca orchards. Recreational activities at Upper Kachura Lake include trekking, trout fishing, and Himalayan mountain climbing.
Lower Kachura Lake Altitude
Lower Kachura Lake, also known as Shangrila Lake, is a lake near the city of Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It is located at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,200 ft) and has had an operations center on the shore since 1983.
Main Attraction Near Kachura Lake
The Shangrila Resort is one of the main attractions of Kachura Lake. The resort offers a range of accommodation options, including cottages, huts, and deluxe rooms, all of which offer breathtaking views of the lake and the mountains. The resort also has a restaurant that serves a variety of local and international dishes, as well as a coffee shop and a bar.
In addition to the resort, there are several other activities to enjoy around Kachura Lake. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake to enjoy the scenic views and the tranquility of the surroundings. There are also hiking trails around the lake that offer a chance to explore the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Another popular attraction near Kachura Lake is the Shigar Fort, which is about 30 kilometers away. The fort dates back to the 17th century and was once the residence of the local rulers. Today, it has been converted into a museum and is open to the public.
Kachura is a place where one goes to be surrounded by nature. The lake, located among lush conifer and apricot trees, is about 70 meters deep and full of clear blue water. It is a charming and peaceful place, surrounded by the majestic and imposing Himalayan mountains on all sides. Activities here include a boat ride around the lake, swimming, fishing, or just an occasional stroll through the surrounding villages.
From Shangrila, the drive to Upper Kachura is short, smooth, and beautiful, offering panoramic views of the resort and surrounding buildings. The parking lot is located in a clearing that is mostly used as farmland, and one has to carefully wade through a muddy path to reach the steps leading down to the lake. The road itself is not too steep and locals often descend steeper roads with ease.
Kachura Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Skardu. Its stunning beauty, serene surroundings, and range of activities make it a perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you are looking for adventure or just want to soak in the natural beauty of the region, Kachura Lake is the perfect destination for you.
