Lake or water
Shangrila
Skardu district · 2,500 m
Shangrila is Lower Kachura lake, and the upper lake, twenty minutes walk on, is the unspoiled one.
The village of Kachura lies 32 km west of Skardu and has two beautiful lakes. Lower Kachura is now better known as Shangrila, a name it took from the luxurious resort built around it. The resort has a distinctive Chinese style and a cafe inside an old PIA aircraft, so order your dinner and enjoy the view from a very unusual table.
Kind Lake or waterDistrict SkarduElevation 2,500 mPosition 35.427° N, 75.455° E
About Shangrila
The second lake, Upper Kachura, is known locally as Foroq, and it is unspoiled by any development, which is why we love it. White arrows painted around the village of Karpia point the way, and a couple of small snack shops open in summer.
Most visitors do both lakes in an afternoon, with a lovely walk between them, then carry on to the Skardu valley sights. On our Deosai itinerary, they are on the second day, along with the cold desert at Katpana.
Elsewhere in Skardu
Swipe along the district, from the valley floor to the summits.