Sublime Northern
Upper Kachura Lake landscape

Skardu / Baltistan

Upper Kachura Lake

Getting there · ~18.5 hrs from IslamabadView map
LakesSkardu / Baltistan
From Islamabad~18.5 hrs
From Lahore~23.5 hrs
Elevation2600 m
VisitHalf day
Best monthsApr, May, Sep, Oct

Access

Getting there

655 km

Distance

~18.5 hrs

Drive

Last mile

Short road from Skardu; walking paths around the shore.

Road Generally good from Skardu in fair weather.

How people go

  • Private car

    Confirm fare locally

    ~18.5 hrs

    Road approach from Islamabad toward Skardu; confirm seasonal closures and fuel stops.

  • Jeep / 4x4

    Confirm fare locally

    Last-mile jeep may be required depending on weather and road cutoffs.

Last verified: 9 Aug 2026

When to go

Month-by-month access and crowding.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
  • Ideal
  • Crowded
  • Risky
  • Closed
  • Unknown

Upper Kachura is the quieter alpine lake sibling to Shangrila / Lower Kachura - a short drive from Skardu for walks, boats in season, and calmer photos.

On the ground

What to expect

  • Facilities

    Basic

  • Permit

    Not required

  • Entry fee

    Confirm locally

Facilities Seasonal stalls and boat options; Skardu remains the lodging base.

The story

While Lower Kachura hosts the Shangrila resort scene, Upper Kachura sits a little farther for a quieter shoreline. Most Skardu itineraries pair both lakes in a half-day when weather is clear. Expect basic lakeside services and confirm boat availability on the day.

On the map

Upper Kachura Lake

35.31500, 75.56500 · Open in OpenStreetMap

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