Upper Kachura Lake Skardu
Out of the many lakes in Skardu, Upper Kachura Lake is one of the most popular and beautiful ones. There are two lakes in the Kachura area — Upper Kachura Lake and Lower Kachura Lake (also called Shangrila Lake). Both are stunning, but Upper Kachura Lake stands out for its pure beauty and peaceful surroundings.
A trip to Skardu is incomplete without visiting Upper Kachura Lake. It’s an ideal spot for boating, hiking, and short walks in nature. The calm water, the mountains around, and the cool breeze make it a perfect place to relax. Many tourists come here every year to enjoy the lake’s natural charm.
About Upper Kachura Lake
Upper Kachura Lake is a natural freshwater lake, not formed by glacier melting. The depth of the lake is around 70 feet, and it’s surrounded by apricot and pine trees. The lake lies near Shangrila Resort, one of Skardu’s most famous tourist destinations. It is also close to the Indus River Basin, Karakoram Range, and the Kashmir region, giving it a breathtaking backdrop.
Location of Upper Kachura Lake
The lake is located in Kachura Village, about 30 to 35 minutes away from Skardu city by car.
From Islamabad, the journey to Skardu takes about 13 and a half hours by road. Travelers can also fly to Skardu with PIA, which takes about one hour. Once in Skardu, you can easily hire a car or jeep to reach Upper Kachura Lake within 30 to 40 minutes.
Route from Skardu to Upper Kachura Lake
The road from Skardu to Kachura Village is well-paved and scenic. After reaching the village, visitors have to walk for about 5 to 10 minutes to get to the lake. The short walk passes through tall trees, small streams, and mountain views. The sound of the Indus River can be heard along the way, making the journey peaceful and enjoyable.
It’s best to start your trip early in the morning, especially if traveling with family. Jeeps are available for rent at reasonable prices. Some guest houses near Upper Kachura Lake offer rooms for PKR 3,000 to 4,000 per night, and food is easily available at nearby stalls and small restaurants.
Mobile signals of most networks are available in this area.
Parking and Facilities
Visitors can park their cars or jeeps in the Kachura Village parking area. From there, stairs and walking tracks have been made to help tourists reach the lake easily, especially for women and older people.
Small shops and tea stalls are located near the parking area, where visitors can buy snacks, fries, and tea before or after visiting the lake.
The forest leading to the lake is calm and full of tall trees that seem to touch the sky. The clear blue water of Upper Kachura Lake appears behind the trees as you approach, offering a view that words can hardly describe.
Soak Nala — A Hidden Spot on the Way
Just 3 kilometers before Kachura Village, there’s a beautiful place called Soak Nala. It’s worth stopping here if you’re heading to Upper Kachura Lake.
The water at Soak Nala is a bright aqua color, surrounded by hills and rocks. The sound of water falling from the stones creates a relaxing atmosphere. During summer, tourists can take a dip or enjoy fishing. The peace and beauty of Soak Nala make it a lovely stop before reaching the lake.
Best Time to Visit Upper Kachura Lake
The best time to visit Upper Kachura Lake is during spring and summer.
In summer, the temperature stays around 15°C, and the sunlight makes the lake water sparkle in shades of green and blue.
In spring, the area becomes colorful with blooming flowers and green trees.
By October, autumn starts, and the trees turn golden, creating a different kind of beauty.
Things to Do at Upper Kachura Lake
Upper Kachura Lake offers several fun activities for tourists of all ages:
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Boating: Visitors can enjoy motorboats, jet boats, and traditional boats. Life jackets are available and must be worn because the lake is deep.
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Fishing: The lake is famous for trout fish, known for its great taste.
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Photography: Every corner of the lake offers perfect photo spots.
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Trekking: Short and easy treks around the area are ideal for those who love walking in nature.
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Local Food: Fresh cherries, berries, and apricots are available at nearby stalls during the summer.
Why You Should Visit Upper Kachura Lake
Upper Kachura Lake is one of the most peaceful and scenic places in Skardu. The fresh blue water, tall trees, and cool mountain air make it a perfect place to relax. Whether you love nature, photography, or just want to enjoy quiet time by the water, this lake is worth visiting.
Contact Us to Visit the Place
We are Repeatrip Tours.
If you want to visit Upper Kachura Lake Skardu or explore nearby attractions like Shangrila Resort, Soak Nala, or Lower Kachura Lake, contact us to plan your trip.
We offer custom travel packages, local guides, and complete tour arrangements across Skardu and Gilgit Baltistan.