Katpana Desert

The Katpana Desert or Cold Desert [2] is a high-altitude desert located near Skardu in District Shigar, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.[1] The desert contains large sand dunes that are sometimes covered in snow during the winters. Situated at an elevation of 2,226 metres (7,303 ft) above sea level, the Katpana Cold Desert is one of the highest deserts in the world. While the desert technically stretches from the banks of Indus River in the south of Skardu to New Ranga Village in the north, the portion of the desert that is most frequented by tourists is located near Katpana Lake close to Skardu Airport.[3]

Sarfaranga Cold Desert
Cold Desert
February 2016 photograph of the high-altitude desert, where sand dunes are seasonally covered in snow
Cold Desert is located in Pakistan
Cold Desert
Cold Desert
Location within Pakistan
Floor elevation2,226 m (7,303 ft)
Geography
Country Pakistan[1]
Adm. UnitGilgit-Baltistan Gilgit−Baltistan
DistrictSkardu District
Population centerSkardu
Coordinates35.310522°N 75.590747°E / 35.310522; 75.590747 

Climate

Temperatures range from a maximum of 27 °C (81 °F) and a minimum (in October) of 8 °C (46 °F), which can drop further to below −17 °C (1 °F) in December and January. The temperature occasionally drops as low as −25 °C (−13 °F).

References
  1. "Government of Gilgit-Baltistan". Archived from the original on 12 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  2. "Sarfaranga Cold Desert". Guide To Pakistan. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  3. "PCAA | Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority - Skardu Airport". Retrieved 2 July 2023.
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