Out of various lakes which are in Skardu, Upper kachura Lake is among the most visited ones. There are two Kachura Lakes in Skardu named Upper Kachura Lake and Lower Kachura Lake (also known as ‘Snagrila Lake’). The Upper Kachura Lake is nature’s gem in the beautiful north of Pakistan.
Visit Skardu is incomplete without Upper Kachura Lake. Tourists can enjoy trekking, hiking, and boating at the lake. The lake is surrounded by wonderful sights to give a sense of relief, peace, and tranquility. It is often described as “The Splendor of Nature”. Thousands of tourists visit Upper Kachura Lake to appreciate its astonishing scenery and explore its natural beauty.
It is one of those lakes which has been generated naturally; not as the result of ice melting from the mountains. Upper Kachura Lake contains fresh water with a depth of 70 feet. A forest mainly comprising apricot and conifer trees surrounds the Lake. It is nearby the Shangrila Resort, the most visited place in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan. The beautiful lake adjoins the Indus River Basin, the Karakoram Range, and the Greater part of the Kashmir region.
Must Visit:
Location of Upper Kachura Lake, Skardu
Upper Kachura Lake is in the Kachura village of Skardu. The Lake is at a distance of about half an hour’s drive from Skardu city.
From Islamabad, the distance to Skardu is approximately 13 hours and 30 minutes by road. Tourists can choose their vehicles or any other transport like buses, cars, and so forth by road. The journey is too long and maybe hectic, but the scenic views on the route will surely capture the attention of visitors. By air, it takes almost 1 hour via PIA airlines. As mentioned above, Upper Kachura Lake is just a 36-minute drive from Skardu city.
Route From Skardu to Upper Kachra Lake
The lake is situated in a beautiful village named Kachura, which is just 25 minutes away from Skardu city. After passing through the Kachura village and fine paved road either via jeep or a car, visitors can reach Upper Kachra Lake Skardu.
Tourists are advised to start the journey towards the lake in the early morning, just after Fajar. Particularly, if traveling with family. It takes a 5 to 10 minutes walk from Kachura village to reach the lake. An outstanding track leads towards the lake. Guides are there to advise the tourists.
The tourists generally stay at Shangrilla Resort, then head towards the lake. Jeeps can be hired at reasonable prices. Guest houses exist in Upper Kachura as well; their rent is normally 3,000 / 4,000 rupees per night. Food and meals of every type are available at affordable prices. Signals of almost all cellular companies reach here.
It is an exquisite path with heightened eucalyptus trees on both sides. The view of the mountains along the route is astonishing. During day time, it seems like an afternoon on one side of the mountain and evening on the other side. While passing through this picturesque route, visitors enjoy the melodious Sound of the Indus River which flows downside the path.
Parking in Kachura Valley
Cars and Jeeps are parked Kachura Village parking area. Tuck shops, tea, fries, and other edible items are available here. The way towards the Lake is very enchanting from the Car Parking. Stairs and steps have been constructed on the track for the ease of tourists, particularly the ladies and the older people.
There is a peaceful forest on the route. The trees on the route are as tall as the mountains. Their height at some points is more than 50 ft. Walking towards the lake, one can hear the water stream flowing and can see the water of the Lake behind the trees. The fresh blue water of the lake is visible behind the trees. This scene can’t be described in the words. One can just say “Nature is at its Peak here”.
Soak Nala: Another spot En route to the Upper Kachura Lake
Just 3 kilometers before Kachura Village, Soak Nala is a place worth visiting. The way toward Soak Nala is full of scenic views. Tourists can cover it via trekking as well. If one is coming from Shangrila Resort, then he can hire a jeep for 2000/2500 rupees (which will cover both sites).
The watercolor at Soak Nala is Aqua. Mountains lie by the side of this Nala, so the place looks like a valley. Falling water from the stones generates awesome music. Tourists can take a bath in Nala during the summer. The water is too cold. Fishing also can be enjoyed at Soak Nala. The atmosphere at Soak Nala is a blend of peaceful silence and awe-inspiring scenery.
Perfect Time to Visit:
Upper Kachura Lake in Skardu is a more suitable place to be explored during summer or spring. In summer, the beauty of this place gets enhanced by the sunlight and freshly bloomed flowers.
Upper Kachura Lake can be the best gateway to beat the summer heat. The temperature remains 15 Celsius and might get dropped sometimes at night.
In spring, the tourists enjoy the awesome colors of the trees at Upper Kachura Lake. In October, autumn just starts and the leaves of trees turn yellow.
Entertainment and other characteristics:
- The lake is much bigger than the Lower Kachura Lake.
- A shop at the spot offers local artifacts and toys for children.
- Boating at the lake is a heavenly experience. Motor Boat, Jet, and t of traditional boats are there to enjoy the transparent water of Kachura Lake. However, the water of the lake is too deep, therefore, tourists are advised to wear a life jacket before boating.
- If one wants to take a bath in the Upper Kachura Lake, he should first know how to swim. Because up to 70 feet deep water could be dangerous. Only expert swimmers are advised for this activity.
- The water in the lake is extremely beautiful. During sunshine, it turns into 2/3 shades, i.e. green and blue.
- Delicious Cherries and berries of Skardu are readily available at the lake.
- Fishing at Upper Kachura Lake is the favorite activity of tourists. The famous trout fish of the lake is tasty to the core.
