Upper Kachura Lake is a 70-meter deep freshwater lake near Skardu, frozen in winter and crystal-clear in summer — but its real magic lies beyond the view. This high-altitude lake (called Foroq Tso in Balti) sits around 2,500 m above sea level. In this guide, you’ll learn everything a traveler needs to know: how to reach it (from Skardu it’s roughly 30 km and 45 minutes by jeep), the best time to visit, top activities (boating, hiking, fishing, etc.), nearby accommodations, and useful tips like boat prices and weather. By the end, you’ll be ready to plan an unforgettable trip to Upper Kachura Lake – whether you’re a local explorer or an international tourist.
Why Visit Upper Kachura Lake?
A tranquil alpine lake in the Skardu region of Pakistan. Upper Kachura Lake (Foroq Tso) is a serene retreat high in the Karakoram. It’s famed for its crystal-clear turquoise water and impressive depth (~70 m). Surrounded by Western Himalayan pine forests and wild apricot orchards, the lake’s beauty feels almost untouched. In fact, it remains largely unexplored by tourists because the terrain is rugged, meaning you can enjoy peace and quiet. In my experience, waking up early here to watch mist rise off the water is unforgettable. Upper Kachura’s combination of pristine nature and tranquil atmosphere makes it a must-visit spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
How to Reach Upper Kachura Lake
Getting to Upper Kachura Lake is straightforward once you’re in Skardu (the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan):
Reach Skardu: From Islamabad, you can drive ~637 km (~12–15 hours) or take a 1-hour flight. Skardu has road and air links, so plan based on your comfort.
Skardu to Kachura: Hire a jeep or taxi from Skardu city toward Kachura village. The ride is about 30 km (45 minutes) on a paved road (Pyaraskardu reports ~30–36 minutes).
Kachura Village to Lake: Park at the Kachura Village parking area. From there, it’s a short uphill walk (5–10 minutes) on stairs and trails to the lake shore. The path is signposted and well-traveled by locals.
Most tour drivers know this route well. For example, TripMaker notes you can reach Upper Kachura in about 45 minutes by jeep from Skardu. Local advice: start early (to avoid afternoon heat) and carry water/snacks. There are stalls at the parking selling chai and snacks if needed.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Skardu’s climate applies: Summers are pleasantly mild; winters are cold and snowy. For example, daytime highs near Upper Kachura can reach 15–25°C in summer, but winter lows dip to –8 to –10°C. The lake typically freezes over in winter.
Best Season: Plan your visit from April through October. The period June–August is peak season (clear weather, lush green surrounds, lake at full level). September–October also sees mild weather and fewer crowds, with autumn colors on the trees.
Avoid Winter: From November to March, heavy snow and ice make access difficult.
In short: pack layers. Mornings and nights can be chilly even in summer, so bring a jacket if you’re camping or boating at dawn/dusk. During peak season, the weather is generally dry and sunny.
Things to Do at Upper Kachura Lake
Boating: Glide over the clear waters on a rowboat or speedboat. Boats are available for rent at the lake. A full-circuit speedboat ride (seating ~4–6 people) costs on the order of Rs. 5,000. Shorter 15-minute rides are about Rs. 2,000. (Tourists often note this price is signposted and there’s no “foreigner tax”.) Try to time a ride for sunrise or sunset – the reflections and golden light are spectacular. Tip: Always agree on the price (it’s usually fixed) and share the ride with others if you can; it makes for a friendly experience, as one traveler did when locals invited them on board.
Fishing: The lake has trout, so fishing can be rewarding. You must obtain a license from the Gilgit-Baltistan Fisheries Department first. It’s a peaceful morning activity; many visitors enjoy casting a line at dawn when the water is calm. Here’s how you can try it: hire a local guide or ask fishermen by the lake about gear and permits.
Hiking & Nature Walks: A short hike from Kachura village leads to vantage points above the lake (the same trail you walk down). The climb is moderate but rewarded by panoramic views of the lake and Karakoram peaks. You can also hike between Upper and Lower Kachura: the lakes lie only ~3 km apart, connected by a trail. Walking around, you’ll pass fruit orchards and may encounter shepherds or migratory birds (the lake’s basin has rich Himalayan flora).
Camping & Picnicking: For a memorable experience, camp by the lake (in tents or bring sleeping bags). As night falls, you’ll enjoy a star-filled sky (virtually no light pollution). Families and groups often picnic on the shore during the day. Locals even jump in for a splash or wash clothes at the water’s edge. (Accommodations are minimal, so tent camping is common.)
Photography: Every angle here is photo-worthy. Early morning mist, the snow-capped peaks, colorful prayer flags, and clear reflections – it’s a photographer’s paradise. Don’t miss the golden hour (sunrise/sunset) shots. Based on my experience, try framing the lake between conifer trees or catching fishermen on a boat – these moments capture the lake’s spirit.
In all, Upper Kachura offers simple, nature-based activities. Unlike crowded resorts, there’s no amusement park – the activity is being there and soaking up the scenery.
Where to Stay: Hotels and Resorts
Lodging options near Upper Kachura are limited but charming:
Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura): Although on Lower Kachura Lake, this famous red-roof resort (Shangri-La) is only a few kilometers away. It offers lakeside cabins and the PIA airplane restaurant. Many tourists stay here for comfort and then visit Upper Kachura on a day trip.
Upper Kachura Guesthouses: On the Upper Kachura side, accommodations are simpler. Options include Nazir Nazara Hotel, Adventure Ghazi Resort, Pine Tree Resort (Upper Kachura Lake Road), and the Village Guest House. These are basic hotels and lodges run by locals. Expect en-suite rooms with mountain views and home-cooked meals. Rates are affordable (guest houses are roughly PKR 3,000–4,000 per night).
Camping: If you enjoy camping, arrange a tent at the lake (some lodges lend tents) or bring your own. Locals sometimes set up camp sites.
Amenities: All places have simple restaurants or shared dining. Carry some cash as ATMs are unreliable here. Note: cell signal is weak, but 2G/3G often reaches Kachura village.
In short, stay at Shangrila for comfort or a lakeside hotel, but be ready for rustic charm at Upper Kachura. Either way, a night under the Karakoram stars is worth the modest conditions.
Lower vs Upper Kachura Lake
Many visitors combine Lower and Upper Kachura in one trip. Lower Kachura (Shangrila Lake) is the more famous “Shangri-La” resort lake, just downhill from Upper. It’s a 30-minute drive from Skardu, with well-maintained gardens and cafes. Upper Kachura lies above it. You can walk between them: Upper Kachura is about a 30-minute uphill hike from Lower Kachura.
The lakes contrast in vibe:
Lower Kachura (Shangrila): Busy, scenic resort with iconic red huts, manicured grounds, and a casual lakeside eatery. Visitors often stay here or stop for photo ops.
Upper Kachura: Quieter and wilder. Fewer buildings mean more untouched nature (in fact, the “beauty of Upper Kachura is untapped” due to limited infrastructure). While Lower offers convenience, Upper offers solitude.
If time permits, visit both! You can enjoy Shangrila’s comforts and still escape to the peaceful trails above.
Upper Kachura Lake Quick Facts
Location: In Kachura village, 30 km north of Skardu (Gilgit-Baltistan).
Altitude: ~2,500 m (8,200 ft).
Max Depth: ~70 m (230 ft).
Water: Clear, glacier-fed. In summer, the lake stays around 15 °C; in winter, it freezes solid.
Activities: Boating, fishing (trout), hiking, camping.
Boat Prices: Expect about PKR 2,000 for a 15-minute ride or PKR 5,000 for a full speedboat tour.
Weather: Very cold winters (sub-zero) and mild summers. No entry fee or permit is required.
Lodging: Nearby hotels and guesthouses (Nazir Nazara, Adventure Ghazi, Pine Tree Resort) and Shangrila (Lower Kachura).
These details (and the tips above) should help any visitor feel confident.
Conclusion
Upper Kachura Lake is truly a hidden paradise of northern Pakistan. Its remote, rugged charm rewards every effort it takes to visit. To recap: it’s reachable by jeep from Skardu (about 30 km, ~45 min), best visited April–October when the weather is mild, and packed with simple joys like boating on emerald waters and camping under the stars. The lake’s peaceful ambiance and stunning mountain views are the main attractions.
Whether you’re planning a trek, a day trip, or a camping adventure, Upper Kachura Lake offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you go, don’t forget a camera and warm layers for the cooler evenings!
Did you find these Upper Kachura Lake tips helpful? Have you ever visited? Comment below with your own experiences or questions. Feel free to share this guide with fellow travelers and subscribe for more insider travel guides. The Karakoram awaits your exploration – happy travels! 😊