Skardu Lakes Guide · Updated August 2026
Upper Kachura Lake, Skardu: Location, Weather & Things to Do
Upper Kachura Lake — known locally as Foroq Tso — is a high-altitude lake near Skardu, in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. This guide covers where it is, how far it sits from Skardu, when to visit, and what travelers typically do once they arrive, based on the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department’s own listing for the Kachura Lakes and on patterns commonly reported by local guides and previous visitors.
Page last verified: August 2026, against the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department’s Kachura Lakes listing and current local reporting. Road conditions, boating rates, and permit requirements change with the season — always confirm current details locally before your visit.
Upper Kachura Lake — Quick Facts
| Local name | Foroq Tso (Balti) |
| Location | Kachura village, Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan |
| Distance from Skardu | Approx. 27–30 km (about 35–45 min by road) |
| Elevation | Approx. 2,500 m (8,200 ft) |
| Maximum depth | Approx. 70 m (230 ft) |
| Best season | April–October; July–August is peak |
| Nearby landmark | Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila Lake) — short trek downhill |
| Entry fee | No entry fee is publicly listed for Upper Kachura Lake |
On This Page
What Is Upper Kachura Lake?
Upper Kachura Lake is one of two named lakes that make up the Kachura Lakes, both sitting at roughly 2,500 metres in Skardu District. According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department’s own listing for the Kachura Lakes, the site groups Upper and Lower Kachura together as part of the same lake system. Upper Kachura — Foroq Tso in Balti — is the higher, less developed of the two, with clear water and a maximum depth commonly recorded at around 70 metres. Its lower neighbour, Lower Kachura Lake, is better known by its resort name, Shangrila Lake.
Because it sits above the resort infrastructure that surrounds Lower Kachura, Upper Kachura tends to see noticeably fewer visitors — locals and repeat travelers often describe it as the quieter, more untouched of the pair.
Where Is Upper Kachura Lake & How Far Is It From Skardu?
Upper Kachura Lake sits above Kachura village, in Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan. Distance estimates vary slightly by source — most local operators and regional guides cite a range of roughly 27 to 30 km from Skardu city, translating to about a 35 to 45 minute drive depending on traffic, road work, and the exact starting point in Skardu.
How to Reach Upper Kachura Lake
- Get to Skardu first. Skardu is generally reached either by a roughly 45–60 minute flight from Islamabad (weather-dependent, and cancellations are common in shoulder seasons) or by road — around 650 km, typically 12–16 hours, most often split over two days.
- Skardu to Kachura village. Hire a jeep or taxi from Skardu city; the route is paved for most of the way and generally takes 35–45 minutes to cover the roughly 27–30 km.
- Village to lake shore. From the Kachura village parking area, it’s a short uphill walk of several minutes on stairs and a signposted trail.
Local guides typically recommend starting early, both to avoid the warmest part of the day and to have the trail to yourself before larger day-trip groups arrive.
Weather at Upper Kachura Lake & Best Time to Visit
Regional lake records put Upper Kachura’s summer surface temperature at around 15°C, and the lake typically freezes over in winter. As with the wider Skardu area, the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department frames April through October as the primary travel season, with July and August as the busiest months.
- April–June: generally mild, with meltwater keeping the surrounding orchards green.
- July–August: peak season — warmest days, but also the busiest at the parking area and trail.
- September–October: typically quieter, with cooler mornings and autumn colour in the surrounding trees.
- November–March: cold, and the lake is generally frozen. Local guides typically advise against a visit in this window unless you’re specifically after the frozen lake, since the trail can ice over.
Things to Do at Upper Kachura Lake
Boating
Rowboats and, at times, small motorboats are available seasonally through local operators at the lake shore, usually offered as a short ride or a longer full-circuit option. Rates are agreed directly with the operator at the shore rather than published or fixed in advance, and typically depend on ride length and the season.
Fishing
Trout are commonly reported in the lake. Fishing generally requires a permit from the Gilgit-Baltistan Fisheries Department, arranged locally rather than online — a local guide can usually point visitors to the right contact on the day.
Hiking
A connecting trail links Upper and Lower Kachura, commonly cited by local guides at roughly 25–30 minutes uphill from the Shangrila side. The path passes through orchards and offers viewpoints back over both lakes.
Camping & Photography
Tent camping by the shore is common among visitors who bring their own gear, since formal accommodation directly at the lake is limited. Photographers commonly favor early morning, when mist frequently sits over the water and the surrounding peaks catch the first light.
Upper vs. Lower Kachura Lake
Travelers planning a Skardu itinerary often ask whether to visit Upper Kachura, Lower Kachura, or both. They’re close together but offer a genuinely different experience.
| Upper Kachura Lake | Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila) | |
| Development | Minimal — a few local guesthouses | Full resort, gardens, restaurant |
| Crowd level | Generally quieter | Busier, especially in peak season |
| Access | Short uphill walk from the parking area | Direct vehicle access |
| Best for | Quiet, nature-focused visits | Comfort, families, day-trip convenience |
If your schedule allows, many visitors combine both in a single day trip — read more in our Shangrila Lake (Lower Kachura) guide.
Where to Stay Near Upper Kachura Lake
Lodging directly at Upper Kachura is limited to a handful of small, locally run guesthouses, including Nazir Nazara Hotel, Adventure Ghazi Resort, Pine Tree Resort, and the Village Guest House. These are simple, family-run properties rather than rate-card hotels, and pricing is generally agreed directly with the owner rather than listed online.
Travelers who want more comfort typically stay at Shangrila Resort on Lower Kachura instead, then visit Upper Kachura as a day trip.
Safety & Practical Travel Tips
- Altitude: at roughly 2,500 m, Upper Kachura sits well below Deosai’s 4,000-metre-plus plateau, and acclimatization concerns here are generally minor for most travelers.
- Cash: there’s no ATM at the lake itself, so carrying enough cash from Skardu city is the practical approach.
- Mobile network: signal around the lake is inconsistent — don’t rely on it for navigation, and let someone know your plan before heading up.
- General safety: as with anywhere in Gilgit-Baltistan, check current road and weather advisories before traveling, particularly outside peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Kachura Lake located?
Upper Kachura Lake is located above Kachura village, in Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan, at an elevation of roughly 2,500 metres.
How far is Upper Kachura Lake from Skardu?
Most sources cite roughly 27–30 km from Skardu city, or about a 35–45 minute drive depending on traffic and road conditions.
What is the weather like at Upper Kachura Lake?
Summers are generally mild, with the lake’s surface commonly recorded at around 15°C. Winters are cold, and the lake typically freezes over from roughly November through March.
What is the best time to visit Upper Kachura Lake?
April through October is generally considered the main travel season, with July and August as the busiest months. September and October tend to be quieter with mild weather.
Is there an entry fee for Upper Kachura Lake?
No entry fee is publicly listed for Upper Kachura Lake.
How much does boating cost at Upper Kachura Lake?
Rates are agreed directly with the local boat operator at the lake rather than fixed or published in advance, and generally depend on ride length and season.
What’s the difference between Upper and Lower Kachura Lake?
Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila) has a full resort, gardens, and direct vehicle access, and sees far more visitors. Upper Kachura sits above it, reached by a short uphill walk, and is generally quieter with minimal development.
Is Upper Kachura Lake the same as “Kachora Lake”?
Yes — “Kachora” is a common alternate spelling of “Kachura.” Both refer to the same lake system in Skardu District that includes Upper Kachura Lake (Foroq Tso) and Lower Kachura Lake (Shangrila Lake).
Written and locally reviewed by Shahid Hashmi, Northern Discover’s Skardu-based operations lead, who has coordinated day trips and logistics across the Kachura Lakes area.
Related Skardu Guides
Planning Your Own Trip (Optional)
If you’re mapping out a Skardu itinerary and want local help arranging transport to Kachura, Deosai, or other nearby valleys, Northern Discover’s Skardu-based team can put together a custom day plan around your dates.