Satpara Lake Skardu: Your Ultimate Guide to Pakistan’s Hidden Gem

Do you feel that sensation when you look at a scene so stunning it doesn’t seem real? This is exactly what you feel when you first look at Satpara Lake Skardu. Hidden in Northern Pakistan, Satpara Lake Skardu is one of the few places that lives up to the expectations. The water is this amazing color of turquoise, there are mountains everywhere you look, and yet it isn’t ruined by the throngs of tourists snapping pictures every 5 seconds.

I’ve spoken to a lot of travellers who have visited this area, and all of them say the same thing: photos don’t really do justice to the experience. If you’re someone who would like to camp under the stars, or relax by the water with a cup of tea, this place has something for all.

What Makes This Lake So Special?

Satpara Lake Skardu is located about 8 kilometers from Skardu city This means that you could reach it in 20-25 minutes when the roads are good. The elevation is 2,636 meters, which means you’re quite high up. The lake’s surface is 2.7 square kilometers. And the water is sourced from glaciers within the Deosai Plains. This is why it’s incredibly clean and cold.

It’s also unique that, unlike many mountains in Pakistan, it doesn’t require you to be a ferocious trekker to get there. Regular vehicles can reach it all year round however, a jeep is the best option. The journey from Skardu will take you through beautiful wild terrain, passing small villages that live differently.

The History Behind It All

The Balti people have been living for a long time, and have many stories to tell about the lake. It is believed that trade caravans from the past stopped here in the days when the entire area formed part of the Silk Road. There are also these ancient Buddha stone carvings, which prove that there have been people hanging out in this area for a long time.

In 2011, they constructed the Satpara Dam. Some people were not very happy with it initially however, it worked out quite well. The dam produces electricity for hundreds of homes and assists in the irrigation process, however, they could maintain the beauty of the lake. It is home to around 90,000 acres of water, which is huge. The good thing is that they didn’t ruin the natural beauty of the area.

Things You Can Actually Do Here

Okay, you’ve reached Satpara Lake Skardu. What now? I guarantee you that you’ll never be bored. There’s plenty going on, no matter if you’re interested in adrenaline-based activities or simply want to unwind.

What most people do:

• Hire a boat to cruise around since, honestly it’s amazing to be on the water is a dream. Motorboats are available for lazy people or rowing boats if need to work out. In either case, you’ll be in a landscape that looks like something from the world of fantasy films.
• You can try your attempt at fishing as they’ve stocked the lake with rainbow and brown trout. Local fishers rent fishing equipment for a reasonable price. Even if you don’t land any fish, laying by the lake in that fresh mountain air is a great way to relax.
• Explore the trails along the shores of Lake Ontario that range from peaceful walks to tougher climbs that will leave you puffing and puffing. Views from this point are breathtaking however, particularly at sunset, when everything is pink and orange.
• Stay overnight on the shoreline if you want the complete experience. Awake with the lake in front of you and mountains all around you? This is the kind of thing you’ll tell people about for a long time.
• Bring your camera because every angle can be Instagram gold. Midday, sunset, sunrise or even midday, it doesn’t matter. The light is different at this elevation.
• Take a look at these Buddha sculptures on the rocks close by if you’re interested in the past. It’s only a short walk and provides some background information about the age of this region’s civilization.

The most appealing aspect? You can take on as much and as little as you like. Many people will spend their entire day hiking, while others relax by the water and read an ebook. Both are valid.

When should you actually go?

Let’s discuss timing. You should visit Satpara Lake Skardu, in the late months of May through early October. This is when the weather will be pleasant and you don’t have to freeze your entire body. The temperature ranges from 15degC to 30degC, which is ideal to be outside all day long.

Here’s a breakdown of the different times:

• June to September is the peak season, and with good reason. The lake is at its most beautiful, and the water is high because of melting snow, and that turquoise hue is awe-inspiring. Downside? More travelers and more expensive hotels.
• The period from late September to the beginning of October is the perfect place to be if you ask me. The weather is still great however, there are a lot less people. Also, you can see the autumn colors beginning to appear in the  
• Winter is a completely different animal. Sure, it appears magical with all the snow, but the process isn’t easy and a lot of places are shut. Make sure you know exactly the ropes and are accompanied by a local guide.
• The first week of May can be unpredictable, depending on how much snow is left. If you can get pleasant weather, you’ll basically have the entire area to yourself and pay less for everything

The bottom line is to stick with summer, unless you’re familiar with winter mountain conditions.

Getting There and Where to Stay

The journey to the lake from Skardu city is fairly simple. You can rent an SUV with a driver, and this is what the majority of tourists use. They are experienced drivers and can handle any they encounter. They also usually have interesting stories and are aware of the top spots. The drive is actually quite scenic, and it’s definitely not idle time.

If you’re looking for places to stay, there are a variety of options available:

• You can stay right next to the lake at places like Satpara Lake Inn Hotel if you’d like to wake up to the view. The rooms are more basic, but the location is incredible.
• Find a hotel within Skardu city for those who want real facilities like hot showers or internet access. It’s only 20 minutes away, and it’s not a huge deal.
• Get local at an intimate guesthouse for families that serves authentic food cooked by the family and a warm welcome. This is the best option for those who want to get to know Balti people and get to know their customs and culture.
• Bring camping equipment and use it correctly outdoors. There are designated camping spots that have basic amenities.

Make reservations in advance if you’re planning to visit during summer, particularly the months of July and August, when everyone, including their cousins, decides to come over.

The cost of entry isn’t any, perhaps enough to purchase a cup of tea. There is a separate charge for fishing permits and boats however, we’re talking affordable prices. Smaller restaurants along the shoreline serve Balti cuisine. Try the Skardu Pulao if you have the chance. It’s rice, but much more delicious than it sounds.

Meeting the Locals

One of the most enjoyable aspects of visiting Satpara Lake Skardu, is actually getting to meet the Balti people who reside in the area. They’re among the most friendly people you’ll ever meet. They’ll even invite you to tea, even if they’ve never met you before. It’s what they do.

If you attend the local festival, there’s a chance of hearing traditional Balti dance and music. The bond these people share with the land and lake is quite deep. It’s not just a tourism attraction for the people, it’s an integral part of their lives and is for generations.

For the Photography Nerds

If you’re a photographer, Satpara Lake Skardu is heaven in a nutshell. The lighting here can do crazy things because of the elevation. The sunrise is soft and golden, ideal for dark shots. In the middle of the day, when the wind is less and the reflections on the water are perfect. And the sunset? Don’t think about it. The sky is bursting with color.

Drones are permitted, but you shouldn’t be the person who is flying them around and makes everyone mad. Take your photos and be considerate. The views from the air are amazing, and show how the lake is integrated into the mountain scenery.

Don’t Be That Tourist

As more and more people learn about Satpara Lake Skardu, and the surrounding area, we need not be rude about it. The lake has been beautiful because it hasn’t been ruined in the past. Let’s make sure it stays this way.

The most important thing to remember is:

• Take your garbage out. Even banana peels and cores of apples. It takes a long time to degrade here.
• Stay on the trails as wandering off can damage the plants and can erode. The fragile ecosystem here is all getting out.
• Let wildlife be alone. Don’t feed them and don’t chase them to get photographs, allow them to be.
• Make sure you use eco-friendly products and avoid dumping any of your waste into the water. The lake is a community’s water source.

Also, make sure to support local businesses whenever you can. They are the ones who reside here and take care of the area. Being able to support them directly is superior to working with a large company that doesn’t care about the place.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that Satpara Lake Skardu, is among the places that you must visit before it explodes and is destroyed. It’s currently calm, the scenery is amazing, and you’ll be able to experience authentic experiences without having to fight masses of people. If you’re looking for excitement, relaxation or simply to enjoy some time away from the routine, it will provide.

The lake is an ability to put things into perspective. If you’re looking at the mountains, your daily problems appear to be quite small. This is probably why people continue to return.

If you’re thinking of a trip, make sure to check Touristaguru to get the latest information on the best dates to go, the best places you can stay, and all the small details that can make the difference between a great trip and a memorable one. Satpara Lake Skardu, is waiting for you, and frankly it’s worth the effort required to reach it.

FAQs

1: What is the distance to Satpara Lake from Skardu city? 

About 8-9 kilometers south of the city. It takes about 20-25 minutes to drive to the lake if road conditions are good.

2: What activities are there to do on Lake? 

Boating, fishing for trout, hiking trails along the area, camping, photography and observing the Buddha rock carvings in the vicinity.

3: Can the lake be accessed in winter? 

Technically yes, however, it’s a major challenge. Road closures, heavy snow and a majority of facilities are shut down. It is better to stay from May until October.

4: Do you have accommodations close to the lake? 

Yeah, there are guesthouses on the lake, such as Satpara Lake Inn Hotel, and a myriad of other alternatives in Skardu city, which is close.

5: Do I require special permits for visiting? 

Nope, not for the lake itself. However, if you’re going to Deosai National Park or other restricted areas in the vicinity, you’re sure to require permits.