Upper Kachura Lake, Crystal Turquoise Alpine Lake

Upper Kachura Lake is Skardu's best kept secret, more intimate and far clearer than the famous Shangrila below. Reached by a 20 minute uphill walk from Shangrila Resort, the lake sits in a natural bowl of granite peaks and pine trees.

The water is a remarkable turquoise, so clear you can see the bottom even at depth. Traditional wooden boats are for hire, and the very best time to visit is sunrise (7 to 8 AM) when the water is perfectly still and the surrounding peaks are reflected in the surface.

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