Cold Desert, Skardu

The Cold Desert, also known as the Katpana Desert or Biama Nakpo, is a high-altitude desert located near Skardu, Gilgit−Baltistan, Pakistan.[1] The desert contains large sand dunes that are sometimes covered in snow during winter. Situated at an elevation of 2,226 metres (7,303 ft) above sea level, the Cold Desert is one of the highest deserts in the world. While the desert technically stretches from the Khaplu Valley to Nubra in Indian-administered Ladakh, the largest desert area proper is found in Skardu and Shigar Valley, both within Pakistani-administered territory. The portion of the desert that is most frequented by tourists is located near the Skardu Airport.[2]

Cold Desert
  • Katpana Desert
  • Biama Nakpo
February 2016 photograph of the high-altitude desert, where sand dunes are seasonally covered in snow
Cold Desert
Location within Pakistan
Floor elevation2,226 m (7,303 ft)
Geography
Country Pakistan[1]
Adm. Unit Gilgit−Baltistan
DistrictSkardu District
Coordinates35.310522°N 75.590747°E / 35.310522; 75.590747 

Climate

Temperatures range from a maximum of 27 °C (81 °F) and a minimum (in October) of 8 °C (46 °F), which can drop further to below −17 °C (1 °F) in December and January. The temperature occasionally drops as low as −25 °C (−13 °F).

References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 12 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. https://www.caapakistan.com.pk/timeline/skardu/Default.aspx
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