Sarfaranga Cold Desert
A high-altitude dune belt between Skardu and Hiagar, backed by snow-capped mountains, where the Sarfaranga cold desert jeep rally is held every summer.
Sarfaranga Cold Desert lies northeast of Skardu, beside the road to Hiagar, at an altitude of about 2,200 meters. Its dunes cover a larger, more untouched area than Katpana, with the Karakoram peaks and the Indus valley in the distance. Every summer, often in July and August, the Sarfaranga Cold Desert Jeep Rally is held, a popular event in northern Pakistan. At other times you can ride dune buggies, camp and watch the stars. Visitor facilities are limited, so bring your own drinking water. Entry is free. The desert is about a 30-minute drive from Skardu and can be combined with a day trip to Hiagar.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Blind Lake (Zharba Tso)
- Amburik Mosque
- Shigar Fort
- Kharpocho Fort (Skardu Fort)
- Manthal Buddha Rock
- Satpara Lake
- Katpana Cold Desert
- Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake)