About
Katpana Desert lies a few kilometres from central Skardu, close to the airport, at an elevation of about 2,226 metres. In Balti it is called Nakpo Biama, and it is known as the Cold Desert because its sand dunes sit beneath snow-covered peaks. The dunes are quiet and calm, with wind-shaped ripples and wide views of the Indus valley and mountains. In cooler months, snow can settle on the sand, creating a rare sight. Katpana Lake and Chunda Valley lie nearby, so the desert is easy to combine with other places in the area on a half-day trip.