Shangrila Lake: Skardu's Famous Heaven on Earth

Lower Kachura Lake at 2,500 metres, with clear water, orchards and the story of Pakistan’s first resort in Skardu.

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79 KMFrom Resort

2 HOURSDrive Time

2,500 MElevation

APR to OCTBest Season

Stay near Shangrila LakeCascade Resorts, 79 km awayBook Now

About the Lake

Discover Shangrila Lake in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan

Shangrila Lake, also known as Lower Kachura Lake, lies near Lower Kachura village in Skardu District, Gilgit Baltistan, at about 2,500 metres (8,200 feet). Its clear water, orchards and mountain backdrop have made it one of the most photographed places in northern Pakistan, often called Heaven on Earth.

From our resort it is about 79 km, roughly 2 hours by road. From Skardu city it is about 20 km, a drive of around 30 to 40 minutes, with a short turn off towards Lower Kachura.

The lakeshore is home to Shangrila Resort, which opened in 1983 as the first resort hotel in Skardu. It was founded by Aslam Khan Afridi, the first commander of the Northern Scouts, and named after Shangri La, the Himalayan paradise in James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon. Its best known landmark is a restaurant built inside the fuselage of an aircraft that crashed nearby.

Read more on Wikipedia and the Gilgit Baltistan tourism website.

Getting There

How to Get There from Cascade Resorts

Drive towards Skardu

Travel about 79 km, around 2 hours by road, from Cascade Resorts.

Turn off towards Lower Kachura

From Skardu city, the lake is about 20 km away, a drive of around 30 to 40 minutes.

Check visitor access

The shore is part of Shangrila Resort, so confirm access for day visitors and any fee at the gate.

Walk to Upper Kachura

Continue on foot for 20 to 30 minutes uphill to reach Upper Kachura Lake.

Head back before dark

Leave enough daylight for the drive back to Cascade Resorts.

Experiences

6 Things to Do at the Lake

Boating

Paddle boats and traditional boats are offered on the lake in season.

Aircraft Restaurant

See the famous restaurant built inside the fuselage of a crashed aircraft.

Lakeside Walks

Stroll along the shore among orchards, gardens and mountain views.

Photography

Calm water, red roofs and snowy peaks make this one of Skardu's most photographed views.

Lakeside Dining

Stop for a meal or tea with a view of the water.

Upper Kachura Hike

Walk 20 to 30 minutes uphill to the quieter, deeper Upper Kachura Lake.

Plan Your Visit

Visiting Shangrila Lake? Stay 79 km away.

Return each evening to riverside rooms, fresh meals and mountain views at Cascade Resorts.

Check Availability

Seasons

Best Time to Visit Shangrila Lake

April to October is the best season. May to September is the busiest, so plan ahead.

April to MaySpring blossoms and fewer crowds

June to AugustPeak season, warm days for boating

September to OctoberClear skies and autumn colours

WinterCold and quiet, limited services

Be Prepared

Tips Before You Go

Confirm day visitor access and any fee at the gate, as the shore is part of a private resort.
Visit early in the day during peak season to avoid crowds.
Combine your visit with the short hike to Upper Kachura Lake.
Carry a warm layer, as evenings by the water get cool.
Ask our team to plan a full day around Skardu's lakes.

In Focus