Katpana Desert, also known as the Cold Desert, is located near Skardu in the Gilgit-Baltistan region (part of the Karakoram Range).
It is one of the highest deserts in the world, and its landscape is truly one of a kind. Here are the key highlights:
Geography and location
Altitude: It sits at an elevation of over 2,200 meters (approx. 7,300 feet) above sea level.
Surroundings: The desert is framed by the massive, snow-capped peaks of the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges, creating a surreal contrast between sand dunes and glaciers.
Why is it called a “Cold Desert”? Unlike typical deserts like the Sahara, Katpana experiences extreme temperature shifts:
Winter: Temperatures drop significantly below freezing, and the sand dunes are often covered in snow.
Summer: While the sun is intense due to the high altitude, the air remains crisp, and the nights are very cold.
