Blind Lake (Kachura)

Blind Lake is far quieter than nearby Shangrila, making it a favoured early-morning stop for photographers wanting mirror-still reflections before the tour buses reach the main resort further along the road.

Its screened setting among willows and sand gives it a more secluded feel despite being only 18 km from Skardu city, closer in character to a hidden pond than a major tourist lake.

• Quietest time: early morning before other Kachura-area sites get busy
• 18 km from Skardu city, about 30 minutes by road
• Sand and willow shoreline, good for reflection photography
• Local families use it for picnics through summer

The lake is called Blind Lake because it has no visible outflow, water arrives but appears to drain away underground rather than through any surface stream, an unusual hydrological feature that gives the site its local name.

It is smaller and shallower than either Kachura lake, which suits casual picnicking more than boating or swimming.

Ask your driver specifically for 'Blind Lake' near Hussainabad on the Kachura road, since it is easy to pass without stopping if you are not looking for the turn. It fits naturally into the same outing as Shangrila and Upper Kachura Lake, all reached via the same stretch of road.

A sensible order for a combined visit is Blind Lake first thing for calm water and quiet, then Shangrila, then Upper Kachura, following the road further out from Skardu each time.