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Satpara Lake, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan

Lakes

Satpara Lake

Skardu's water supply and the doorway to Deosai

Altitude
2,636 m / 8,650 ft
Distance
9 km from Skardu city
Drive time
20 minutes
Best season
April to October
Entry
Free; boat hire charged separately
Category
Lakes

Fed by the Satpara stream and dammed in 2003, Satpara Lake supplies Skardu with water and electricity — and forms a broad turquoise sheet on the road that climbs towards Deosai.

The small island near the centre of the lake is the classic photograph. Boats run from the shore near the dam, and roadside stalls sell trout and chai.

Because every Deosai jeep passes this way, Satpara is usually the first stop of the morning on a plains trip — and a good place to judge whether the weather higher up looks settled.

Highlights

  • Island viewpoint and boat rides
  • First stop on the Deosai jeep route
  • Buddhist rock carvings at nearby Satpara village
  • Twenty minutes from Skardu city

How to get there

Follow the Deosai road south out of Skardu for 9 km; the lake appears on the left.

Not sure how to reach the region itself? See how to reach Skardu by air and road.

Where to stay nearby

Skardu city hotels; a handful of small lakeside camps operate in high summer.

Where to stay near Satpara Lake

Compare hotels, resorts and guest houses in and around Satpara Lake — from budget rooms in the bazaar to heritage forts and lakeside resorts.

Check availability in Satpara LakeBooking with Booking.com opens shortly — check back soon.

Book a guided Skardu tour

Jeep days to Deosai, multi-day Baltistan loops and full trekking logistics run by licensed local operators.

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Satpara Lake — questions travellers ask

Can you do boating at Satpara Lake?
Yes, motorboats and rowing boats are hired by the hour near the dam end of the lake.

Nearby attractions

Browse all 15 tourist spots in Skardu.

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