Sarfaranga Cold Desert

Quick facts

• Height above sea level: 7,500 ft (about 2,290 m)
• Nearest city: Skardu — About 20 km (about 30 minutes by road towards Shigar)
• Summer (Jun–Aug): 14°C to 30°C
• Winter (Dec–Feb): -12°C to 3°C

Famous for: A high-altitude cold desert of sand dunes where the Shigar River meets the Indus, surrounded by snow-capped Karakoram peaks. It hosts the annual Sarfaranga Cold Desert Jeep Rally.

Sarfaranga Cold Desert, situated in the Shigar Valley at an elevation of roughly 2,300 meters (7,500 feet), is one of the highest cold deserts in the world. Located about a 40-minute drive from Skardu city, this remarkable landscape features vast, golden sand dunes bordered by the rushing Shigar River and sheer granite peaks. The desert is a popular destination for quad biking, jeep safaris, sandboarding, dirt biking, and camping under dark, starry night skies. During autumn and winter, the contrast between the cool mountain winds, sand dunes, and distant snow-covered peaks creates a uniquely atmospheric landscape for travelers and photographers.