The Cold Desert, also known as the Katpana Desert or Biama Nakpo, is a high-altitude
desert
A desert is a barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs and, consequently, living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life. The lack of vegetation exposes the unprotected surface of the ground to denudation. About on ...
located near
Skardu
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,
Gilgit−Baltistan,
Pakistan
Pakistan ( ur, ), officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan ( ur, , label=none), is a country in South Asia. It is the world's List of countries and dependencies by population, fifth-most populous country, with a population of almost 24 ...
.
The desert contains large
sand dunes
A dune is a landform composed of wind- or water-driven sand. It typically takes the form of a mound, ridge, or hill. An area with dunes is called a dune system or a dune complex. A large dune complex is called a dune field, while broad, fl ...
that are sometimes covered in snow during winter. Situated at an elevation of above sea level, the Cold Desert is one of the highest deserts in the world. While the desert technically stretches from the
Khaplu Valley to
Nubra in
Indian
Indian or Indians may refer to:
Peoples South Asia
* Indian people, people of Indian nationality, or people who have an Indian ancestor
** Non-resident Indian, a citizen of India who has temporarily emigrated to another country
* South Asia ...
-administered
Ladakh
Ladakh () is a region administered by India as a union territory which constitutes a part of the larger Kashmir region and has been the subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since 1947. (subscription required) Quote: "Jammu a ...
, the largest desert area proper is found in
Skardu
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and
Shigar Valley, both within Pakistani-administered territory. The portion of the desert that is most frequented by tourists is located near the
Skardu Airport
Skardu International Airport is an international civil airport in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It also serves as a forward operating base of the Pakistan Air Force.
On 2 December 2021, Skardu Airport was designated and re-inaugurated a ...
.
Climate
Temperatures range from a maximum of and a minimum (in October) of , which can drop further to below in December and January. The temperature occasionally drops as low as .
Gallery
File:Cold Desert Skardu Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan.jpg
File:Skardu Katpana Desert.jpg
File:Desert, Water and Moutain in Katpana Skardu Baltitsan.jpg
File:Katpana Desert at Skardu (Cold Desert).jpg
File:Katpana Desert at Skardu, also known as the "Cold Desert".jpg
References
Deserts of Pakistan
Skardu District
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