Sarfaranga Cold Desert – The World's Highest Desert in the Heart of Skardu!
Located just outside Skardu City, the Sarfaranga Cold Desert is a magical high-altitude wonderland of wind-sculpted sand dunes, set against a dramatic backdrop of the Karakoram and Himalaya mountain ranges. Unlike typical hot deserts, this one features cold temperatures year-round, making it a rare and surreal contrast — especially in the early mornings or under moonlight.
With its wide, open space and incredible natural lighting, Sarfaranga has become a hotspot for adventure sports, jeep rallies, cultural festivals, and dreamy travel photography.

Why Visit Sarfaranga Cold Desert?
Feature | Highlights |
---|---|
🏜️ Golden Sand Dunes | Surrounded by mountains — a rare, high-altitude desert |
🪂 Adventure Sports | ATV biking, paragliding, sandboarding |
🏍️ Jeep Rally | Annual Sarfaranga Desert Rally – off-roading event |
📸 Dream Photography | Sunset, stars, and mountains meet sand |
🧘 Peaceful & Vast | Meditate or stargaze in complete silence |
🐫 Camel Rides | Local experience with desert-style vibes |
Routes to Sarfaranga Cold Desert
Location & Accessibility
📍 Region: Sarfaranga Village, Skardu District, Gilgit-Baltistan
🚗 Distance from Skardu City: ~20–25 minutes drive (~8–10 km)
🛣️ Access Road: Skardu → Sarfaranga via Airport Road or through Shigar side
🕰️ Best Time to Visit: April to October
💡 The desert is completely accessible by car, jeep, or motorbike. Easy to combine with trips to Shigar Fort, Skardu Airport Viewpoint, or Shangrila Resort.
Best Time to Visit
Season | What to Expect |
---|---|
April – June | Mild temperatures, perfect for photography and riding |
July – August | Festival season (Desert Rally), warm and energetic |
September – October | Calm, clear weather – ideal for camping or quiet sunsets |
❄️ Winter (Nov – Mar) | Extremely cold, but surreal snowy-dune photography possible |
Top Things to Do in Sarfaranga Desert
Activity | Experience |
---|---|
🏍️ Jeep or ATV Ride on Sand Dunes | Off-roading fun with panoramic views |
🏕️ Camping on the Dunes | Spend the night under a sky full of stars |
🪂 Paragliding & Dune Climbing | Available during special events or festivals |
📷 Sunset & Sunrise Photography | Capture golden light on the dunes |
🐫 Camel Ride (Local Experience) | Optional and scenic for short rides |
🎉 Attend the Desert Rally | Usually held in summer – music, racing, culture |
Local Food
Try local dishes like:
Chapshuro (meat-filled bread)
Sharbat (dried apricot juice)
Trout Fish (fresh from local rivers)
Butter tea & organic yogurt
Must-know things!
- Sleeping Mask & Ear Plugs: Warm Shawl/Lightweight Jacket.
- Gadgets & ChargersBook & Notepad.
- Mints, Sanitizer, Wet Wipes & Tissue paper.
- Toiletries.
- Snacks.
- Hiking boots/Sturdy Joggers.
- Cargo Pants/Hiking Trouser.
- Hat, Sunglasses, Sunblock.
- Refillable Water Bottle.
- Snacking Bars/Dry Fruits.
Traveler Tips
Fuel Up in Gupis or Gilgit – no petrol stations in Golaghmuli
Mobile Network: Limited; only SCOM works in some areas
Permits: No NOC needed for Pakistani tourists. Foreigners might need NOC from Gilgit.
Weather Gear: Even in summer, nights are cold – bring layers
Altitude Sickness: Stay hydrated, ascend gradually