Sarfaranga Desert Tour — the world's highest cold desert
Sand dunes at 2,226 metres, framed by snow-capped Karakoram peaks — Sarfaranga is the world's highest cold desert and Skardu's most surreal half-day jeep adventure.
Sarfaranga Desert Tour
A desert in the mountains is a contradiction that Skardu happens to be famous for. Sarfaranga (or 'Katpana') is the world's highest cold desert — sand dunes at 2,226 metres, framed on every side by snow-capped Karakoram peaks, and only fifteen minutes from Skardu city. In summer the dunes are warm by day and cold by night; in winter they are snow-dusted and dramatic.
On this page is the full Sarfaranga cold desert tour — half-day sunset jeep ride, the private candlelit dinner option (our most-booked honeymoon add-on), what to bring, and how to combine the desert with Shangrila for a perfect Skardu day.
Sunset jeep safari on the dunes
Our standard Sarfaranga tour is a sunset 4×4 trip — leave Skardu around 4pm, fifteen-minute drive to the desert, an hour of dune-driving and walking, and stay through sunset (the dunes turn orange against the Karakoram, easily the best photo of every Skardu trip).
For travellers wanting more, we extend the trip with a small bonfire and a private dinner set out on the sand under the stars. Booked separately as our 'desert dinner' add-on for couples and small groups.
When to go
Year-round, with the best visiting in the early evening (3-7pm) for cooler temperatures and the famous orange sunset light. Summer (June-August) is warmest by day. Winter (December-February) has snow on the dunes — surreal and rarely photographed.
What to bring
Comfortable shoes you do not mind getting sand in (or just walk barefoot — it is fine sand). A light jacket for after sunset (temperatures drop fast). A camera. We provide water and snacks.
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Questions travellers ask
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