Sarfaranga Cold Desert Skardu – Everything You Need To Know [GUIDE]

At the banks of the Indus River in the Shigar district occurs the raving beauty of White Sands of Sarfaranga Cold Desert Skardu. The mesmerizing scenes and lively customs of ancient Balti Culture make the place a leading destination for adventure enthusiast travelers.

What Is So Unique About The Sarfaranga Desert?

Being a traveler, you have been to many scorching hot deserts worldwide. But can you imagine the cold dunes, high skies, and mountains? Yes, it’s true!

Surrounded by majestic mountains, mesmerizing sunsets, white sand dunes, and strong winds, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, it’s the right place for you if you are ready to simultaneously face an oasis and desert.

The frigid temperatures of cold Sarfaranga vanish your imagination of hot deserts with cold winds.

The Topography of Sarfaranga Cold Desert

The unique desert of Sarfaranga in Skardu has unmatched topographical conditions. Here are some topographical facts about the White Desert.

1. Glaciers
2. Rocky Outcrops
3. Sand Dunes
4. River Valleys

1- Glaciers

Sarfaranga is surrounded by the world’s highest mountain ranges, such as K2 and Nanga Parbat. The glaciers feed the Indus River flowing nearby the desert. The beauty of the desert surrounded by the river adds charismatic charm to the location.

2- Rocky Outcrops

The rocky outcrops and boulder fields add dramatic scenery to the area. The mountains and desert have many ancient large rocky trails, making it a favorite tourist spot.

3- Sand Dunes

Another beautifying topographical factor of the area is its unique white sand dunes. Mesmerizing vast land coverage of around 2226 hectares consists of large and variable shapes of Sand dunes. Some of the sand dunes can reach up to 30 meters in height.

4- River Valleys

The Indus River flowing from the desert and towering mountains passes through different valleys. While driving on the asphalted Shigar road, you can see the ice-capped mountains, Sand dunes, and the beautiful river of the Indus. Whole nature compiled in a view is only possible at the Sarfaranga Desert.

Sarfaranga Desert Location

Sarfaranga desert, located in the Northern areas of Pakistan, is a must-visit place in the Gilgit Baltistan region. Almost 25 kilometers from Skardu Valley lies the vast landscape of the White Desert.

The weather of Cold Desert Skardu

The overall weather of the area is quite cold in summer. As the average, the temperature range is 8 to 24 degrees. However, the temperature in winter months drops to -17 degrees.

So, if you plan to visit the cold white desert, pack some extra warm accessories and food for low temperatures.

Accessing Cold Desert – How to Reach Sarfaranga Cold Desert Skardu Baltistan?

To reach the Sarfaranga Cold Desert you can choose any medium from the given below.

Distance To Reach Sarfaranga Desert From Islamabad?

The distance from main Islamabad to Skardu is almost 800 km, and it takes 15 hours to reach the main city in normal weather. The Karakorum highway is the main road to reach the Skardu.

Islamabad To Skardu By Road Or By Air

You can access the desert via domestic airlines at Skardu airport. PIA is also operating in the region with exclusive flights. The journey is amazing from Islamabad to Skardu.

Using the land route, the cold desert is accessible by bus and private cars. It takes around 8-10 hours to reach Skardu from Islamabad by road. Moreover, local bus services operating in the area take 20-24 hours.

However, the timing and service operation depends on the condition of the roads.

Due to extreme weather, the Skardu roads are often out of service.

Sakrdu City To Sarfaranga Cold Desert

After reaching the Skardu main city, you may hire private jeeps to reach the Landscapes of the Sarfaranga desert.

Distance to reach Sarfaranga Desert From Sakrdu City

Almost 25 km away from the main city lies the vast white desert of Safranaga. Mostly it takes 1-2 hours to reach the desert area covered with mountains.

The Best Time to Visit Sarfaranga Cold Desert Skardu Baltistan Pakistan

Well, it’s not possible to answer it in one word. However, it depends on your fantasy about the place. The place has unparalleled views during summer and winter, so you may choose what side of the scenery you want to explore.

However, the best time to visit is summer, the most festive season loaded with fun activities. Moreover, the place is crowded with tourists, making it easy to have food and other necessities. On the contrary, even locals travel to other regions during extreme winters, and it becomes difficult to survive in freezing temperatures.

You may also plan your trip according to the timings of the events, such as jeep rallies and marathons and other activities like paramotoring, etc.

Adventure enthusiasts travel Sarfranga’s cold desert in winter to explore untapped nature scenes despite harsh weather conditions.

Attractions At Sarfaranga Cold Desert

The place is famous for its unmatched scenes and unusual cold desert. For everyone, something is exciting and entertaining.

Moreover, the vastness of the landscape and multiple activities in the cold desert has never-ending attractions. Choose yours and plan accordingly, as exploring the whole place in a day or two is impossible.

• Huge Majestic Mountains
• Strong Winds
• Sand Dunes
• Peaceful Environment
• Sunset View

Huge Majestic Mountains

In the middle of tall, giant, and ice-capped mountains lies the Sarfaranga Cold desert. During the summer, the greyish-black mountains create a unique contrast, whereas, during the winter season, the tops of the mountains are covered with snow.

Strong Winds

Another unusual feature of the white desert is its strong winds. Experiencing strong winds in the cold white dunes makes it even more adventurous and exciting. However, you need to keep the gears to prevent any mishap.

Sand Dunes

The soft, white, slippery sand creates high towering dunes of variable shapes and sizes. Fanatically covering a large area in the desert, the variable shapes and sizes of the dunes stretch over the horizon.

Explore camel rides, desert safari, and more at 30 meters + high dunes.

Peaceful Environment

Memories created in the mountains are unforgettable. Whenever you visit or recall, everything is as fresh and peaceful as it was at that moment. Away from the busiest city life, you will find real peace in the serene environment of the cold desert.

Quietness, tranquility, and beautiful views help you revive the inner soul and relax like never before.

Sunset View

The Skyview of the Sarfranga desert is truly magical. Most amazing is watching the sun setting through the giant mountains. The sky gradually turns orange, and the white dunes take reddish hues.

Even the last moments are splendid and mesmerizing.

Things to do in Sarfaranga Cold Desert Skardu

Sarfranga always satisfies everyone, as it has something for everyone. Even if you are not a mountain enthusiast, still, you can participate in multiple events in the cold white desert.

1. Horse Riding
2. Paramotoring
3. Dirt Bike Riding
4. ATV Ride
5. Camping
6. Campfire
7. Enjoy Local Music
8. Experience Local Culture
9. Experience and Enjoy Local Foods

#1- Horse Riding

Some tour guides have horse riding and other activities included in the package. Besides that, you can also hire locals according to your budget and plans.

Desert tours while riding on horses are quite exciting for adventure lovers. You can also explore the places you can’t reach by jeep or hiking.

#2- Paramotoring

Another popular activity that gives you an adrenaline rush is paramotoring at the Sarfranga white cold desert. Wearing a backpack motor (paramotor) enables you to look at the dunes from high.

You will always remember the views, which will remain in your memories.

#3- Dirt Bike Riding

Adventure lover? You are at the right place. Bike riding is a common activity happening with full zeal in the Sarfranga desert.

Driving desert bikes on cold white sands and performing tricks at sand dunes is exciting. However, make sure you are familiar with bike riding as it demands skill and expertise to ride the bike on the soft, slippery sands.

Moreover, you can choose a ride from different rentals at the site according to your budget and preference.

#4- ATV Ride – All-Terrain Vehicles

All-Terrain Vehicles, abbreviated as ATVs, are among the most favorite activities in the Sarfranga cold desert.

Handling ATVs at high speed over the sand dunes is thrilling and exciting for people visiting the desert. You can explore the vastness with ATV rides.

However, you may have to take some training before going on an individual ride. You have to accompany the trainer for the initial rides for safety measures.

#5- Camping

Camping in the Sarfranga desert is an unusual activity at the place. Mesmerizing changing scenes in the serene nature make the camping experience unmatched.

You can choose the different campsites built in the desert with essential facilities and food supplies.

You can also select packages available with the tour guides.

#6- Campfire

You can observe the night skies full of stars and clear horizons at nightfall. The magical and unforgettable experience becomes popular in the Sarfranga desert as people gather and share happiness with warm bonfires in cold deserts.

Here you will connect with nature like never before. Whether you travel solo or with friends, the campfire is a magical experience in the Sarfranga Desert.

#7- Enjoy Local Music

Locals of Sarfranga and Skardu are known for their hospitality. Further, the melodic tones fill the atmosphere with serenity during quiet nights.

Rubab, dhol, and sitar are some of their favorite instruments played with euphonious sounds. You may find the lyrics strange as the Balti language is quite different.

However, even if you still need help understanding the lyrics, you will always remember the melodies and tones played at the Sarfranga.

#8- Experience Local Culture

Besides experiencing different activities in the desert, you can also visit the localities and nearby villages and valleys.

The local culture has much more to serve you, from intricate jewelry to delicately made dresses representing the rich culture of the Sarfranga and Skardu.

Cultural heritage has much more to explore, including handicrafts, dance performers, and celebrations of various festivals.

#9- Experience and Enjoy Local Foods

Skardu Baltistan is famous for its variety of delicious cuisine. Especially in the mountains and high altitudes, the Balti food tastes perfect for the weather and place.

It is a blend of Central Asian, Tibetan, and Pakistani flavors.

Some of the popular local foods in Skardu Baltistan are:

• Skardu bread (Girda) is baked in traditional ovens and is commonly eaten with tea or butter.
• Yak Meat: Usually, meat is a staple food of Northern Pakistan. Yak meat is a favorite meat of Baltis, and it is typically cooked with a variety of spices and herbs.
• Chapshoro: A traditional dish consisting of minced meat (lamb or beef) mixed with onions, tomatoes, and spices and then stuffed and eaten with puri.
• Thukpa: Thupka is a hearty noodle soup made with vegetables, meat, and spices and a popular dish during cold winter.
• Momos: Steamed dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese and often served with a spicy dipping sauce.
• Apricot Jam: Baltistan is famous for its sweet and tangy jam, made from locally grown apricots and popular fruit.

These are just a few examples of the delicious local food you can try when visiting Baltistan. The cuisine is diverse and flavorful, and plenty of options suit all tastes and preferences.

Events And Festivals In Sarfranga Cold Desert

The Sarfaranga Cold Desert is not only famous for the above things we listed. But also for many other things like.

1. Jeep Rally
2. Marathons

About Sarfranga Jeep Rally

Sarfaranga Jeep Rally is an annual off-road racing event in Pakistan’s rugged terrain of Cold Desert Skardu. In August, more than 100 vehicles with experienced drivers participate in the jeep rally every year.

Every year hundreds of off-road enthusiasts, thrill seekers, and professional drivers take part in jeep rallies. Sarfranga desert is a perfect location for testing skills and endurance in the beautiful surroundings.

Rally Sponsor By Whom?

The rally is sponsored by various private and government organizations, including the Pakistan Army, which provides logistical support and security for the event.

Locals also participate in the event to promote tourism in the area.

Food stalls, local handicrafts, and other events occur side by side to promote tourism and support the area’s economy.

1st Jeep Rally at Cold Desert Skardu

The first Sarfaranga Jeep Rally was held in 2011 and has since become a major sporting and tourism attraction in the region.

Initially, the racing track was 35 km and now extended to 54 km.

Every year, the rally features a range of competitions, including time trials, hill climbs, and cross-country races.

The rally offers an adrenaline-filled experience for participants and serves as a platform to promote tourism and showcase Baltistan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Top Performer & Winners By Year

The top performers and winners of the rally vary from year to year, and the competition is fierce as drivers battle it out to claim the top spot.

Here are the top performers and winners of the Sarfaranga Jeep Rally by year:

Year	Winner	1st Runner Up	2nd Runner Up
2011	Ghulam Sarwar	Ali Beg	Sher Ali
2012	Sher Ali	Ghulam Sarwar	Khairullah
2013	Khairullah	Tariq Mehmood	Raja Asad
2014	Nazir Sabir	Mirza Jahanzeb	Raja Asad
2015	Mirza Jahanzeb	Syed Afnan Shah	Nazir Sabir
2016	Tariq Mehmood	Mirza Jahanzeb	Nazir Sabir
2017	Tariq Mehmood	Mirza Jahanzeb	Nazir Sabir
2018	Mirza Jahanzeb	Tariq Mehmood	Nazir Sabir
2019	Mirza Jahanzeb	Muhammad Rafiq	Ali Raza
2020	Canceled Due to COVID
2021	Canceled Due to COVID
2022	Shoaib Malik	Sahibzada Sultan	Raza Saeed

It’s worth noting that the rally attracts many participants each year, and the competition is intense, making it difficult to win multiple times.

However, some drivers have performed consistently well and become fan favorites.

Cold Desert Marathons

Skardu’s breathtaking views and routes are perfect for Marathons and world-class runners. The vast and rugged terrain and scenic beauty make it a favorite spot for marathon organizers looking for unique and challenging running routes.

Not only at Sargranga but also at different locations of Skardu, multiple Marathons are organized. Such events promote culture and tourism in the Skardu region. Some of the most popular ones include

• K2 Base Camp Marathon
• Skardu Marathon
• Deosai Ultra Marathon

K2 Base Camp Marathon

The K2 Base Camp Marathon is one of the toughest marathons in the world, as it involves running on steep and uneven terrain at high altitudes.

Skardu Marathon

The Skardu Marathon, on the other hand, is relatively easier. It takes place in the city and allows runners to explore the area’s local culture and scenic beauty.

Deosai Ultra Marathon

The Deosai Ultra Marathon is another popular event that takes place in the Deosai National Park, which is located near Skardu. It is organized at the governmental level. The marathon offers runners a chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the park while running through its valleys and mountain passes.

Overall, Skardu and the surrounding areas offer a unique and challenging experience for marathon runners.

Moreover, the events held throughout the year allow runners to explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Balti Cultural Programs On Special Occasions

Balti Culture- Baltistan’s ancient, unique, lively culture is known for its rich cultural heritage. Cultural programs and events followed by celebrations and festivities charm the Balti culture.

Baltistan’s strong Traditions and customs are due to the people of Baltistan holding on to their roots for hundreds of years.

Many cultural programs and events take place yearly to celebrate its unique traditions and customs. Productive and healthy events leave a positive impact on people’s lives and also attract tourists throughout the world.

Before planning your trip to Sarfranga Cold Desert, read other festivals’ details. So, besides exploring the adventure of Sarfranga, you can also enjoy the rich festivals in Skardu.

Here are some of the cultural programs that are held on special occasions in Baltistan:

• Shandur Polo Festival
• Skardu Festival
• Babusar Polo Festival
• New Year Celebrations

Shandur Polo Festival

The annual festival occurs in July on the Shandur Pass, between Gilgit and Chitral. It is a three-day event with a polo match between teams from Gilgit and Chitral.

Besides the polo matches, there is much more to observe, like traditional music and dance performances.

Skardu Festival

Skardu Festival is also celebrated annually in the month of August. The festival combines Balti culture, including cultural dance performances, polo matches, music, and unique, delicious food stalls.

Babusar Polo Festival

As we know, Baltistan is famous for sports and physical activities. Therefore, multiple sports events take place in the area. Multiple events of Polo are becoming the identity of the region.

The Babusar Polo Festival is also part of an August chain in the Babusar Valley.

It includes a polo match, traditional dance performances, and a music concert.

New Year Celebrations

Although December is the coldest time of year in Baltistan, still, multiple events are happening at the time of the new year. Scenic views and freezing snowy weather add charm to New Year’s celebrations.

Overall, these cultural programs and events allow visitors to experience Baltistan’s unique traditions and customs and are a great way to immerse oneself in the local culture.

Top Most Cold Desert in Pakistan & World

The cold deserts are unique landscapes of nature. White, cold, soft sand dunes and ice-capped mountains in the background are mesmerizing.

The cold deserts are at high altitudes, and only a few of the cold deserts worldwide are known so far.

Top 2 Cold Deserts in Pakistan

Safranga Desert (Skardu Pakistan)
Katpana Desert (Skardu Pakistan)

12 Cold Deserts Around The World

1. Antarctic
2. Arctic Desert
3. Atacama Desert
4. Colorado Plateau
5. Columbia Basin
6. Gobi Desert
7. Great Basin
8. Karakum Desert
9. Kyzylkum Desert
10. Namib Desert
11. Patagonian Desert
12. Taklamakan Desert

These cold deserts are characterized by their unique landscapes, harsh climate, and sparse vegetation. They are important ecosystems that support a diverse range of flora and fauna and are popular tourist destinations for their natural beauty and cultural significance.

FAQs About Sarfaranga Cold Desert Skardu