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If you are looking for a tranquil and scenic destination in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, you might want to visit Upper Kachura Lake(froq zhou). This lake is located near the city of Skardu, in the Skardu Valley, in the Karakoram mountain range. The lake is also known as Froq Tso or Kachura Lake in the local language.
The beauty of the Upper Kachura Lake is almost untampered and mostly unexplored by travelers, due to lack of infrastructure owing to its rough terrain.
The area has a rich flora of the Western Himalayan subalpine conifer forests ecoregion, and also known for its wild apricot – Prunus armeniaca orchards. Recreation activities at Upper Kachura Lake include hiking, trout fishing, and Himalaya mountaineering.
The lake, at 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) in elevation, are Upper Kachura Lake. The latter is also known as Shangrila Lake.The lakes are in the Karakoram mountain range of the western Himalayas, the greater Kashmir region, and in the Indus River basin.
Upper Kachura Lake is of clear water and has a depth of 70 metres (230 ft). In summer it has a temperature of 15 °C (59 °F). In winter the surface is frozen solid. The upper Indus River flows nearby at a lower elevation.
Upper Kachura Lake(froq zhou) is a beautiful lake that offers a tranquil and scenic experience for travelers. The lake is situated at an elevation of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level, which makes it a challenging but rewarding destination for adventure seekers. The lake is of clear water and has a depth of 70 meters (230 feet)1. The lake is also a paradise for anglers, as it is abundant in trout fish. The lake and its surroundings are rich in biodiversity, where you can encounter various flora and fauna, such as apricot and cherry trees, golden marmots, and many birds.
Upper Kachura Lake(froq zhou) is about 30 kilometers from Skardu, the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan. You can reach Skardu by road or by air from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. From Skardu, you can take a jeep ride to the lake, which takes about 45 minutes. The lake is on the way to the Shigar Valley, which is one of the most beautiful valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The best time to visit Upper Kachura Lake(froq zhou) is between April and October, when the weather is mild and the lake is at its most beautiful. The lake’s water level begins to rise in March and reaches its peak in July. In winter, the lake freezes and the area is covered with snow, which offers a different kind of charm. However, the winter season is not recommended for tourists, as the temperature drops below freezing and the road conditions are poor.
Upper Kachura Lake(froq zhou) is a perfect place to enjoy nature and relax. You can admire the amazing views of the lake and the mountains, take photos, have a picnic, or camp by the shore. You can also try your luck at fishing, as the lake is full of trout. However, you need to obtain a fishing license from the Gilgit Baltistan Fisheries Department, as fishing without a license is illegal. You can also explore the nearby areas, such as the Lower Kachura Lake(Shangrila), the Karakoram Highway, and the Sarfaranga Cold Desert.
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