Deserts?

What comes to mind when we think about deserts? Hot, blazing, SCORCHING! 

We don’t like deserts much due to its scarce resources, dryness and sand dunes.

But, we all like cold deserts with blue skies, strong winds and white granules. Don’t we? 

Wait! What? There are no such deserts. But what if there is? YES! There exists such a creation of Allah by the name of “Katpana Desert” or “Sarfaranga Desert” in Skardu which is a cold desert.

Excited to know about that? Let’s start.

World’s highest desert

In Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan, the Katapana Desert is the world’s highest desert. Sand dunes surround the Indus River near Skardu. This desert extends from the Khaplu Valley to Nubra Ladakh, and from the Shigar Skardu Valley to Zanskar, Occupied Kashmir, however the largest desert region is in the Skardu and Shigar valley.

This combination of the colors of the lush plantation, giant mountains, rocky plains, flowing, curvy streams, waterfalls, cloudy skies, and picturesque landscapes is rare to find but still expected. What is really unexpecting then? It is the high desert on the top of mountains. Allah has blessed this wonder only to Pakistan.

Weather Conditions

This cold desert has unbelievably cold nights and sandy views that insists the travelers to visit it. It is marked as the top best deserts of the world to visit.

The average temperature of the desert is about 8 degrees to 26 degrees which can drop as low as -10 degrees at night. We know it’s funny but interesting to say to pack your warmest clothes for a desert expedition but we’re not lying! 

What to pack? — Essentials

• Hiking boots & Gaiters (To prevent sand getting into your boots)
• If you are a contact lens wearer, bring a spare pair. Sandstorms are likely to happen and if you get a sand corn or dust in your eye you will be pleased to have a set of spare ones with you.)
• Warm hat and gloves
• Wear or pack a bandana or scarf that you can use to cover your face or neck if a dust-storm kicks up. 
• An extra jacket! it tends to get really cold at night. 

Rama Lake is a lake located near Astore in Gilgit−Baltistan, Pakistan. It is located in the Astore Valley, which is shaded by oak trees and other vegetation.

It is known as one of the most famous and beautiful lakes in Pakistan. The color of the lake changes drastically when there’s sunlight — turning greenish blue from dark green. In winters this lake remains frozen from December to March. You can see the reflection of Chongra and Nanga Parbat peaks on its surface. 

Access

In order to reach the Lake – you’ll first have to reach the Rama lake base camp. 

The base camp is very famous for tenting in summers to enjoy the stargazing and cold nights! — also scary at night! 

Base camp to Rama lake is at a hiking distance of 1.5 hours to 2 hours. The time of hiking depends on the route condition. 

However, You may also hire horses/mules for yourself if you feel you are not fit enough for the hike! — but you’ll be missing out on the hiking experience! 

Supplies

• Proper hiking shoes
• Hiking stick
• Mule for your luggage (he will just race to the destination) 
• A warm jacket and a pair of gloves 
• Inhaler, if you’re asthmatic (there might be a slight breathing difficulty)
• Umbrella and a raincoat 

It takes only three minutes to walk from Lahore Railway Station to Do Moria Pul and reach the massive Dilli Darwaza, a massive structure that welcomes you to the old city of Lahore. 

History

The Darwaza was one of thirteen gates that granted access to the city of Lahore, which was originally contained behind a 30-foot high fortified wall built by the third Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 1600s. Delhi Gate, on the eastern side of the Walled City, still stands impressively after centuries.

The Mughals crossed Delhi Gate to travel from Delhi to Lahore Fort, making it the most important of all the gates. The straight passage leading from this gate to Lahore Fort came to be known as “the path of royalty”.

The city gate was frequently used to broadcast public information such as announcements, tax and toll schedules and communications from palaces and forts. The public was assembled at a gate, where the courtiers and guards gave announcements. The city gates were extensively defended, decorated with shields, art, and inscriptions, and served as a warning or intimidation station. They were also used to show the heads of offenders who had been beheaded.

Many tea, spice, and grain businesses could well be found outside Delhi Gate. These are actually part of the Spice Market, Akbari Mandi. This is a wonderful tourist attraction; the gate is lit up at night for visitors. It is a must-see location. There are also local vendors offering intriguing traditional products like bangles, khussas, toys, and textiles.

Lahore is famed throughout the country for its authentic Desi food, which can be found in places like Anarkali, Mozang, Lakshmi Chowk, Abbot Road, the Walled City, and many others. 

But if you’re visiting Delhi gate, one must undertake a food quest fully armed with tasting buddies. Because, the food list goes on: haleem, hareesa, fish, nihari, gol gappay, kunna, paaye, channay, BBQ, karahi! 

Because you you haven’t lived in Lahore if you haven’t tried these foods!