Satpara Lake of Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan

Satpara Lake is situated at a height of 2,636 meters 8,650 feet above sea level and is spread over an area of 2.5 km². Satpara Lake also called “Sadpara Lake”. Satpara Lake is a natural lake near Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, which supplies water to Skardu Valley. It is fed by the Satpara Stream. Since 2003, Satpara Dam is being constructed downstream of the lake and, upon completion, will enlarge the size of Satpara Lake.

How To Reach

Satpara Lake is natural lake situated about 9 kilometers 5.60 miles north of Skardu the capital of Baltistan, in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Situated at a height above sea level of 2,635 meters 8645 feet the lake is reached almost 20 minutes of jeep drive from Skardu.

This lake is feed by the Satpara Stream which actually has its origination in Deosai Plains. A dam has been constructed on this lake named, Satpara Dam to fulfill the agricultural water requirement of the Skardu City. There is a small desert island in the middle of the lake fully surrounded by the water and a PTDC Motel on side but it is said that after completion of the dam the island and the Motel would be drowned in water.

Surrounding, Area and Location

The lake is feed by Satpara Stream. It works as a key water supply source for the Skardu Town. It is spread over an area of 2.5 kilometers (1.55 miles). There is fairy-tale pleasing island in the center of lake. One can use a country boat to reach the island. A story about this lake is famous among local people that there is a gold mine in bottom of this lake. They believe that this is the reason why its water seems to be shining in the day time. The whole area around Satpara Lake is eye catching. Large mountain ranges cover this lake and make the whole scene fascinating. People of that region are known for their hospitality and loving nature.

Satpara Lake with its excellent and breath taking beauty is considered one of the most attractive lakes among tourists. The lake’s crystal clear waters present a marvelous and picturesque view to visitors by mirror the freezing mountains; encircled around the lake.

Beauty and Specifications

The distance from the ground of Satpara lake is 8650 feet above sea level. The lake is spread over an area of 2.5 km². A story is attached with this lake by local people that there is gold mine in the bottom of this lake that’s why its water seems shining in the day time.

You can do fishing, motor boating and rowing at the lake. Fishing gear, row boats and motor boats can be hired from Satpara Lake Inn. Fishing equipment is very cheap to rent although cost of fishing license is US $10 (Pakistani Rs.1000/-) for one person.

Satpara Lake is an important lake in Skardu Valley which supplies water for the town of Skardu, which is located at 2,636 meters (8,650 ft). It is one of the most picturesque lakes in Pakistan. In 2002, the Government of Pakistan decided to build a dam on the Satpara Lake. The Government allocated Rs. 600 million ($10 million) for Satpara Dam project in 2004’s financial year. The progress on the project, however, has been slow.

Satpara Dam Project on the Satpara Lake

Satpara Dam Project on the Satpara Lake is a project is 7 km away from Skardu city and its altitude is 8,700 feet (2,700 m) moreover it will also pond the water about 90,000 acre feet. The main source of water is melting ice of the Deosai plains during the summer season.

It is a multipurpose project, which will produce 13 Megawatts hydro generation, irrigate 15,000 acres (61 km2) of land and also supply 13 cusecis drinking water daily to Skardu city. Satpara Dam is an under-construction medium-size multi-purpose concrete-faced earth-filled dam to be found downstream of the existing Satpara Lake on the Satpara Stream approximately 4 km from the town of Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

Upon completion, the dam will enlarge the size of Satpara Lake, generate 17.36 MW of hydroelectricity and supply power to approximately 30,000 households in the Skardu Valley, irrigate 15,536 acres (62.87 km) of land and supply 3.1 million gallons per day drinking water to Skardu city. Annual agricultural output in the Skardu Valley is expected to increase more than four-fold, generating about $6 million in additional annual economic benefits to local communities. Construction of Satpara Dam commenced in April 2003 and is scheduled for completion in November 2011. Power House No. 1 was completed and came online on 6 October 2007 and Power House No. 2 was completed and came online on 30 December 2008. On 7 January 2011, the Government of Pakistan and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) entered into an Enhanced Partnership Agreement under which USAID agreed to provide US$ 26 million for the construction of Power Houses Nos. 3 and 4 and completion of remaining works on the dam.

Precautions

If you are planning to go by air must suppose adjustment of minimum 02 days in their journey just in case the weather does not allow flights to operate, It is preferable that you must take meals from Nagar and Hopar bazaar along with. Due to a unkind weather during winter, most herdsmen stay at the meadows only during summers. Must take your Jackets and Sweaters and the most important thing is Jogger Shoes. Travelling by road from Islamabad, on the Karakoram Highway, it is better for visitors to stop at central point for overnight stay along the mighty.