Sarfaranga Desert
Sarfaranga Desert (Urdu: صحرائے سرفرنگا), alternatively spelt as Sarfranga,[1] and also known as Safaranga Cold Desert,[2] is a high-altitude cold desert located at the confluence of Shigar River with Indus River, where Shigar Valley opens into Skardu Valley, in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.[3] It is located at an altitude of 7,500 feet (2,300 m).[2]
The name of the desert is derived from Safaranga village consisting of some 1,500 people, located at its eastern corner along the banks of Shigar River.[3]
Annual festival
Since 2017, Safaranga Jeep Rally is annually conducted at the desert. The festival also features local music and traditional food.[3][4] In 2023, the annual festival generated 0.825 million USD in business.[5]
Climate
During summer, the weather is mild and dry, but winters are harsh, with temperatures dropping below -25 °C (-13 °F).[3]
See also
- Katpana Desert, separated by Indus River on its left bank
References
- ↑ "Skardu's superb landscapes; Walking the Sarfranga Cold Desert". Indus Caravan. 15 March 2022. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
- 1 2 "Sarfaranga Cold Desert". www.visitgilgitbaltistan.gov.pk. Tourism, Sports, Culture, Archaeology & Museums Department, Government of Gilgit Baltistan. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Hassan, Mubashir (13 May 2026). "The Sarfaranga Cold Desert: A Desert Beneath the Snow". Youlin Magazine. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
- ↑ Nagri, Jamil (10 October 2023). "Sarfaranga Desert Rally closes with cultural extravaganza". Dawn. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
- ↑ "Rally at Sarfaranga, highest cold desert in the world, concludes with $825,994 business generated". Arab News. 9 October 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
External links
35°21′N 75°41′E / 35.350°N 75.683°E