01
Boating on the Heart-Shaped Lake
Rowboats circle the lake's edge, giving the best view of its distinctive heart shape from the water.
HEART-SHAPED LAKE · GILGIT–BALTISTAN
Shangrila &
Upper Kachura Lake
Boat rides across crystal-clear water, framed by pine-covered slopes — one of Skardu's most photographed escapes.
ELEVATION
~2,500m
BEST TIME
Apr–Oct
FROM SKARDU
~40min
ACCESS
Paved Road
OVERVIEW
Heaven on Earth, just outside Skardu
Shangrila Resort sits around a small, near-perfectly heart-shaped lake — technically named Lower Kachura Lake — a short drive from Skardu city. Its nickname, "Heaven on Earth," comes from the resort's setting: turquoise water ringed by pine forest and framed by distant peaks.
The resort's most photographed feature is a decommissioned aircraft, permanently grounded beside the lake and converted into a restaurant — a strange and memorable sight against the alpine backdrop. Rowboats are available for a slow circuit of the lake, best enjoyed in the late afternoon light.
A short further drive leads to Upper Kachura Lake, a larger and quieter freshwater lake surrounded by denser pine forest. It sees fewer visitors than Shangrila itself and is a favorite for travelers looking for a calmer, more scenic stop.
THINGS TO DO
What to see by the lake
02
The Aircraft Restaurant
A retired plane fuselage turned lakeside cafe — one of the most photographed spots in the resort.
03
Upper Kachura Lake
A quieter, larger lake a short drive further, ringed by pine forest and popular with photographers.
04
Lakeside Cottages
Overnight guests can stay in cottages right along the water, waking up to the lake and pine slopes.
05
Sunset Photography
Late afternoon light on the water and surrounding slopes makes this one of the best golden-hour spots near Skardu.
06
Short Nature Walks
Easy walking trails wind through the pine slopes around both lakes, suitable for all fitness levels.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
April through October
- APR–MAY — Mild weather, fewer crowds, blossoms nearby.
- JUN–AUG — Peak season; warm days, busiest at the resort.
- SEP–OCT — Clear skies and autumn colour on the slopes.
- NOV–MAR — Cold, often snow-covered; resort access can be limited.
HOW TO GET THERE
A short drive from Skardu
- FROM SKARDU — Roughly 40 minutes by paved road, no 4x4 required.
- TO UPPER KACHURA — A further 15–20 minutes past Shangrila.
- VEHICLE — Any standard car can make the trip comfortably.
GALLERY
The lake, in pictures
RELATED PACKAGES
Packages that include Shangrila
STANDARD · 5 DAYS
5-Day Skardu Explorer
Shangrila, Kachura, Katpana, and Shigar in one well-paced standard itinerary.
HONEYMOON · 6 DAYS
Skardu Honeymoon Escape
A romantic route through Shangrila and Shigar Valley, paced for couples.
FAQ
Shangrila, answered
Shangrila Resort is known for its heart-shaped lake and a decommissioned aircraft built into the lakeside restaurant, earning it the nickname "Heaven on Earth."
Yes. Shangrila's heart-shaped lake is technically Lower Kachura Lake. Upper Kachura Lake is a separate, larger freshwater lake a short further drive away, generally quieter and surrounded by pine forest.
Day visitors just pay an entry fee at the gate. If you want to stay overnight at the resort, booking ahead is recommended, especially during the peak summer season from June to August.
Ready for Heaven on Earth?
Book a guided trip to Shangrila and Upper Kachura Lake with local experts.