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| Cold Desert | |
|---|---|
| |
February 2016 photograph of the high-altitude desert, where sand dunes are seasonally covered in snow | |
| Floor elevation | 2,226 m (7,303 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country |  Pakistan[1] |
| Adm. Unit |  Gilgit−Baltistan |
| District | Skardu District |
| Population center | Skardu |
| Coordinates | 35°18′38″N 75°35′27″E / 35.310522°N 75.590747°ECoordinates: 35°18′38″N 75°35′27″E / 35.310522°N 75.590747°E |
The Cold Desert, also known as the Katpana Desert or Biama Nakpo,[citation needed] is a high-altitude desert located near Skardu, Gilgit−Baltistan, Pakistan.[1] The desert contains large sand dunes that are sometimes covered in snow during winter. Situated at an elevation of 2,226 metres (7,303 ft) above sea level, the Cold Desert is one of the highest deserts in the world. While the desert technically stretches from the Khaplu Valley to Nubra in Indian-administered Ladakh, the largest desert area proper is found in Skardu and Shigar Valley, both within Pakistani-administered territory. The portion of the desert that is most frequented by tourists is located near the Skardu Airport.[2]
