Satpara Lake

Satpara Lake also spelled Sadpara Lake (Urdu: سدپارہ جھیل) is a natural lake near Skardu in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. The lake supplies water to Skardu Valley.^[1][2] Fed by the Satpara Stream originating from the Deosai plains,^[1] the stream is the lake's only outlet. Satpara Lake is situated at an elevation of 2,600 metres (8,500 ft)^[1] above sea level and spans an area of 4 square kilometres (1.5 sq mi). It provides habitat to the brown and rainbow trout fishes which were introduced in the region.^[3]

Satpara Lake سدپارہ جھیل
The lake is set among the region’s spectacular mountainous landscapes
Satpara Lake سدپارہ جھیل
Location	near Sadpara village, Skardu Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan
Coordinates	35.229521°N 75.630398°E / 35.229521; 75.630398
Etymology	Sadpara (lit. 'Seven gates')[1]
Basin countries	Pakistan
Max. length	3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi)
Max. width	1.4 kilometres (0.87 mi)
Surface area	4 square kilometres (1.5 sq mi)
Surface elevation	2,600 metres (8,500 ft)
Islands	Yes[1]
Settlements	Skardu
Website	http://www.skardu.pk

History

Traditional accounts attribute the damming of the Satpara Stream to the Balti king Ali Sher Khan Anchan (1595–1633).^[4] The completion of Satpara Dam downstream of the lake has enlarged the size of Satpara Lake.^[5]

Physical features

The melting snow from the Deosai Plains is the main source of water for the lake.^[6] At a height of 2,600 metres (8,500 ft), the lake is centered with an area of 4 km with a picturesque island.

Gallery

• 
  Sadpara Lake
• 
  Turquoise water of Sadpara lake in Skardu
• 
  Sadpara lake view from village in Skardu
• 
  Sadpara Lake, Skardu
• 
  Sadpara Lake, Skardu

See also

• Satpara Dam
• Satpara Stream