Phander Lake

Phander Lake is the largest and attractive lake in the Koh-i-Ghizer in Phander valley. It depicts charming colors which attract most of the tourists in Phander valley. It is also the main source of fresh water in Phander valley.

Accessing Phander Valley

Phander Valley is accessed from Gupis town at the distance of 184 km from Gilgit via paved Gilgit-Shandur road along the Gilgit River. All type of vehicles can be used to visit Phander valley and Phander Lake. The winding road along the Gilgit River deep inside the high mountains leads toward the Phander valley just before the Shandur Top.

Accommodations in Phander Valley

There are best affordable accommodations around the Phander valley to spend the cozy nights inside the rooms, whereas outside night becomes cold with freezing temperature. PTDC Motel Phander is located on a hilltop ridge near the lake. It gives panoramic views of river and Phander lake. On the main Phander ridge viewpoint near the PTDC model, one can get the panoramic shots of the river channels below. The best shots can be in memories at morning time with soft early morning lights. Camp sites are also available near the lake to enjoy the cold night with warmness of bonfire.

Phander Lake behind the PTDC Model

There are four beautiful lakes in the Phander valley, in which Phander lake is the largest lake. In this area, the Gilgit River shows an attractive landscape by cutting its passage into several strands, which again merge into one at the end of the valley.

After passing the PTDC model on the main Phander ridge, walk down to the clear shores of Phander Lake. Lake is covered with the two parallel ridges and then touches with the Phander River on the opposite side, where the Ghizer River is looping inside the lake basin. It gives a clam and relaxing impression of slow moving ripples over the surface toward the other side. One can also enjoy local boat in the lake or fishing on the shores of the lake as well as designated river banks. Local guides can be hired to explore the valley deeply. One can walk on the narrow path down to the grassy river banks and Popular trees grove on the water edge.

Trout Fishing in Phander Lake

Phander valley is famous for Brown Trout & Rainbow Trout specially near the Phander Lake. Visitor can enjoy fishing there and angling permits can be obtained from the Fisheries Department in Phander or Gahkuch. One can also enjoy the lakeside dining within the cool breeze flowing around the valley.

Golden Colors of Autumn Season

The best season to visit the Phander valley is October when autumn season brings the vibrant golden colors across the Popular trees in the valley. These yellowish brown colors give a splendid touch to the valley that attracts thousands of visitors in the autumn season.

While heading toward Phander from Gupis on the winding road along the Gilgit River, stop to explore our guide on Khalti Lake Guidelines.

About Gupis Yasin

Gupis Yasin is located in the west of Gilgit-Baltistan in the high mountains at an elevation of 7,139 feet in the Hindu Kush Range at a distance of 187 KM from the Gilgit main city. It is given the status of district in 2019 and separated from Ghizer district including Gupis, Yasin, and Phander.