Phander Valley

Phander valley is located in Gupis-Yasin district in Gilgit-Baltistan at the distance of 184 KM from Gilgit. The valley is quite flat like a palm, that's why it is called Phander as meaning of Phan is palm in Khowar language, local language of the region.

Accessing Phander Valley

Phander Valley is accessed from Gupis town 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.

Trout Fishing in Phander

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

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. Camp sites are also available near the lake to enjoy the cold night with warmness of bonfire.

Khalti Lake Before Phander Valley

Moving from the Gupis toward Phander, the panoramic view of Khalti Lake welcomes before ascending down toward Phander Valley. High rocks stand vertically on the shores of the lake, showing the magnificent view of the lake. It will also be an adventure to trek down to touch the waters of the lake, otherwise visitors can feel while standing on the roadside. The high pressure cool breeze touching the surface of lake and move straight back after reflecting from the vertical rocks on the opposite side.

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. 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.

Shandur Top - Connect Gilgit-Baltistan with Chitral

From the Phander valley, one can drive on the paved road in west side to the height of the mountains to reach at the Shandur Top. It is the famous place for the world's highest polo ground. There is also another attractive and large size lake known as Shandur Lake just after crossing the Shandur Pass. It would be a perfect day trip to Shandur Top, if one starts early in the morning from the Phander Valley to get back there before the darkness.

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.

Want to explore the remote valleys passing the Gilgit main city? Explore our main Gilgit-Baltistan Destination Directory.

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.