Ghizer
Nature

Phander Valley

Phander Valley is a green, peaceful valley in western Ghizer, often called Little Kashmir for its deep blue lakes, trout-filled river, and open meadows. It is the main base for visiting Shandur Pass.

About

Phander Valley lies in the Koh-i-Ghizer area of Ghizer, along the road from Gilgit towards Shandur and Chitral. It is known for its lush green fields, poplar and willow groves, the Ghizer River, and its deep blue Phander Lake, which is the best known of the valley's lakes. The lake is a habitat for trout, so fishing is a favourite activity, and the shoreline is a quiet place for walks and picnics. The valley includes villages such as Shamarn, Chachi, Dalimal, Gulagmuli, and Teru, and the local people are known for their simple and welcoming nature. Phander has hotels, rest houses, and homestays, which makes it the most comfortable base for the upper Ghizer valley. Most visitors stay here before heading on to Shandur Pass for the polo festival.

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