Phander Valley - Alluring Valley of Pakistan
Overview
Phander Valley is located in the far west of Gilgit-Baltistan. The valley can also be accessed from Mastuj Chitral as well as from the town of Gilgit. The valley is approximately 9,300 feet above sea level. Furthermore, Phander lake is surrounded by snow-capped Hindu Kush mountains. The Phander River flows through beautiful valley terraces. Similarly, the valleys are mainly composed of striped areas, and are famous for their unmatchable beauty.
Best time to visit there?
The best time to visit the valley is between March to October as the temperatures in the Phander Valley are very cool and pleasant from April to October. It is mostly in the range of 5-15°C. In addition, the weather in the valley offers visitors to the low-lying areas an opportunity to relieve the sweltering heat.
What can you do there?
There are numerous places to visit for sightseeing and if you are visiting in the summers you can also enjoy the annual Shandur Polo Festival here.
Suspension Bridge
Crossing the suspension bridge in the valley is quite adventurous for many tourists. The Phander River forms a lake under the bridge. Most tourists confuse it with Phander Lake. Plus, visitors can see trout and the river turns emerald green.
Trekking on the grassy land
There are huge green fields that are the main feature of this valley. Additionally, tourists get lost in the fields. Plus, indigenous people grow crops in the fields and a variety of delicious fruits in their gardens. However, the valley produces considerable quantities of apples, grapes, apricots, almonds, and other nuts.
Phander Lake
Phander Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan and a slightly unexplored place. Filled with turquoise green water, a definite sight to the sore eyes. Its height is 9,855 feet. Furthermore, it takes about an hour to walk to the lake. Besides its beauty, it is also famous for trout. Phander Lake covers an area of about 3 kilometers. However, to reach Phander Lake, you have to cross the Phander Valley from the river on the right and go up the mountain.
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Handarap Lake
Handarap Lake is a high-altitude reservoir located in the Shandur Valley, the western part of GB. This lake is a great source of trout-filled fresh water. Plus, the fish come to the nearest valleys from the Handarap and Golaghmuli rivers. Further, to reach Handarap Lake, one has to take the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad to Gilgit. Then take the Gilgit-Chitral Highway west of Gilgit and continue straight towards Shandur. It takes 4 hours from Golaghmuli to Handarap Lake. But all of the excursions are worthwhile when you reach the lake, it is indeed a wonderland for the tourist.
How to get there?
The Phander Valley in Pakistan is an unexplored tourist destination despite its unique and fascinating beauty. The journey from Gilgit to the valley is approximately 180 kilometers and takes only 4 hours by car. Moreover, driving from Gilgit to Phander Valley is a bit difficult. However, tourists can enjoy the river and its snow-capped peaks throughout their journey.