Luxury
10-Day Skardu & Hunza Tour
Skardu • Shigar • Khaplu • Gilgit • Hunza 10 Days / 9 Nights 4.9
PKR 320,000for the group
about $1,151
Phander Valley Tour
Ghizer's turquoise jewel — the winding Phander lake and river on the road to Shandur.
Published June 18, 2026 Pakistan Travellers Team 5 min read
Quick answer
Where is Phander Valley and how do you get there?
Phander Valley lies at around 2,900 m in the Ghizer district of western Gilgit Baltistan, about 5-6 hours west of Gilgit past Gupis and Khalti, on the road toward Shandur Pass and Chitral. Pakistan Travellers arranges the long Ghizer drive, lakeside stays and the wider itinerary, with May to October the usual season.
- Known for turquoise Phander Lake, trout fishing and golden autumn poplar meadows.
- Reach Gilgit first by road or short flight, then 5-6 hours west.
- Itineraries can continue over Shandur Pass toward Chitral.
Phander Valley is the quiet, turquoise jewel of Ghizer — a wide green valley in western Gilgit Baltistan where the Ghizer river coils in vivid blue-green loops past poplar groves and the famous Phander Lake. On the historic road toward Shandur Pass and Chitral, it is a favourite of anglers and photographers and a peaceful contrast to busy Hunza. Our tours arrange the long Ghizer drive, lakeside stays and the wider itinerary.
About Phander Valley
Phander sits at around 2,900 m in the Ghizer district, west of Gilgit. It is known for the trout-rich Phander Lake, the meandering turquoise river and its wide, poplar-lined meadows that glow gold in autumn. Nearby Khalti Lake and Gupis add to the string of blue-green waters along the valley.
How to get there
Phander is reached along the Ghizer valley road from Gilgit — about 5–6 hours west, past Gupis and Khalti. Gilgit itself is a day's drive or a short flight from Islamabad. The road is scenic but long, so we plan a comfortable pace with an experienced driver.
Best time to visit
Late spring to autumn (May–October) is best — green meadows in summer and golden poplars in autumn, which many consider Phander's finest season. Winter is cold and quiet with limited access. We time trips for the green-to-gold window.
Tour packages
Phander is usually part of a Ghizer or Gilgit tour, sometimes continuing over Shandur Pass toward Chitral. We arrange lakeside stays, transport and the itinerary. Tell us your dates and group for an all-in quote.
What's included
- Private transport with a trained mountain driver (Coaster/van for larger groups)
- Handpicked hotels — Standard, Executive, Luxury or Premium on request
- Daily breakfast
- Fuel, toll taxes & driver allowance
- Expert local guide & 24/7 on-trip support
Not included
- Lunch & dinner
- Personal expenses (shopping, tips, etc.)
- Extra activities (boating, jet ski, chairlifts)
- Travel insurance & air tickets (unless a by-air package)
BUILT AROUND YOU
Most Phander Valley trips are fully customised
We rarely sell a fixed, off-the-shelf tour. Instead we build each itinerary around your dates, group size, pace and budget — and confirm hotels based on live availability for your travel window. Your total package cost comes down to just two choices:
1 · Your vehicle
A private 4×4 with a trained mountain driver, sized to your group. For a smooth, comfortable mountain journey we usually recommend the Toyota Prado TZ, though the full range — from sedans to Land Cruisers, Grand Cabins and Coasters — is available depending on your group size.
2 · Your hotel standard
Choose from four tiers — Standard, Executive, Luxury and Premium. Same route, elevated comfort at each step. Premium and 5★ stays such as Shangrila, Broqand other resorts deliver the best locations and views; these raise the total but are worth it for a special trip.
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Why Pakistan Travellers
Pakistan's Most Trusted Mountain Tour Operator
From your first WhatsApp message to final drop-off, we handle every detail so you can focus on the experience of a lifetime.
13+ Years in Business
Operating Northern Pakistan tours since 2013. One of the most experienced GB operators.
1,000+ Travellers Hosted
Families, couples and corporate groups guided across the Karakoram since 2013.
FBR Registered
A registered business invoicing under a company account. Travel insurance is not included — every package lists it under exclusions, and we recommend you arrange your own.
On-Ground Teams in GB
Resident teams in Hunza and Skardu give you real-time road updates and same-day pivots.
24/7 On-Trip Support
While you are travelling, the WhatsApp line is answered around the clock — usually inside five minutes.
Drivers Who Live These Roads
Gilgit-Baltistan locals who run the Karakoram Highway, the Deosai crossing and the Raikot jeep track year-round.
Women & Family-Friendly
Every trip is private — your own vehicle and driver, never a shared coach. Child-friendly hotels, and the pace is planned around the youngest and oldest in the group.
30-Min WhatsApp Confirmation
Book online and receive your confirmed itinerary on WhatsApp within 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the Ghizer district of western Gilgit Baltistan, about 5–6 hours west of Gilgit on the road toward Shandur and Chitral.
Its turquoise Phander Lake and winding river, trout fishing, and golden poplar meadows in autumn.
May to October — green in summer, golden in autumn, which many consider the most beautiful season.
Yes — Phander is on the historic road over Shandur Pass toward Chitral, a route we can build into the tour.
Reach Gilgit first (a day's drive or short flight), then 5–6 hours west along the Ghizer valley road.