1Phander Lake
The turquoise river-lake of 'Little Kashmir', where the Ghizer River pools between golden poplars and snow peaks — best at sunrise.
Gilgit-Baltistan
Phander & Shandur
Turquoise rivers and the world's highest polo ground.
About Phander & Shandur
The route through Ghizer to Phander's blue-green river bends and on to Shandur Pass — home to the legendary high-altitude polo festival at 3,700 m — is one of the most scenic drives in Asia.
Highlights
Phander LakeShandur PassGhizer RiverPolo Festival
Good to know
- Region
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Elevation
- 3,700 m (pass)
- Best season
- Jun – Sep
Where to go
Top spots in Phander & Shandur
The places we make sure you don't miss — handpicked highlights of the valley.
1
2Shandur Pass
The 3,700 m 'Roof of the World', a vast green plateau that holds the highest polo ground on earth and a glassy alpine lake.
3Shandur Polo Festival
Every July, freestyle polo teams from Gilgit and Chitral battle on the world's highest polo field amid music, folk dance and a tent city of spectators.
4Khalti Lake
A serene lake at Gupis backed by the Hindu Kush, fringed with poplars — and a natural skating rink when it freezes in winter.
5Ghizer River
The lifeline of the valley, prized for trout fishing and golden-hour reflections all along the Gilgit–Shandur road.
Gallery
Phander & Shandur in pictures
A glimpse of the landscapes you'll wake up to.
Trips here
Adventures in Phander & Shandur
We don't have a scheduled departure here right now — but we'd love to build a custom trip for you.