# Phander Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan

> Phander is a calm valley in Ghizer with a clear lake, trout streams and cherry blossom in spring.

- **Page:** https://hunzaexplorer.com/destinations/gilgit-baltistan/phander-valley
- **Type:** Valley
- **Province or region:** Gilgit-Baltistan
- **Best season:** March to November; blossom in spring
- **Altitude:** 2,900 m

Phander lies in the district of Ghizer, on the old road between Gilgit and Chitral. It is a small valley with a lake, and a trout hatchery, and it sees far fewer visitors than Hunza, so it feels slower and more rural.

We often include it as a stop between Gilgit and Shandur or Chitral. In April the village is full of blossom.

## Highlights

- Phander Lake
- Trout in the river
- Cherry and apricot blossom in April

## Seasons in Gilgit-Baltistan

- **Spring (March to April):** Apricot and cherry blossom in the lower valleys, mostly in April. The higher villages are still cold and the high passes are closed.
- **Summer (May to September):** The main season. Every valley is open, and this is the time for trekking, Deosai, the Khunjerab Pass and the K2 approach.
- **Autumn (October to November):** Golden leaves in the orchards and the clearest light of the year. Nights are cold and the first snow reaches the high valleys in November.
- **Winter (December to February):** Cold and quiet. Hunza and Gilgit stay reachable by road, but the high valleys and passes are closed.