Shandur Lake of Gilgit, Baltistan, Pakistan

The Beautiful Shandur Lake of Pakistan It is Also Called Roof of the World Shandur Lake is located in the District Gilgit Baltistan of Pakistan North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan (where the Hindukush in Gilgit-Baltistan, between Afghanistan and Gilgit- Baltistan and Karakorum mountainous ranges of Gilgit-Baltistan meet) in high mountain pass connects to Chitral and Gilgit. It is also called the “Roof of the world“. It is one of the most beautiful Lakes of Pakistan. The top is flat and a plateau. It can be crossed between late April and early November. The place is mostly famous because of the Shandur Polo Festival. The highest polo ground in the world at 3,700 meter is located here.

Ghizer

Ghizer is a District of Gilgit Division and is northern most part of the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Its main centric town is Gakuch. Ghizer is also an intersection between Gilgit and Chitral (which are connected via Shandur Pass). Ghizer is a multi cultural district and three main languages are spoken Khowar, Shina and Burushaski. Also a few Wakhi speakers are there in Ishkoman. Ghizer offers attractive beauty and is renowned for trekking & trout fishing. The highest peak in Ghizer District is Koyo Zom (6,871 m) of Hindu Kush Range which lies on the edge of Ghizer District and Chitral. Some of the tourist attractive sites in the district are Ishkoman and Yasin valleys. Other places include Gupis, Chatorkhand, Imit and Utz.

Major rivers in the district is Ghizer River, which is recognized as Gupis River in the east of Gupis town. Some of its tributaries include Karambar River, Ishkoman River, Phakora River, Hayal River and Yasin River. The Main Lakes in this district are Phander Lake and Khalti Lake.

How to Reach

The Shandur Pass lies almost midway between Chitral and Gilgit on a jeep road, travelling on which, is adventurous, to say the least. The distance from either side is 170 kms.

One way is to reach Chitral by road is either from Peshawar or from Islamabad. Both these routes link up in lower Swat valley near Chakdara, from where you proceed via Dir over 3200 meters high Lowari Pass Tunnel and on to Chitral. It will take round about 11 hours distance for a direct ride, otherwise, a stopover in Dir is recommended. From Dir, you shift to 4×4 jeeps for your onward journey to Chitral and on to Shandur. From Chitral side, travelers can also enjoy overnight stay at Mastuj whereas from Gilgit side, Gupis is a suitable place.

Surrounding, Area & Location

Shandur Lake is located in the District Gilgit Baltistan of Pakistan. Shandur Lake is a lake and is located in North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan. The estimate terrain elevation above sea level is 3598 meters. Variant forms of spelling for Shandur Lake or in other languages: Shandur Lake, Shandur Dand, Shandur Dand, Shandur Lake

Shandur can be reached from Gilgit and Chitral. It is about 197 kilometers (122 miles) from Gilgit and 147 kilometers (91 miles) from Chitral. When coming from Gilgit to Shandur one can see the charming valleys of Gahkuch, Gupis, Phandar and many beautiful lakes. When coming from Chitral one can see the beauty of Mastuj and Surlasp valleys.

Beauty and Specifications

Shandur Lake is mostly famous because of the Shandur Polo Festival, The world famous Shandur, the highest polo ground in the world, is about 3738 meter above sea level and lies midway between Chitral, 147 Km and Gilgit, 211Km. The Shandur Pass lies almost midway between Chitral and Gilgit on a jeep road, travelling on which, is adventurous, to say the least. The distance from either side is 170 Km. If you are planning to go by air must suppose adjustment of minimum 02 days in their journey just in case the weather does not allow flights to operate.

Better To Visit

It is better to visit in summer, you can reach to Chitral or Gilgit by Pakistan International’s Airline planes form. There are daily two flights from both destinations, subject to good weather.

Precautions

If you are planning to go by air must suppose adjustment of minimum 02 days in their journey just in case the weather does not allow flights to operate It is preferable that you must take meals from Nagar and Hopar bazaar along with. Due to a unkind weather during winter, most herdsmen stay at the meadows only during summers.

Must take your Jackets and Sweaters and the most important thing is Jogger Shoes. Travelling by road from Islamabad, on the Karakoram Highway, it is better for visitors to stop at central point for overnight stay along the mighty Indus, at Besham.