Ghizer is one of the better places in Gilgit-Baltistan to camp, because the main campsites sit beside rivers and lakes at 3,000 metres or higher and are reached by road or a short walk. The usual choices are Phander, Handrap Lake, Langar and Khukush Lake, and the Shandur plateau. The season is roughly June to September, and nights are cold even then.
This guide compares those areas and covers what applies to all of them: cold, water, flood risk, rubbish and what to bring. For one valley in detail, see our guides to camping in Phander and Langar valley.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Best months | June to September |
| Phander | About 3,000 m; camping at lodges and beside the river |
| Handrap Lake | About 3,285 m; walk of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Handrap village |
| Khukush Lake | About 3,622 m; walk of roughly 2 to 3 hours from Langar; camping only |
| Shandur plateau | About 3,700 m; flat ground, very cold nights |
| Sleeping bag | Rated to freezing or lower |
Where to camp in Ghizer
Phander Valley
Phander, at around 3,000 metres, is the easiest place to start. Visitors report camping beside the river and the lake, and at least one hotel, Dream Island, has rented tents with washrooms. Tent prices we found were from 2020 and are out of date, so ask before you book. Phander also has guesthouses and a PTDC motel if the weather turns, and it is the natural base for the walks further up. See our Phander Valley guide.
Handrap Lake
Handrap Lake sits at about 3,285 metres. Sources describe the route as Gilgit to Gupis in about three hours, then two to three hours by unpaved road to Handrap village, then a walk of one and a half to two hours to the lake. One source says a jeep road to the lake was being built, so ask locally about the current state. The lake is described as good for camping and trout fishing. Our Handrap Lake guide has the full route.
Langar and Khukush Lake
Langar, beyond Phander on the Shandur road, is a stream valley with meadow and a check post. Beyond it, Khukush Lake (about 3,622 metres) is reached by a walk of about two to three hours. There are no hotels at the lake, so anyone staying overnight carries a tent. Our Khukush Lake guide covers the walk.
Shandur plateau
Shandur is a high, flat plateau at around 3,700 metres. During the polo festival in July, temporary camps appear near the polo ground. Our Shandur Pass guide covers the road and the festival, and the road must be open before you go.
When to camp
June to September is the practical season, since the Gilgit–Chitral road beyond Phander closes with snow from about November. Even in summer, night temperatures at Shandur are reported at about 5 to 10 degrees Celsius and can drop below freezing. At Khukush the lake is frozen from roughly November to April. Pick your dates with our Ghizer seasons guide in hand.
Choosing a site: safety first
Most camping trouble in Ghizer comes from the site, not people.
- Stay off riverbanks and dry stream beds. Water levels change with rain and snowmelt, and floods in July 2026 cut roads across Ghizer. Pitch well above the water.
- Avoid camping under loose slopes. The region is seismically active and rockfall happens after rain.
- Ask the village first. Land near water is often used for grazing or crops, and local people can tell you where it is safe and where you are welcome.
- Tell someone. Phone signal is patchy, so leave your plan with your guesthouse.
- Don't light fires carelessly. Wood is scarce above the tree line, so bring a gas stove.
What to carry
- A four-season tent with good pegs and a rainfly
- A sleeping bag rated to freezing or lower, plus a sleeping mat
- A gas stove and fuel, a pot and enough food for the whole trip
- A warm jacket, hat and gloves, and a waterproof layer
- A head torch and spare batteries
- Water purification tablets or a filter for stream water
- A first-aid kit and any regular medicines
- Bags to carry out all your rubbish
- Cash, since card payments cannot be relied on
Our altitude sickness guide is worth reading, because you will sleep above 3,000 metres on most of these sites.
Is camping in Ghizer safe?
Ghizer is not on the UK government's list of areas it advises against, and Pakistani groups camp here every summer. The hazards are weather, altitude, cold and floods more than security. See our guide to how safe Ghizer is for the full picture, including July 2026's road closures.
Overseas visitors should read their own government's advice, which can affect insurance. The UK advises against all travel on the Karakoram Highway between Mansehra and Chilas, so check how you plan to reach Gilgit before you book.
Should you camp or stay in a hotel?
Camp if you want the lakes and the walks, and you are happy to carry everything. It also costs less than a hotel night, although a first-time camper should rent from a lodge rather than buying kit for one trip.
Stay in a guesthouse if you have children, older relatives, or little experience at altitude, or if the forecast is poor. A good compromise is a hotel base in Phander with day walks to Handrap, Langar and Khukush. For where to stay, see our hotels in Ghizer guide, or the experiences page for other ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I camp in Ghizer?
Common camping areas are Phander, Handrap Lake, Langar and Khukush Lake, and the Shandur plateau. Ask locally about the exact spot and the state of the road.
What is the best month for camping in Ghizer?
June to September. Nights are cold even in summer, and the road beyond Phander closes with snow from about November.
Can I rent a tent in Ghizer?
Yes, some lodges in Phander rent tents, though prices we found were from 2020. Ask before you book, and bring your own sleeping bag.
Do I need a permit to camp in Ghizer?
We found no source that requires a camping permit, but fishing needs a licence, and check posts on the Shandur road may ask for your CNIC. Ask your guesthouse about local rules.
How cold does it get when camping in Ghizer?
Reports put summer nights at Shandur at around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, with frost possible. A sleeping bag rated to freezing is a sensible minimum.
