Astore Valley - A Jewel of Gilgit Baltistan
The epitome of natural beauty marked with geographic variety, countless trekking trails, and ever changing landscapes, Astore valley stretches at the eastern face of Nanga Parbat and southeast of Gilgit. The valley has a rich cultural and historical background besides being the hub to access many significant tourist attractions around Skardu valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
The valley, at an altitude of 2600 m above sea level, is an amazing place to visit while on a journey through beautiful Pakistan. The total area of 5,000 km², spreading over 120 km makes it difficult for visitors to explore the entire valley in just one visit.
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Places to visit in Astore Valley
Astore is one of the most beautiful valleys in Gilgit Baltistan. Astore Valley is famous for its lush green valleys and meadows.
Here are the most beautiful places to visit in Astore Valley.
- Rama Meadows
- Rama Lake
- Minimarg
- Rupal
- Nanga Parbat
- Rainbow Lake
1) Rama Meadows
Rama is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Astore. Rama is considered one of the most beautiful meadows in Pakistan. Featuring lush green meadows, alpine trees, and shrubs, a pristine lake, and mountain views you will find Rama Meadows to be a perfect destination.
2) Rama Lake
Astore is around 42 kilometres away from Rama Lake, a breathtaking lake that is situated in Rama Valley. The Karakoram Highway takes 2 to 3 hours to get from Fairy Meadows to the lake. The Rama Lake is surrounded by a variety of medicinal herbs, ibex, rock partridge, musk deer, and snow leopards. The summer months are the ideal time to visit the lake.
3) Minimarg
Minimarg is another beautiful place to visit in Astore Valley. It is located on the border of Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Minimarg is famous for its lush green dense forests and lakes.
4) Rupal
Rupal is the valley where the south face of Nanga Parbat is located. This valley is famous for its spectacular view of Nanga Parbat and glaciers.
5) Nanga Parbat
In the Diamer District of Astore, Nanga Parbat is located at an elevation of 8,126 metres above sea level. It is ranked as the eighth-highest peak in the globe and the second-highest mountain in Pakistan after K2. The Himalayan Mountains are anchored to the west by Nanga Parbat. The mountain has a spectacularly steep peak that rises over the neighbouring peaks and is locally known as Diamer, which means a “big mountain.” Because Nanga Parbat is famously tough to hike, it has the moniker “Killer Mountain.”
6) Rainbow Lake
There is a small settlement named Nagai on the way to Domel that is made up of tiny wooden huts that are hidden by woods. This village’s crown treasure is the indescribably beautiful Rainbow Lake. Its name refers to how the water, which is crystal pure, changes colour during the day. An artificial lake called Rainbow Lake receives its water from nearby springs and streams.
Activities in Astore Valley
Mountaineering
All climbing activities in Astore Valley are centred on the Nanga Parbat massif. For climbers who want to attempt the eight-thousanders, this Killer Mountain presents the greatest difficulty. The Chongra and Rupal peaks, among other climbing options, are the main draws for climbers in the Astore valley.
Trekking
The Astore Valley offers some fantastic chances for hikers as well. These options range from easy hikes to challenging technical expeditions. Rama pastures and lake, Tarishing to Fairy Meadows via Mazeno Pass, Tarishing to Rupal and back, Astore to Skardu via Deosai Plateau, Astore to Skardu via Banak Pass, Minimarg to Domel and Chotta Deosai, and Kamri to Taobutt in Neelam Valley are important to mention as well as other well-known routes for trekkers.
People of Astore Valley
The valley’s cultural and historical heritage is fascinating, but the valley has a lot more to offer. There are about 100 villages in the Astore Valley with approximately 70,000 individuals.
These people are highly isolated, owing to the valley’s remoteness. The residents of Astore Valley, on the other hand, are very welcoming.
Visiting Astore, the best site in Gilgit Baltistan, to meet locals deeper is a fantastic idea. While travelling through the valley, you’ll discover that its inhabitants are simple individuals who can live off their resources.
Accessing Astore Valley
There are two ways to approach Astore Valley; from Skardu to Deosai Plain is a 7-8 hours drive covering a distance of about 152 Km, and the other one is direct from Karakoram Highway to Astore Valley. Distance from Islamabad is 494 km, an 11.5 hrs drive along River Indus, whereas, distance from Raikot Bridge to Astore is 55 km, a 1.5 hrs drive.
Astore is accessible from Gilgit via Jaglot as well by Jeep, a 4-5 hours drive covering 120 Km. You can access the valley only on four-wheel-drive vehicles.
The Skardu-Deosai route remains closed from November to June due to heavy snow and landslides. As most of the valley constitutes remotely located villages, land phones are the only communication channel with the outside world in these months.
Best time to visit Astore Valley
Only from June through September in the summer may one get a glimpse of Astore’s true splendour. It is dangerous to travel to Astore during the other seasons because of the weather, which is extremely harsh. In particular, during the winter, there is a high likelihood of severe rain, snowfalls, and terrain sliding, all of which might make it challenging to reach this stunning location.
Astore valley is an amazingly beautiful place to visit so do not miss it and plan your trip by clicking on the following button and fill the form.
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