Astore

Astore is district in the Gilgit-Baltistan and located at an altitude of 8,500 feet on the eastern side of Mount Nanga Parbat in front of the Rupal Face, at the distance of 60 km from Gilgit main city. Astore region ascends from the Indus River from Jaglot toward the opposite side of the Diamer district.

How to Access Astore Valley

To access Astore, from the main Karakoram Highway on the main junction point of Jaglot, turn right by crossing the suspension bridge over the Indus River. Drive through the narrow and rocky canyon trek along the rushing fast Astore River for 2 to 3 hours in the narrow gorges. The trek moves inside the dark brownish mountain on the both sides. The valley is famous for different kinds of important medicinal plants and herbs. In summer, the colors of the valley become very much attractive due to various kinds of colorful flowers.

Astore Bazaar in Eidgah

It is connected with Gilgit, Skardu, Rondu, Diamer, and Kharmang district. It also has its boundary with the Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir and Bandipore district in Indian-occupied Jumma & Kashmir. Eidgah is the central head quarter of the Astore Valley. On reaching there, one can visit the Astore Bazaar along the deep canyon trail touching with the fast-flowing Astore River. From here, one can purchase all of required supplies and fuel. To complete next part of the expedition, one can also hire jeeps, porters, and local mountain guides from here.

Main Attractions in Astore

Astore valley lies on the foot of the famous peaks of Nanga Parbat and Chongra Peak. It also includes different lush green valleys and lakes which are the main attractions for tourists in the Astore Valley. It is accessible through Gilgit as well as from Skardu through Deosai Plains. From Skardu through Deosai Plain is an adventurous four-wheel drive within the colorful and attractive plains of Deosai. From Astore Valley, You can also accessed Minimerg that is a lush green hill station in the extreme side of the Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir.

There are number of glaciers in the Astore Valley, in which Harcho Glacier and Siachen Glacier are famous. The Harcho Glacier is located as enter in the Astore Valley from the Gilgit side, whereas the Siachin Glacier is located on its other extreme end.

Herrligkoffer Base Camp and Rupal Face

The Rupal Face is the south side of the Nanga Parbat and known as the highest mountain face on the Earth. It is a sheer granite rock and rises vertically upto 4,500 to 5,000 meters above from the base of valley. From lush green Tarashing village, the trek leads to view the Rupal Face of the Nanga Parbat. For this purpose, you can hire jeep from Astore and it takes 4 to 5 hours to reach Tarishing village. Few guesthouses are also available in the village for night stay or having lunch there before continue next part of journey toward Base camp. The trek leads through the wider and lush green meadows of the Rupal Valley to Herligkoffer Base Camp, situated directly in front of the world's highest mountain wall. From Tarishing village, a hike of 3 to 5 hours is required to cross the moraine of the Tarishing Glacier and the Bazhin Glacier to reach the Herrligkoffer Base Camp. Continue along the glacial streams to access the Rupal Base Camp by crossing the Rupal Valley to Latoba meadows with a glacial lake in front of Nanga Parbat. As trek requires camping on site, so luggage must include all of the camping equipment. Along with, one must hire an skilled local guide from Tarishing village, as well as portal if needed.

Rama Meadows in the lush green Pine Forest

Rama meadows is one of the lush green meadow in the Astore Valley. The Rama Meadows Trek through the thick pine forests and wider pastures gives a relaxation and energy to your body. You can see grazing animals on the greenish layout of the meadows. It can be accessed from Eidgah Astore. From the central bazaars of Eidgah, the trek sharply climbs upward and transforming the dusty, vertical rock face cliffs into thick green walls of Himalayan cedar and pine trees at Rama meadows. The PTDC motel is the best option to spend a night under the shadows of the lush green deep forests and meadows.

Rama Lake - a Glacial Lake

From the Rama meadow, a short rough trek leads you the beautiful lake covered with glacier patches. Rama Lake is glacial lake in the Rama meadows in the Astore Valley. It is an attractive and scenic location for the tourists. Most of the time, you can see melting glaciers on its sides. You can also visit three other lakes on the way of Rama Lake. If you wan to stay for a night there, then you can also camp there.

Alternate Route to Deosai Plains

Deosai is the World second highest plateau between Astore, Kharmang, and Skardu district. It is homeland of large number of different important medicinal herbs and plants. In winter season, it completely covers with snow, so it becomes much difficult to access it that season. But in summer season, it becomes accessible and shows colorful appearance with wildflowers and different variety of butterflies. It can be accessed from the Astore district as well as from Skardu district. From the Astore side, the unpaved route climbs directly up to the high plains of Deosai. One must hire the 4x4 jeep from the Astore to enjoy the wilderness of the Deosai Plains.

Sheosar Lake in Deosai Plains

Sheosar Lake is located in Deosai Plains in the Astore district. It is a wide size lake within the plains of the Deosai Plains. It will be accessed via Chillum Chowki on Astore Valley Road.

Minimarg - a Stunning Beautiful Valley

Minimarg is a small village located on the bank of the Burzil Nala in the Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir, but it is easily accessed via Astore valley by passing the Burzil Pass after crossing Chillum Chowki. It gives stunningly beautiful lush alpine pastures. To visit Minimerg, tourist must need special army permit from the Chillam Check post. On the trail, one can also have an opportunity to visit Domel and Rainbow Lake.

Weather of the Astore Valley is moderate and pleasant in the summer season, whereas there is 2-3 feet snowfall in the winter season. Therefore, all of the roads to access the Astore Valley are closed.

Plan to explore the highest plateau of the world, explore our complete guidelines about 4x4 jeeps and routes in Deosai National Park Route Guide.