Minimarg

Minimarg is a very attractive village on an elevation of 2,845 meters in the Neelum Valley on the right bank of the Kishenganga River, also known as Neelum River. Geographically, it is located in Azad Kashmir, but it is mostly accessible from Astore Gilgit-Baltisan.

Why it is called as Minimarg?

According to local folklores, these meadows were named due to a British lady whose name was Mini. She was a wifi of a British officer in colonial era. She was inspired due to the beauty of those meadows and had decided to live there forever. After her death, she was also buried there. Her grave is still there with a stone inscribed with her name. After that, these meadows was named as 'Minimarg' meaning as the place of Mini's death.

Access to Minimarg Village

Minimarg is located at the distance of 536 km from Islamabad and is accessible via Mansehra - Naran - Jalkhan - Chilas road in Kaghan Valley. After crossing Raikot Bridge, turn left toward the Astore district. From Astore main bazaar, 4x4 jeep can be hired to Minimarg via Chillam Chowki.

From Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir side, the trek is short but difficult. It is not easily accessible from Neelum Valley due to difficult terrain. It can only be accessed through trekking after the end of jeep trek.

NOC permit to Visit Minimarg

Minimarg is a restricted Access area due to near the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. So, visitors get the NOC after fulfilling the clearance requirements from the Pakistan Army check post at Chillum Chowki. Only Pakistani tourists are allowed to visit it, whereas foreigners must required special military NOC with restricted access to visit the site.

Chillam Chowki - a Junction Point

From Astore main bazaar, drive along the Astore River to reach at Chillam Chowki at an elevation of 3869 meters. It is the junction point to access Deosai National Park and Minimarg. The Minimarg trek separates from the Deosai route on the south side. The unpaved trek from Chillam Chowki across Burzil Pass is steep and rocky. Therefore, only 4x4 jeep is required to travel there. There are several patches of mud and snow, which becomes difficult to cross with normal two-wheels vehicles.

Burzil Pass - Connecting Gilgit-Baltit & Azad Kashmir

Burzil Pass is located at an elevation of 13,779 feet before descending toward Minimarg. It is normally remained closed due to snow from November to late May, so only accessible in summer season from June to October. While descending toward Minimarg meadows, one can also see historical telegraph stations and military outposts along the trek.

Rainbow Lake in Domel

Domel is situated in south side at the distance of 10 kilometers from Minimarg, via the dense pine pastures of the Minimarg meadows. It is famous due to a natural alpine lake, known as Rainbow Lake, surrounded by lush meadows touched with colorful wild flowers.

Source of Natural Herbs

Due to its landscape and climatic conditions, this region is a source of a variety of commercially important medicinal plants. The main source of income in this region is also from the sale of natural herbs and potatoes.

Are you extending your adventure in the rest of Astore District and Nanga Parbat base camps? Visit our Astore Valley Travel Directory.

About 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.