Astore

 

In the Gilgit-Baltistan territory of northern Pakistan, there is a valley called Astore that is 120 km long and has a surface of 5,000 km2. The valley is located near the eastern face of Nanga Parbat, an 8,125-foot peak that is also known as the Killer Mountain since it is one of the riskiest mountains in the world to climb.

The valley's landscape is not only incredibly beautiful, but it also contains a great deal of geographically diverse selection and contrasts, providing the adventurous traveler with a virtually limitless number of trekking options and the chance to experience a culture that relatively few visitors have had the fortunate chance to encounter.

To fully explore the valley would take a long time due to its enormous size. According to several Pakistanis in the area, you should visit Rupal, Rama Lake, and the Deosai Plains. These locations do have a natural beauty, but since they are so crowded with local tourists in the summer, they also tend to be the most commercial.

The commerce route that linked Gilgit-Baltistan with the Indian subcontinent, however, is by far the one that gives the most intriguing viewpoint in my opinion as an independent traveler and a fan of real experiences.

This corridor served as a trade link between Gilgit and the Kashmir area for many years. The residents of Gilgit Baltistan used to travel to Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, to study and import a broad range of goods, including the renowned Kashmiri textiles.

 

The Astore Valley, which runs along the eastern slope of Nanga Parbat and southeast of Gilgit, is the pinnacle of natural beauty, defined by geographic variation, various trekking paths, and constantly shifting landscapes. In addition to being the gateway to numerous important tourist destinations in and around Skardu Valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan area, the valley has a rich cultural and historical past.

 

 

The valley, which is 2600 meters above sea level, is a spectacular destination to see while traveling across lovely Pakistan. Visitors find it challenging to tour the entire valley in a single visit due to the valley's large overall size of 5,000 km2, which is spread over 120 km.

The 115 km long Astore Road is made of metal and takes you to the Gilgit Baltistan mountain town of Astore, which serves as the district's administrative center. Burzil Pass marks the end of the road.

Map of Astore Valley:

 

The three red markers on the map designate Rupal, Rama Lake, and Deosai Plains as the valley's most popular tourist destinations. The path is indicated with a blue marker on a commerce route leading to Kashmir. Astore currently has a very diverse population in terms of language and culture because of centuries of colonization by various groups, including a sizable community of Kashmiris who resided in the highlands. There are many different ethnic and cultural groups in Gilgit-Baltistan. One of the numerous languages used in this area is Shina. More so than the rest of Pakistan, the inhabitants of Gilgit-Baltistan have ties to Central Asia, particularly Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.


The top attractions in Astore Valley are listed below.

1.  Rama Meadows

2.  Rama Lake

3.  Minimarg

4.  Rupal

5.  Nanga Parbat

6.  Rainbow Lake

 

1) Rama Meadows

 

One of the most picturesque locations in Astore is Rama. Rama is regarded as one of Pakistan's most stunning meadows. Rama Meadows is the ideal location, offering luxuriant green meadows, alpine trees and bushes, a clear lake, and mountain vistas.

 







2) Rama Lake

 

Rama Lake, a stunning lake located in Rama Valley, is around 42 kilometers distant from Astore. From Fairy Meadows to the lake, the Karakoram Highway travel time is between two and three hours. Ibex, rock partridge, musk deer, and snow leopards live all around Rama Lake, which is bordered by a variety of therapeutic herbs. The lake is best visited during the summer months.






3) Minimarg

 

Another lovely location in Astore Valley is Minimarg. It is situated where Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir meet. Minimarg is renowned for its lakes and deep, lush woods.

 







4) Rupal

 

The south face of Nanga Parbat is located in the valley of Rupal. This valley is well-known for its breathtaking views of the glaciers and Nanga Parbat.

5) Nanga Parbat

 

Nanga Parbat is situated in the Diamer District of Astore at an altitude of 8,126 meters above sea level. It is the second-highest mountain in Pakistan, behind K2, and the eighth-highest peak in the world. Nanga Parbat serves as a fulcrum for the Himalayan Mountains to the west. The mountain is referred to by locals as Diamer, which means "large mountain," and has a stunningly steep top that rises over the surrounding peaks. Nanga Parbat is known as "Killer Mountain" because of how difficult it is to trek.

6) Lake Rainbow

 

On the way to Domel, there is a small community called Nagai, which consists of teeny wooden huts that are concealed by trees. The indescribably gorgeous Rainbow Lake is the crown jewel of this community. Its name alludes to how the water's hue varies throughout the day. The water is crystal clear. Rainbow Lake, an artificial lake, draws water from neighboring springs and streams.







 

Astore Valley locals:

 

In addition, Astore is cut off from the outside world throughout the winter, which lasts from October to March, because of the mountains of snow that cover the roadways. Nonetheless, despite its distant position, the province of Astore is home to nearly 70,000 people who reside in more than 100 communities. Because many of these peasants have never seen or talked to a foreigner, the famed hospitality of Pakistan is increased one hundred times. In addition to providing you with dinner, the host could also ask you to spend the night with them in their house (tea and lentils).

Basic individuals who depend on self-sufficiency and dwell in the most isolated areas of Astore are much more likely to go hungry out of pride than to refuse to feed themselves. So, here is the whole, unadulterated truth.

 

Landscape and climate

Astore Valley has a temperate summer climate that is neither very hot nor extremely cold. Nevertheless, throughout the winter, massive snowfalls of up to 4 feet or more drastically reduce temperatures. From October through April, the valley is primarily covered with snow.

Arid plains give way to abrupt, Rocky Mountains on each side of the valley, which at close range convert into lush, verdant meadows.

As you move through Astore Valley, the majestic Nanga Parbat follows the terrain in the distance. Following the River Astore, a valley with more alpine elements leads you to massive glaciers, which show off the region's untamed and violent nature.

This valley holds tremendous significance due to the thriving climate conditions and captivating environment, which enable the cultivation of medicinally valuable plants there.

Accessing Astore Valley

 

Public transportation

 

Public transit is the ideal mode of transportation when time is not a problem. To reach the city of Astore, which serves as the gateway to the valley, many outdated 44 pickup trucks are departing Gilgit. You should be informed that the trip will take 4-5 hours and that there will be 20 other passengers along with their bags.

There is no a priori scheduling. The day before, inquire about an approximate time frame at the bus terminal. Yet, based on my own experience, I can tell you that they have sometimes arrived up to three hours late. There are various additional vehicles in addition to the 44 trucks that go along the road from Astore to Kashmir. Also, I think hitchhiking is simpler because the time is erratic.

Deosai to Astore

 

The travel distance from Astore to Deosai Plain is around 70 kilometers. Both the Astore side and the Skardu side lead to Deosai. Astore Valley may be reached in two different ways. The Karakoram Highway leads straight to Astore Valley on one side and Skardu via the Deosai Plain on the other.

From Astore to Deosai, the roads are in poor condition. On this route, personal vehicles like Honda Coasters are not advised. This path is far too uneven. The majority of the road repairs are subpar at best. To go to Deosai Plain from Astore, one should rent a Jeep.

Using 4 by 4 Jeeps, it takes 4 to 5 hours to travel one way from Astore to Deosai Plain. The distance between Astore Valley and Deosai Plain is greater while traveling by automobile.

Distance from Skardu to Astore:

 

The trip from Astore to Skardu across the Deosai Plain is approximately 152 kilometers. By using the Skardu Gilgit Road, you may also go to Skardu.

 

Distance from Astore to Rama Lake Meadows

 

The distance from Astore to Rama Meadows is around 10 to 11 kilometers. Astore Valley is a little lower than Rama Village. Rama Meadows and Lakes are more than an hour away by Jeep from Astore Valley.

Places to visit in Astore Valley

 

One of Gilgit Baltistan's most stunning valleys is Astore. The lovely green slopes and meadows of Astore Valley are well known.


When to go to Astore Valley?

 

One may only catch a glimpse of Astor’s real magnificence during the summer months of June through September. Traveling to Astore in the other seasons is hazardous due to the dangerously arid conditions. It may be difficult to get to this breathtaking site during the winter when there is a high probability of strong rain, snowfalls, and terrain slides.

 

Activities in Astore Valley

 

Mountaineering

 

The Nanga Parbat Mountain serves as the focal point for all climbing endeavors in Astore Valley. This Killer Mountain is the biggest challenge to climbers who desire to try the eight-thousander. The primary attractions for climbers in the Astore Valley include the Chongra and Rupal peaks, among other climbing destinations.

 

Trekking

 

For hikers, the Astore Valley provides some amazing opportunities. These choices vary from straightforward walks to difficult technical adventures.

 

The Astore Chronicle

 

The Astore Valley showcases the ancient magnificence of Pakistan's Gilgit Baltistan area. The Astore route has been used for generations by the inhabitants of Gilgit Baltistan to conduct trade and travel with Kashmir. People once traveled to Srinagar for educational and commercial objectives, mostly to import Kashmiri textiles.

People from all around the area have traveled through Astore Valley innumerable times throughout the years. The linguistic and cultural variety of the valley was influenced by these journeys. It also had a role in the Wahhabi sect of Sunni Muslims' significant presence in the Astore Valley. All other regions of Gilgit Baltistan, in contrast, solely have Shia Muslims living there.

According to the Imperial Gazetteer of India, a Persian explorer named Ghz Mukhpun is rumored to have wed a princess from the Skardu ruling line around the year 1600.

This couple gave birth to four sons who later became known as Rās of Skardu, Astor, Roundu, and Kharmang. The families of the current chiefs in those districts descended from them. Sons of Astor included Afzal, Guada, and Chilma. Their separate residences were in Juttay, Ganda gam (Arzalabad), Gudai (Guadabad), and Chilm (Chilmabad).

Accommodation

Apart from a few little accommodations in Astore Valley, there are no hotels in the valley. If you plan to remain, however, socializing with the community can lead to an offer or request to stay at their home. At the very least, "Tumoro," the most popular herbal tea in Astore, will undoubtedly be provided to you.