Astore

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 2600m 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.

The Astore Road is a 115 km long metalled road leading you to the mountain town of Astore, the capital of Astore district in Gilgit Baltistan. The road ends at the Burzil Pass.

Topography and Climate

The climate of Astore Valley is moderate during summer; neither hot nor cold. Bu, in winter heavy snowfalls up to 4-6 feet cause temperatures to drop immensely. Most of the valley remains snow-clad from October to April.

The whole valley landscape features arid plains giving rise to sharp, Rocky Mountains on either side, turning into lush green fertile meadows at small distances.

The mighty Nanga Parbat accompanies the landscape in the background all along as you traverse Astore Valley. Following River Astore, the valley with more alpine features takes you to the giant glaciers presenting the wild and aggressive side of the valley.

The vigorous climate conditions and mesmerizing landscape confers great significance to this valley, making it home for the growth of medicinally valued plants.

Accessing Astore Valley

There are two ways to approach Astore Valley; from Skardu via Deosai Plain is a 7-8 hours’ drive covering a distance of about 152 Kms, 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 Kms. You can access the valley only on four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Attractions in Astore Valley

Astore is the hub to access many tourist attractions, surrounded by Diamer in its west, Gilgit in the north, Skardu in the east, and Neelum district in the south. Besides the picturesque and enigmatic landscape of Astore valley itself, Astore is the central point to access many natural attractions specifically in the Skardu region.

The valley’s enormous dimensions comprise unrivaled jewels as Deosai Plains, Rama Lake, and Rupal Valley in the surrounding areas. Astore Town is renowned for its versatile natural beauty and access to some of the world’s unique mountain attractions.

Rama Meadows followed by Rama Lake is at a distance of about 10-11K from Astore. Rama Valley is at a higher altitude than Astore and jeeps take more than an hour to reach Rama Meadows and Rama Lake.

On this historical route, Dar Lay Lake, a 5-6 hours drive away is a profoundly captivating site.