Astore Valley is one of the breath-taking valleys found deep within the folds of Gilgit-Baltistan, featuring luscious meadows, beautiful streams, and rugged mountains. Astore Valley's elevation ranges between 2,600 and 2,800 meters above sea level (8,530 to 9,186 feet). It is an offbeat destination for nature enthusiasts, as well as adventurous people who seek experience of their type in Pakistan.
Natural Beauty of Astore Valley
Astore Valley is known for its unmatched beauties, lush forests and alpine meadows, and its spectacular landscapes that change colors at different seasons. In the summer months, the valley seems to wear a luscious green robe, while golden and reddish hues shine in the forests during autumn, a perfect scenic beauty. The valley is surrounded by some of the most iconic peaks of the Himalayas and Karakoram, including the towering Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world, which adds to the valley's dramatic scenery.
Rama Meadows: A Scenic Paradise
Among the favorites of tourists in Astore Valley is the highly famous Rama Meadows. Located at a very short distance from the town of Astore, Rama Meadows is a silent destination surrounded by snow-covered ranges. It is ideal for camping and trekking. During summer, the meadow is green with rich and leafy grasses and full of wildflowers. In the winter season, the whole area is white with glittering snow, forming a winter wonderland.
Rama Lake: A Journey Not to be Skipped
Astore Valley has several other wonderful attractions like the simply stunning Rama Lake. This mountain lake is located at the foot of Rama Peak and is kissed by towering giant mountains and perfect for relaxing. The trek to Rama Lake is not too strenuous, taking the visitor through thick pine forests and open meadows, making it highly popular among trekkers and nature lovers.
Gateway to Deosai National Park
Astore Valley is one of the entrance gates to world famous Deosai National Park also otherwise known as the "Land of Giants." Deosai is the second highest plateau in the world and boasts of amazing diversity in natural scenery. To visit Deosai, accessible from Astore makes the place a great base for any one who would want to go further into the wildlife tourism circuit, specifically the Himalayan Brown Bear.
Adventure Activities Available in Astore Valley
•Trekking and Hiking: Astore Valley has various trekking and hiking trails that range from easy trekking and hiking around Rama Meadows to stiff high-altitude treks to Nanga Parbat Base Camp.
•Camping: The beauty of this valley takes the shape of panoramic meadows, lakes, and makes it a great camping area. Rama Meadows and Rama Lake is an attraction for campers wishing to spend their times under stars with nature.
•Photography: The serene views of Astore against the high-rising peaks offer a photographer with scenery that is not simply fantastic but can be shot in several seasons, from the golden hues of autumn through to the white gown of the winter shots, Astore is just too fantastic to be shot in one season.
Best Time to Visit Astore Valley
The best time to visit Astore Valley is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the valley is accessible by road, from May to September. In such season, the valley is lushly green, with its meadows full of wild flowers. However for those interested in winter adventure, this valley offers abashing sights under snow cover as well as skiing and trekking in snowy weather conditions.
How to Get to Astore Valley
Astore Valley can be accessed by road from both Skardu and Gilgit. Drive from Gilgit is around 120 kilometers and takes about 4-5 hours. While the road to Astore is superb, the journey passes over some of the sublime valleys and mountains with breathtaking views. From Skardu it will take around 6-7 hours and is equally scenic via crossing Deosai Pleatues.
Why Visit Astore Valley?
Astore Valley is perfect for trekkers in search of solitude. Here, tourists will find the untouched beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan. For nature lovers as well as adventurers, this valley offers absolutely scenic meadows, crystal clear lakes, and adventurous trek routes. Whether you have a tour of the serene Rama Meadows, trek up to Rama Lake, or trek through the vast expanses of Deosai National Park, Astore Valley has something that is off the beaten track but very rewarding for a traveler.
Pack your rucksack and travel to the sceneries that stand as the untouched attractions of Pakistan: Astore Valley!