Tourism in Astore Valley | top 15 places to visit in Astore Valley

Location of Astore Valley

A world of discovery awaits the people who love to travel. Astore valley is one of the most eye-catching tourism districts in Gilgit Baltistan. It is spread over 5029 sq. of land and lies on the East Nanga Parbat.

It is notorious for its lush green valleys, meadows, alpine trees, and much more. This valley offers a pleasant sight, sitting amongst some of the phantom and roughly textured peaks.

Dialects

Shina is the primary language spoken in Astore valley. People in Astore valley can also speak English quite well. Besides Shina and English, Urdu is also expressed in Astore, which is also the national language of Pakistan.

Climate

During summertime, Astore valley has a moderate climate, but during wintertime, Astore valley has a chilling and breathtaking experience where snowfall occurs up to 6 inches deep within the central valley and a minimum of two to three feet snow on the mountains of Astore valley.  

 

How to get to Astore?

You can reach Astore from Gilgit via renting a jeep or via public transport. If you can bear its cost, then renting an automobile (a vehicle, preferably) is considered the optimal solution.

Else, you can take public transport, which will take around 4-5 hours and save you some extra bucks. If you are a travel geek and are young and fit for it, then you can opt for hitchhiking, which is the most suitable choice to make amongst all.

List of top 15 places to visit in Astore Valley

 Astore valley is home to one of the best tourist places to visit in Gilgit Baltistan. The valley is remote and a medium-sized town as it does not house many facilities compared to Gilgit Baltistan and Hunza.

Yet, this scenic valley holds the most beautiful and abundant tourist resorts in its heart. The self-centered valley satisfies much of a tourist’s needs as it provides immense historical places to visit.

The tourist can pay a visit and quench the eyes’ thirst by looking at the beautiful sights, snow-capped mountains, and tall pine trees spread around to add to the beauty of nature. The excellent tourist spots to visit in Astore valley are:

• Deosai
• Rama Astore
• Qadri Astore
• Astore Rainbow Lake
• Astore Rama Lake
• Mining
• Minimarg
• Allah Wali Jheel
• Rupal
• Gutumsar Valley
• Chilli
• Burzil Pass
• Daas Khurram
• Banak La
• Mazino Pass
• Kinibari

 

Activities

To cherish every moment amongst the bold places, here is a list of proposed actions that you can enjoy in Astore Valley:

Mountaineering

For the young enthusiasts, the beautiful peaks of the Astore valley hold major attractions for climbing. Some of them are Royal Peaks, Nanga Parbat, and Chong. The climbers can benefit from their mountaineering and hiking skills here.

Trekking 

As a trekker, you can take advantage of some famous trekking routes ranging from Rama Pasture and lakes, Fairy Meadows, Deosai Plateau, etc.

Jeep ride from Astore valley to Neelam valley

Besides Trekking and mountaineering options, the tourists can also enjoy a thrilling jeep ride through the Astore-Shounter valley road. This road is named as such due to the exciting journey it presents to its visitors. The Counter valley comes to its destination at the Counter Pass, which dissevers Astore from Azad Kashmir.

Hotels

Once you are in the lush green fields and fairy meadows, you can also make yourself comfortable in the hotels that this place offers. Some of the hotels are:

• PTDC Motel Rama

When it comes to staying in Astore valley, there are very few options available in terms of hotels, but the PTDC model is considered one of the best and cost valid locations for a hotel in Astore.

This motel has a moderate price range when in comparison with other hotels. The PTDC hotel is spacious and offers quite many things where there are not many facilities like gas heaters, which are considered a luxury at that place.

Other than heaters, this motel offers a nice meal that a customer can order. Besides the facilities, the hotel itself has a breathtaking view surrounded by mountains and lush green grass fields. 

• Kamran Hotel

Kamran Hotel comes in as a category B hotel, according to the Astore Administration. Kamran hotel is a beautiful hotel to stay in a while being in Astore. This type of hotel can cater to different kinds of customers and their needs.

The hotel is right on the way to Rama Meadows, has newly constructed beautiful rooms for customers with exquisite taste when it comes to living. The hotel provides multiple facilities like complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi service, and hot water for taking a shower.

The hotel also provides laundry services. When it comes to this hotel’s price, they have a fixed rate as made by the administration. The hotel also offers jeeps to travel to Rama Lake and Desai. This hotel also has a high cleanliness level.

• Madina Green Palace Hotel

Green Palace Hotel is a superb hotel. The riverside situates this hotel makes everything much more beautiful and breathtaking at Astore valley. This hotel provides the ultimate low-cost budget travel solution for tourists who also want to enjoy a memorable experience on a limited budget.

Being present in a valley, the hotel offers fresh and thoroughly cooked foods that make your taste buds always want more. The hotel offers a wide range of options to live in, from hotel rooms to accommodations in the cottage.

The green palace hotel provides a great place and experience for tourists passing by tourists or who wish to see the beauty of the Astore valley and nearby popular areas like Rama Lake and Devasai with their families for days. This hotel takes pride in providing its accommodation as a luxurious commodity at a moderate price range.

Travel Plan

You can book from a range of many travel packages offered by different travel agents. They help you to provide the premium traveling experience at a minimal cost.

Astore weather:

Weather in January

January, the same as December, is a wintry winter month in Astore, Pakistan, with temperature in the range of an average high of 2.8°C (37°F) and an average low of -7.2°C (19°F). Therefore, with an average high-temperature of 2.8°C (37°F) and an average low-temperature of -7.2°C (19°F), January is the coldest month. 

Weather in February

February, the last month of the winter, in Astore, is also a wintry month, with an average temperature ranging between max 4.3°C (39.7°F) and min -5.3°C (22.5°F). In Astore, the average high-temperature is essentially the same as in January – a still cold 4.3°C (39.7°F).

Weather in March

The first month of the spring, March, is a frosty month in Astore, Pakistan, with average temperature fluctuating between 8.9°C (48°F) and -0.9°C (30.4°F). However, in Astore, the average high temperature in March slightly increases, from a wintry 4.3°C (39.7°F) in February.

Weather in April

April is a moderate spring month in Astore, Pakistan, with temperature in the range of an average low of 3.9°C (39°F) and an average high of 15°C (59°F). In April, the average high-temperature rises, from a frosty 8.9°C (48°F) in March, to a mild 15°C (59°F).

Weather in May

The last month of the spring, May is enjoyable in Astore, Pakistan, with an average temperature ranging between max 19.9°C (67.8°F) and min 7.6°C (45.7°F). In May, the average high-temperature slightly increases, from a mild 15°C (59°F) in April, to a comfortable 19.9°C (67.8°F).

Weather in June

June, the first month of the summer, in Astore, is a warm month, with an average temperature ranging between min 11.3°C (52.3°F) and max 24.7°C (76.5°F). In Astore, the average high-temperature in June slightly increases, from a comfortable 19.9°C (67.8°F) in May, to a moderately hot 24.7°C (76.5°F). 

Weather in July

July, the same as June, is another warm summer month in Astore, Pakistan, with average temperature varying between 14.6°C (58.3°F) and 27.1°C (80.8°F). With an average high temperature of 27.1°C (80.8°F) and an average low-temperature of 14.6°C (58.3°F), July is the warmest month.

Weather in August

The last month of the summer, August, is also moderately hot in Astore, Pakistan, with temperature in the range of an average low of 14.6°C (58.3°F) and an average high of 26.9°C (80.4°F). In August, the average high temperature is almost the same as in July – a still warm 26.9°C (80.4°F).

Weather in September

September, the first month of the autumn, in Astore, is still a warm month, with average temperature varying between 10.3°C (50.5°F) and 23.2°C (73.8°F). However, in September, the average high-temperature slightly decreases, from 26.9°C (80.4°F) in August, to a still moderately hot 23.2°C (73.8°F). 

Weather in October

October, the same as September, is another comfortable autumn month in Astore, Pakistan, with temperature in the range of an average high of 17.5°C (63.5°F) and an average low of 4.6°C (40.3°F). In October, the average high-temperature drops, from a warm 23.2°C (73.8°F) in September, to an enjoyable 17.5°C (63.5°F).

Weather in November

The last month of the autumn, November, is also a new month in Astore, Pakistan, with an average temperature ranging between min -0.4°C (31.3°F) and max 11.4°C (52.5°F). However, in November, the average high-temperature drops, from a comfortable 17.5°C (63.5°F) in October to an incredible 11.4°C (52.5°F).

Weather in December

The first month of the winter, December, is also a wintry month in Astore, Pakistan, with average temperature fluctuating between 5.3°C (41.5°F) and -4.4°C (24.1°F). In Astore, the average high-temperature in December decreases, from a fresh 11.4°C (52.5°F) in November, to a cold 5.3°C (41.5°F).

HUB OF NATURAL BEAUTY:

Astore valley is one of the excellent valleys of the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Street Condition from Astore to Deosai Plain isn’t acceptable and not suggested for vehicles. Just four by four jeeps can go through from Astore to Deosai Plain to Skardu.

Astore is a valley with a length of 120km and a surface space of 5000 square kilometers in the northern area of Pakistan that has a place with Gilgit-Baltistan.

This valley lies at the foundation of the Eastern Face of Nanga Parbat, the most fantastic mountain on the planet at 8,125 meters and quite possibly the most slippery mountain to move on the earth. It is the east essence of Nanga Parbat, a pinnacle that ascents to 8,125 meters. 

This region is remarkably delightful and profoundly different and conflicting in geology, environment, and geography. It’s anything but an excellent objective for gutsy voyagers. Offers unlimited alternatives for traveling and openness to a culture that has not been broadly available up to this point.

History:

Having said that, as a free explorer and an admirer of credible encounters, the shipping lane that associated Gilgit-Baltistan with the Indian subcontinent catches my consideration the most.

This course was utilized as a business connect among Gilgit and the space of Kashmir for quite a long time. It is accepted that the Gibians went to Srinagar (the focal city in Kashmir) to consider and imported a broad scope of items, including Kashmiri textures. 

Indeed, Gilgit-Baltistan was associated with the Indian subcontinent by the shipping lane of Ancient Gilgit-Baltistan. Near Kashmir, the course finishes here. In any case, a few meters later, the street was obstructed by the snow. 

The guide’s three red markers show the most touristic spots in the valley: Rupal, Rama Lake, and Deosai Plains. A blue designation on an exchanging course making a beeline for Kashmir denotes the way.

Because of hundreds of years of colonization by a few gatherings, Astore today has a lot of variety regarding language and culture, including an enormous populace of Kashmiris who got comfortable in the mountains.

Gilgit-Baltistan incorporates a few ethnic gatherings and societies. Shina is one of the numerous dialects verbally expressed around here. In Gilgit-Baltistan, individuals are all the more firmly identified with Central Asia (particularly Afghanistan and Tajikistan) than with the remainder of Pakistan. 

Astore Valley is one of the isolated places in Gilgit-Baltistan with most Sunni Muslims, having a place with the Wahhabi branch, the most moderate part of Islam, because of this critical development of individuals.

Every one of the ladies in some distant town escaped into their homes when I showed up, expecting that I would see their appearances. Nonetheless, after moving toward me, the men in the city generous shook my hand and requested that I leave.

The excellence of Astore Valley:

Toward the start of the valley, bone-dry fields, from which sharp, rough mountains show up on the two sides, characterize the scene. A short trip prompts fruitful, green glades, where you can see 8,125-meter-high Nanga Parbat. 

The valley turns out to be more elevated along the waterway, the temperature drops, and you will arrive at the finish of the path, where you can see icy masses. Astore has a wild and forceful nature, as everything is made for a gigantic scope. You are really honored with this sight. 

Individuals of Astore Valley: 

Also, because of the vast snow covering the streets, Astore gets confined from the world during winter, ending October to March. However, regardless of this distant area, Astore is home to more than 70,000 occupants who live in more than 100 towns around the region. 

The acclaimed cordiality for Pakistan gets increased a hundredfold because many of these residents have never seen or addressed an outsider.

The host may likewise welcome you to remain with them in their home to rest on top of the food they will serve you (tea and lentils).

Essential individuals who live off of independence in the remotest pieces of Astore are undeniably bound to starve for pride than not serve you a feast. So here is reality, the unadulterated fact of the matter.

Distance from Lahore / Islamabad:

Route 1 ‘By Air’:

You can take the direct 45-minute flight to Gilgit from Islamabad and drive 4 hours (98.2 km) to the Astore Valley.

Route 2 ‘via Naran Babusar Top’:

Islamabad to Narran Valley (via Balakot) -To Astore

• Lahore to Islamabad: 5 hours Approx. (375 km)
• Islamabad to Balakot: 5 hours Approx. (200 km)
• Balakot to Narran Valley: 4 hours Approx (147.3 km)
• Narran Valley to Chilas: 5 Hours Approx (114 km)
• Chilas to Raikot Bridge: 2 Hours Approx: (56 km)
• Raikot Bridge to Astore: 4 hours Approx (55.3 km)

Islamabad to Naran Valley (via Muzaffarabad) -To Astore

• Lahore to Islamabad: 5 hours Approx (375 km)
• Islamabad to Muzaffarabad: 4 hours Approx (140 km)
• Muzaffarabad to Naran: 6 hours Approx (125 km)
• Kaghan/Naran Valley to Chilas: 5 hours Approx (120 km)
• Chilas to Raikot Bridge: 2 hours Approx (60 km)
• Raikot Bridge to Astore: 4 hours Approx (57 km)

Via Kohistan and Besham Dasu: 

• Lahore to Islamabad: 5 hours Approx (375 km)
• Islamabad to Besham via Kohistan: 8 hours Approx (325 km)
• Besham to Chillas: 8 hours Approx (205 km)
• Chilas to Raikot Bridge: 2 hours Approx (60 km)
• Raikot Bridge to Astore: 4 hours Approx (57 km)

Things to Do: Jeeps and Horse Riding, Fishing and trekking

Best Hotels in Astore Valley: Fairy Meadows inn, Rama green view hotel, Astore Inn.

Average Temperature: Moderate in the summer season. Harsh cold in winter

Network: Telenor and S.com is the best Network for communication. Other networks have weak signals.

Rama Lake Astore:

Rama Lake is a lake situated close to Astore in Gilgit−Baltistan, Pakistan. It is arranged inside the Astore Valley, which has a light covering of oak trees and other plant life.

However, starting in 2013, the district has been incredibly influenced by the deficiency of backwoods cover, low average precipitation, and low vegetation due to some extent to inescapable unlawful logging rehearses in the valley. 

Plan to see Rama Lake and different attractions that appeal to you utilizing ours.