Astore Valley Trip

Astore Valley, nestled in the northern region of Pakistan, is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. It is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region and is surrounded by towering peaks, lush green valleys, and pristine rivers. Astore is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, offering trekking, camping, fishing, and exploring local traditions.

Location of Astore Valley:

Astore Valley is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan, bordered by the stunning peaks of Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest mountain in the world. Astore is situated at an elevation of around 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) above sea level, which gives it a cool climate and picturesque views.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Astore Valley is during the summer months, from May to September. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the valley is fully accessible. Winters can be harsh, with heavy snowfall and road closures, making travel difficult.

Top Attractions in Astore Valley:

1. Deosai National Park: Known as the "Land of Giants," Deosai is a vast plateau offering some of the most breathtaking landscapes. It is home to diverse wildlife, including brown bears and wild sheep.
2. Nanga Parbat Base Camp: For trekkers and mountaineers, a visit to the base camp of Nanga Parbat is a thrilling adventure.
3. Ratti Gali Lake: A high-altitude alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The lake is famous for its striking blue waters and serene environment.
4. Astore Bazaar: The local market is a great place to experience the culture and buy traditional handicrafts.
5. Trekking Routes: Astore has several trekking routes that take visitors through lush forests, rivers, and valleys, offering spectacular views.

Activities in Astore Valley:

1. Trekking: Explore the hidden gems of Astore Valley through its various trekking trails.
2. Camping: Enjoy an adventurous camping experience in the serene landscapes of Deosai National Park and Ratti Gali Lake.
3. Fishing: The rivers and lakes in Astore offer great fishing opportunities for anglers.
4. Photography: Capture the beauty of Astore Valley's majestic peaks, green meadows, and crystal-clear lakes.
5. Cultural Exploration: Interact with the local people, learn about their traditions, and explore the unique culture of Astore.

Accommodation in Astore Valley:

Accommodation options in Astore Valley range from basic guesthouses to luxurious resorts. In the town of Astore, you can find comfortable hotels offering basic amenities. For a more immersive experience, you can opt for camping or stay in traditional houses called "huts" run by local families.

How to Reach Astore Valley:

• By Air: The nearest airport is in Gilgit, and from there, you can take a jeep ride or a bus to Astore.
• By Road: Astore can be reached by road from Gilgit, approximately 115 km away. The road is mostly well-maintained, although it can be rugged in some areas.
• By Jeep: Jeeps are the most common mode of transport in the valley, and local jeeps can be hired from Gilgit or Astore to reach remote areas of the valley.

Day 1: Arrival in Gilgit. Transfer to Astore Valley.

Day 2: Explore Deosai National Park and enjoy a jeep safari.

Day 3: Trek to Ratti Gali Lake and camp near the lake.

Day 4: Visit Astore Bazaar and experience local culture.

Day 5: Hike up to Nanga Parbat Base Camp.

Day 6: Visit the local villages and enjoy some fishing.

Day 7: Return to Gilgit.

Astore Valley is a stunning region located in the Gilgit-Baltistan area of Pakistan. It is part of the larger Gilgit region, known for its breathtaking landscapes, towering peaks, and lush green valleys. Astore is famous for its proximity to some of the highest mountains in the world, including Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest peak. The valley offers a serene environment with magnificent views of forests, rivers, and glaciers.

Coordinates:

Astore Valley is situated at 35.3°N latitude and 74.5°E longitude. The region lies at an altitude of around 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) above sea level, providing a cool climate that makes it a year-round travel destination.

Elevation:

Astore Valley is located at a higher altitude, ranging between 2,500 meters to 4,500 meters (8,200 feet to 14,800 feet) above sea level, depending on the specific area within the valley. This makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Accessible Routes to Astore Valley:

Astore Valley is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, and there are a few ways to access this beautiful destination:

1. By Air:

   • Gilgit Airport (GIL): The nearest major airport to Astore Valley is Gilgit Airport. Flights are available from Islamabad to Gilgit, which takes about 1.5 hours. From Gilgit, Astore is accessible by road, taking around 4-5 hours by car.
   • Skardu Airport (KDU): Another nearby airport is Skardu, which has flights from Islamabad. From Skardu, it takes about 6-7 hours to reach Astore by road.

2. By Road:

   • The primary route to Astore Valley is through the town of Gilgit. From Gilgit, you can take the Karakoram Highway (KKH) to reach the Astore Valley. The distance from Gilgit to Astore is approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles), which takes about 4-5 hours depending on road conditions.
   • From Skardu: From Skardu, travelers can drive along the Deosai Plateau and continue to Astore, which takes around 6-7 hours.

3. By Jeep:

   • Given the rugged terrain, jeeps are often used to reach more remote parts of Astore Valley. These jeeps can be hired from Gilgit, Skardu, or Astore itself.

Directions from Major Cities:

• From Islamabad (Pakistan):
  The distance from Islamabad to Gilgit is approximately 600 kilometers, taking around 12-14 hours by road. From Gilgit, the journey to Astore takes another 4-5 hours by car or jeep.

• From Lahore (Pakistan):
  Lahore is about 900 kilometers away from Gilgit. The journey usually takes 14-16 hours by road. From Gilgit, continue to Astore via the Karakoram Highway.

• From Skardu (Pakistan):
  Skardu is about 170 kilometers away from Astore. The journey by road will take around 6-7 hours, passing through scenic mountain routes.

• From Gilgit (Pakistan):
  Gilgit is the closest city to Astore, about 100 kilometers away. The journey from Gilgit to Astore takes around 4-5 hours, passing through beautiful landscapes along the way.

Includes:

Accommodation, transport (jeep), meals, local guides, and sightseeing tours.

Excludes:

ersonal expenses, tips, and additional activities like mountain climbing or extra treks.