Astore

Astore is a Himalayan valley on the eastern side of Nanga Parbat, greener and more wooded than the dry Karakoram country around Skardu. Its river runs down to the Indus near the Karakoram Highway, and its side valleys climb to pine forest, alpine meadow and glacier.

For yatris on the Skardu route it is the way between the Deosai plains and the Karakoram Highway, and the gateway to Minimarg when that area is open. The valley deserves a night of its own for Rama, where meadows and a small lake sit below the ice of the Nanga Parbat massif.

Places to visit

• Rama MeadowsPine forest and open pasture above Astore town, with a stream running through.
• Rama LakeA small lake above the meadows, reached by a rough track or on foot, usually from early summer.
• Views of Nanga ParbatThe eastern side of the world’s ninth-highest mountain, seen from Rama and from the road towards Tarashing.
• The road to DeosaiThrough Chilam to the high plains, in season.

Things to do

• Meadow walks at Rama
• A picnic among the pines
• Mountain photography
• A night in the valley between Deosai and the Karakoram Highway

Good to know

The valley road is narrow, and landslides can close it for some hours after rain. Nights are cold even in July, and accommodation is simple.