Astore Valley

Astore, Pakistan

Image Alternative text

Description

Astore Valley is 120 km long and is spread over 5,092 sq.km of land. It is situated in southeast of Gilgit and occupies the eastern side of Nanga Parbat. Also known as “The Land of Pastures”, this beautiful mountain and the picturesque valley is at an altitude of 2,600 m.

Deemed as a historical paradise, untouched by the outside world, it takes ages to fully explore the beauty of this majestic land. However, the trading and communication route connecting Gilgit-Balistan with the Indian subcontinent is the most interesting direction to follow as it was the commercial route between Gilgit and Kashmir. The locals used to travel to Srinagar (Kashmir) to study and import Kashmiri products. Having a population of about 70,000 inhabitants spread across 100 villages, the valley has a huge cultural diversity. Astore Valley is also home to medicinal herbs.

Routes

1
  • Mansehra to Besham
  • Good Road and it takes about 3 hrs 30 min to travel

  • Distance: 120km

2
  • Besham to Chilas
  • Rough Road (good road clearance cars recommended) and it takes about 7 hrs to travel

  • Distance: 200km

3
  • Chilas to Raikot Bridge
  • Rough Road (Suitable for all cars) and it takes about 1 hr 30 min to travel

  • Distance: 57

4
  • Raikot Bridge to Astore KKH Chowk
  • Excellent Road and it takes about 15 min to travel

  • Distance: 12

5
  • Astore KKH Chowk to Astore Valley
  • Rough Road and it takes about 2 hrs 30 min to travel

  • Distance: 44

1
  • Murree to Muzaffarabad
  • Good Road and it takes about 2 hrs to travel

  • Distance: 70km

2
  • Muzaffarabad to Balakot
  • Good Road and it takes about 1 hr 30 min to travel

  • Distance: 40km

3
  • Balakot to Naran
  • Good Road and it takes about 2 hrs 30 min to travel

  • Distance: 80km

4
  • Naran to Babusar
  • Good Road with few rough patches and it takes about 2 hrs to travel

  • Distance: 60km

5
  • Babusar to Chilas
  • Good Road and it takes about 1 hr to travel

  • Distance: 50km

6
  • Chilas to Raikot Bridge
  • Some Rough Patches (Suitable for all cars) and it takes about 1 hr 30 min to travel

  • Distance: 57km

7
  • Raikot Bridge to Astore KKH Chowk
  • Excellent Road and it takes about 15 min to travel

  • Distance: 12km

8
  • Astore KKH Chowk to Astore Valley
  • Rough Road (Suitable for all cars) and it takes about 2 hr 30 min to travel

  • Distance: 44km

1
  • Mansehra to Balakot
  • Excellent Road and it takes about 1 hr 30min to travel

  • Distance: 44km

2
  • Balakot to Naran
  • Good Road and it takes about 2 hrs 30 min to travel

  • Distance: 80km

3
  • Naran to Babusar
  • Good Road with few rough patches and it takes about 2 hrs to travel

  • Distance: 60km

4
  • Babusar to Chilas
  • Good Road and it takes about 1 hr to travel

  • Distance: 50km

5
  • Chilas to Raikot Bridge
  • Rough Road (Suitable for all cars) and it takes about 1 hr 30 mins to travel

  • Distance: 57km

6
  • Raikot Bridge to Astore KKH Chowk
  • Excellent Road and it takes about 15 min to travel

  • Distance: 12km

7
  • Astore KKH Chowk to Astore Valley
  • Rough Road and it takes about 2 hrs 30 min to travel

  • Distance: 44km

Related Hotels

Places to see

Burzil Pass
Burzil Pass
Chilam
Chilam
Daas Khiram
Daas Khiram
Mazeno Pass
Mazeno Pass
Minimerg
Minimerg
Rama Meadows
Rama Meadows
Rupal Valley
Rupal Valley

Weather

Months

Weather Details

April to October

The weather remains pleasant during this time of year. The average temperature is usually around 20 °C.

October to March

From October onwards, the temperature significantly drops and November marks the start of a cold winter. Many places in Astore become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.

Activities

Mountaineering

The Nanga Parbat, Chongra, and Rupal peaks are major attractions for climbers visiting Astore Valley.

Trekking

Among the famous routes for trekkers are Astore to Skardu via Deosai Plateau, Astore to Skardu via Banak Pass, Rama Pastures, Tarishing to Rupal and Fairy Meadows via Mazeno Pass and back.

Astore to Neelam Valley Jeep Safari

In addition to Deosai, Tarashing, and Minimarg, visitors can enjoy a thrilling jeep tour on the route known as called Astore-Shounter Valley road. The Shounter Valley commences from the Kel in Neelam Valley and ends at the Shounter Pass (3,800 m) disconnecting Azad Kashmir from Astore Valley.

Cuisine

Astore Valley offers a variety of traditional cuisines and most of them are enjoyed across the Gilgit-Baltistan region.

  • Chapshuro: It is a local version of pizza filled with chopped meat of lamb and beef, seasoned with onions, peppers, tomatoes and coriander.
  • Mamtu: Steamed dumplings made with minced meat of beef or lamb mixed with onions, garlic and chilis and is cooked on steam for several hours.
  • Harissa: Made with wheat, meat and butter. It is a nutritious dish and usually served in weddings, celebrations and other major events.
  • Sharadi: Another mouthwatering dish, made of raw wheat dough cooked in China cabbage.
  • Sharbat: A traditional porridge, rich in protein prepared with wheat and butter.
  • Gooli: Bread made with whole grain flour and served with butter.
  • Chupati: It is a must have local bread made of wheat flour which is baked at night and served with salty tea in the morning.
  • Diram: Bread made from sprouted wheat flour, served with butter, almonds and apricots.

Culture

The local dialect is Shina, however Urdu and English are also widely understood and spoken. Gemstones and embroidered clothes, caps, purses handcrafted by artisans of Astore Valley are popular buys of the local bazaar (marketplace).

Related tours

Skardu Tour
Skardu Tour