Astore Valley: Rama Meadows and the Nanga Parbat Side
The Astore Valley runs along the eastern side of Nanga Parbat, linking the Karakoram Highway with the Deosai Plains.
About Astore Valley
Rama Meadows above Astore town look across to Nanga Parbat, and Tarashing at the head of the valley is the start of routes towards the mountain's southern side.
Our jeep safari ends its Deosai crossing in Astore, the Mazeno Pass trek starts at Tarashing, and the Deosai biking tour rides up the valley.
Trips that include Astore Valley
Every published programme whose day-by-day itinerary mentions this destination, with its length and season:
| Programme | Days | Best time | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deosai Biking Tours | 19 | — | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Deosai Plains Jeep Safari | 10 | Mid July to Mid September. | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Nanga parbat Mazeno Pass Trek | 17 | June to End-August | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
What the itineraries do in Astore Valley
Itinerary days that mention this destination, quoted from the programmes:
03: Chilas to Tarashing
After breakfast, drive to Astor City, have lunch at Astore, and transfer to Jeep. We will drive for Tarashing. (Tent)
04: Tarashing to Bazin
After breakfast, trek to Bazin. Early, we start our trek on easy trails, and after one hour, we will cross the Tarashing Glacier and enter into the lower Rupal Valley with significant summer settlements before reaching our camping spot, Herrling, just under the solid ice wall of the east face of Nanga Parbat (Tent)
Day 3
For a short time, we followed the Karakorum Highway (KKH) by Jeep to Jaglot. From there, we started making our first road experience by bike. On the way, our cook will offer us lunch. Overnight in camp in Doyang, a beautiful campsite next to the Astor River.
Day 4
Dayon – Astor. The road is rough. Many rocky parts are to overcome. We camp next to Astor.
Day 5
Astor – Tarishing. The track is again strenuous. It needs a lot of power and concentration. The scenery is wonderful. In Tarishing, we camp overnight.
Day 7
Nanga Parbat BC – Tarishing, overnight in camp.
07: Bara Pani to Astore Valley (Rama Meadows)
Cross the western boundary of the Deosai National Park via Chillum Chowki and descend into the lush green Astore Valley. Drive along dramatic river cuts and pine-forested slopes up to the serene Rama Meadows. Take an afternoon walk to Rama Lake with majestic views of the eastern ridge of Nanga Parbat. Overnight in camp / hotel at Rama.
08: Rama Meadows to Chilas / Besham
Leave the high valleys behind and descend to the Karakoram Highway via the Astore gorge. Drive south along the Indus River, stopping at the historic junction point of the three great mountain ranges (Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush). Continue the scenic drive to Chilas or Besham. Overnight stay in hotel.
Planning notes
- Astore is reached by road from the Karakoram Highway, or over Deosai from Skardu.
- The Mazeno Pass trek uses jeeps from Astore to Tarashing.
- The biking tour describes the Astore road as rough and strenuous.