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Gilgit-Baltistan · Nanga Parbat’s southern side
Forested meadows at Rama, the Rupal face of Nanga Parbat and the high road over Deosai to Skardu. Astore is Gilgit-Baltistan’s quiet, green secret.
Best time
June–September; Rama Lake usually clear of snow from July
Ideal stay
4–6 days; 7–9 with Deosai and Skardu
Altitude
Astore town about 2,600 m; Rama Meadow about 3,300 m
From Islamabad
Two days by road via the Karakoram Highway
Rama Valley, Astore · Photo: Obaid Hassan Qureshi, CC BY-SA 4.0
About Astore
The Astore Valley branches off the Karakoram Highway between Chilas and Gilgit and climbs south-east along the Astore River. Where Hunza and Skardu are dry and rocky, Astore is unexpectedly green — pine forests, wide meadows and villages of wooden houses.
Above Astore town, Rama Meadow sits in a forested bowl beneath Nanga Parbat’s eastern ridges, with Rama Lake a short hike higher. Further up the valley, Tarashing and the Rupal Valley face the vast Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat. And in summer, a jeep road climbs from Chilim onto the Deosai Plains and down to Skardu.
Astore suits travellers who want space and silence — and it makes a superb loop with Deosai and Skardu.
Top attractions
A forested meadow above Astore town, reached by jeep — perfect for picnics, walks and a night in nature.
In summer, a jeep road climbs from Chilim over the Deosai Plains to Skardu — one of the great drives of the north.
A small bazaar and traditional villages along the river; a good base for day trips.
A glacial lake above Rama Meadow, reached by a moderate hike of an hour or two (or partly by jeep, depending on the track).
The village of Tarashing looks up at the Rupal Face, among the tallest mountain walls on earth. Fit walkers can hike towards the base camp.
Things to do
Is it right for you?
Nature lovers and photographers who want green meadows without crowds.
Friends and active groups — hiking and camping are a big part of Astore.
Families — fine with simple facilities and a slower pace.
Road-trippers doing an Astore–Deosai–Skardu loop.
When to go
Astore is a summer destination. Snow lingers at Rama Lake into June, and the Deosai road usually opens around mid-June and closes in autumn.
| Season | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Late spring (May–Jun) | Valleys greening; higher meadows and Rama Lake still snowy. | Lower valley, quiet trips |
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | Meadows in full green and flowers; Deosai open. Best overall. | Rama Lake, Deosai, camping |
| Autumn (Sep) | Clear skies, cold nights, autumn colours starting. | Photography |
| Oct–Apr | Cold and snowy; upper valley and Deosai closed. | Not recommended |
Seasonal openings change with snowfall and repairs. We check current road and weather conditions before confirming your dates. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Getting there
Follow the Karakoram Highway (or the Babusar route in summer) to the Astore turn-off near Jaglot, then drive up the Astore River to Astore town. Allow two days from Islamabad with a night in Chilas.
Rama Meadow is a short jeep ride above Astore town.
In summer, a jeep road crosses from Chilim over the Deosai Plains to Skardu, typically a long day. We plan it with experienced drivers and allow for weather.
Some areas near the Line of Control in the upper Astore region may require permission or be closed to visitors. We check before planning those routes.
Where to stay
Astore town has simple hotels; Rama Meadow has a small number of lodges and rest-house style accommodation in a beautiful setting; Tarashing has basic guesthouses for those heading to Rupal.
Camping is a lovely option in summer with proper equipment. Facilities across Astore are modest — we choose the best available and tell you what to expect.
Sample itinerary
Meadows, lakes and Nanga Parbat’s southern face.
Via Naran and Babusar in summer, or via the KKH.
Turn off the KKH and climb the Astore valley; afternoon in Rama Meadow.
Hike to Rama Lake and back; relaxed afternoon.
Day trip to see the Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat.
Back towards Chilas — or over Deosai to Skardu to extend the trip.
Continue over Deosai to Skardu (adding 3–4 days), or combine with Fairy Meadows for both faces of Nanga Parbat.
Practical advice
Drive to Astore town (two days from Islamabad), then take a short jeep ride up to Rama Meadow.
Usually from late June or July, once snow clears from the path, until September.
Yes, in summer, by jeep over the Deosai Plains. It is one of the most scenic routes in Pakistan.
Yes, if you are comfortable with simple accommodation. Rama Meadow is easy to enjoy; the lake hike is moderate.
Keep exploring
Over the plains in summer
Nanga Parbat’s north side
Up the KKH
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Adventure and Trekking
The classic trek to the base of the world's ninth-highest mountain: route, time, difficulty and Rupal vs Raikot options.
Plan Astore your way
We will design the loop, arrange jeeps and the best stays available, and plan around the season.
