Astore Valley

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.

Mansehra to Besham

120km

Good Road and it takes about 3 hrs 30 min to travel

Besham to Chilas

200km

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

Chilas to Raikot Bridge

57

Rough Road (Suitable for all cars) and it takes about 1 hr 30 min to travel

Raikot Bridge to Astore KKH Chowk

12

Excellent Road and it takes about 15 min to travel

Astore KKH Chowk to Astore Valley

44

Rough Road and it takes about 2 hrs 30 min to travel

Murree to Muzaffarabad

70km

Good Road and it takes about 2 hrs to travel

Muzaffarabad to Balakot

40km

Good Road and it takes about 1 hr 30 min to travel

Balakot to Naran

80km

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

Naran to Babusar

60km

Good Road with few rough patches and it takes about 2 hrs to travel

Babusar to Chilas

50km

Good Road and it takes about 1 hr to travel

Chilas to Raikot Bridge

57km

Some Rough Patches (Suitable for all cars) and it takes about 1 hr 30 min to travel

Raikot Bridge to Astore KKH Chowk

12km

Excellent Road and it takes about 15 min to travel

Astore KKH Chowk to Astore Valley

44km

Rough Road (Suitable for all cars) and it takes about 2 hr 30 min to travel

Mansehra to Balakot

44km

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

Balakot to Naran

80km

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

Naran to Babusar

60km

Good Road with few rough patches and it takes about 2 hrs to travel

Babusar to Chilas

50km

Good Road and it takes about 1 hr to travel

Chilas to Raikot Bridge

57km

Rough Road (Suitable for all cars) and it takes about 1 hr 30 mins to travel

Raikot Bridge to Astore KKH Chowk

12km

Excellent Road and it takes about 15 min to travel

Astore KKH Chowk to Astore Valley

44km

Rough Road and it takes about 2 hrs 30 min to travel

×

This is the text popup.

Information

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.

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.

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).