Introduction to Astore, Pakistan
Astore, a district of Gilgit Baltistan, is considered the 9th highest mountain globally and home to Nanga Parbat. Constituting around 100 towns, it presents out-of-the-world beauty where the mountains touch skies, streams meet lakes, and lush green meadows seem like hills.
Snow-covered or not snow-covered, Astore attracts adventurers and tourists from across the world. Nanga Parbat, Fairy Meadows, and Rainbow Lake are a few names of why this town is so famous. If you plan to visit this town, below is a detailed guide on what place you need to visit and when. Let us dive right into the topic!
Best Places to Visit in Astore Valley
Here are some of the best places to visit in Astore Valley!
1- Rama Meadows
Situated at 11 kilometers from Astore Valley, Rama Meadows is breathtakingly beautiful. Rama Village and Rama Lake are adjacent to the meadows that you can visit via jeeps. Moreover, the peace and vibe you will find at the place is the kind you cannot find anywhere else.
Once you visit this place, you will fall in love with the environment. The children can be seen playing exciting games. Men and women work in fields. Another exciting thing about Rama is its welcoming people. They are always more than happy to warm you in their cozy home and serve you food. Do not forget to have a native tell you fantastic tales about the place.
2- Fairy Meadows
All the hype of Fairy Meadows on Instagram is justified because this place is one of a kind. It is situated a short distance from Raikot Bridge, and the only way to get here is by using a jeep. First, you reach Tattu village via jeep, then; you walk on foot to the meadows. The walk is tiring, being 2 – 3 hours long. Though the path to fairyland is difficult and long, the effort is all worth it.
Standing in Fairy Meadows, you get a serene view of Nanga Parbat and Raikot Glacier. There are many huts built that serve hot tea and native fruit.
3- Rainbow Lake
Rainbow Lake is a small piece of heaven on earth. Filled with serenity and pure beauty, this lake lies near Domel valley. Right in the middle of adjoining mountains, with clean water streams joining the lake from one side and fresh greenery covering the place, it is alluring in its own itself.
What makes this lake magical is that its water changes color between green and turquoise depending on the time of the day. This is also the reason why it is called Rainbow Lake. Camping around it is the best way to absorb its beauty.
4- Domel Astore
The Himalayan range of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, homes a dreamy land called Domel. It is a lake of crystal-clear water, bordered with lush green. The greenery keeps going up until it puts on the shape of sky-touching mountains.
Sheltered with multi-faceted mountains on all four sides, Domel is a peaceful place every human deserves to visit at least once in their life. There are hotels, cafes, and small huts selling edibles and other items.
5- Chillim Astore
Chillim Astore is where Astore Valley ends, and Deosai National Plains of Skardu starts. Like most meadows, this is a stop with greenery, trees, and little huts, which reside among giant mountains with the sky above.
6- Gutumsar Valley
Gutumsar Valley is a calm, peaceful, and alluring place in Astore. The days here are bright with green nature, blue sky, and stony mountains. The nights are filled with dark grey skies giving a show of shining stars. Moreover, camping here is a must for all adventurous souls out there.
Interesting Facts about Astore
Did you know that Astore serves as a home to around 120 birds, including migratory and residents? You can find Golden Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Himalayan Snowcock, and many others. This is the reason why bird lovers from across the world visit this place and praise its immense beauty.
Astore is considered photogenic by many production houses. Yes, many famous Pakistani dramas have been recorded there. International photographers and tourists come here to take iconic pictures.
1- The Adventurous Factor
All adventure lovers must hike the mountains like Royal Peak and Chong. You can take advantage of meadows to satisfy your thirst for trekking. The best thing is jeep riding on dangerous tracks. The sharp turns, narrow roads, and bridges can make the jeep riding experience extraordinarily thrilling and exciting for you.
2- The Best Time to Visit Astore
You can visit Gilgit Baltistan anytime during the year. It depends on you what time you want to go. If you prefer to avoid the rush and crowds picnicking at meadows, visit in February.
In July, Astore weather is clear with no gloominess. The temperature can get up to 14℃ but usually stay at 10℃. Another benefit of visiting in July is that the Sun stays out the longest during this month. It will be a true treat for your eyes to see Sunset and Sunrise from the mountains of Gilgit.
In December, Astore weather is dry with no chances of rain. You will not have to get wet if you demand your tour.
The Bottom Line: Astore
Astore valley of Pakistan is a thrilling tourist spot. It is famous for heavenly meadows, romantic huts, beautiful lakes, and calming streams. There is a lot you can do in this heaven on earth. Trekking, mountaineering, camping, and sightseeing is done in Astore will prove to be an experience you cannot forget in a lifetime.
Though it is not a big town but rather a medium-sized one, the meadows and villages, and the welcoming people are what makes it worth visiting.
Moreover, there are top-notch restaurants, hotels, and cafes. You will not feel deficient of any facility while in Astore.
I hope you liked this article, do check more for the relevant worth-reading articles.