Astore District

A way leading to Astore

The Astore valley has an area of 5,092 km² and an altitude of 2,600 metres (8,500 ft). The valley has an approximately 250 square kilometres (97 sq mi) of glacier cover.[1] The nearest glacier after entering the valley is Harcho [2] and the most easily accessible glacier is Siachen.[3]

Minimarg village in Astore

Domel valley in Astore

Rainbow Lake in Astore

Astore is connected to Gilgit which is well connected by air with Islamabad and by road with Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Skardu and Chitral. It connects it with the Indian held Kashmir, Northwest connects with Azad Kashmir, in the East it connects with the Skardu, in the West it connects to outskirts of Chilas. There are two ways to access to Astore, first is via Deosai 143 kilometres (89 mi) from Skardu city[4], but it is can not be use from November to June due to heavy snowfall and second way, for all seasons, is via Jaglot 128 kilometres (80 mi) from Gilgit city.[5]

According to the Imperial Gazetteer of India, around 1600:

Ghāzī Mukhpun, a Persian adventurer, is said to have married a princess of the Skārdu reigning family. The four sons born of this union became Rās of Skārdu, Astor, Rondu, and Kharmang respectively, and from them are descended the families of the present chiefs of those places. The independence of Astor ceased at the Dogra conquest.[6]

Astore valley has a moderate climate during summer. In winter it can snow up to 2 to 3feet (60-90;cm) in the main valleys and up to 4-5;feet (100;150;cm) in the mountains. In Mirmalik valley it snows up to 6 feet (1.8 m) in February.

The main language spoken in the valley is Shina. Urdu, which is the National language of Pakistan, is the second most frequently spoken language. There are different dialect of Shina spoken in the region. Since Astore has a history of modest tourist traffic in the summer months, local guides and police in Tarashing or Astore may speak some English.

According to the Alif Ailaan Pakistan District Education Rankings 2015, Astore is ranked 32 out of 148 districts in terms of education. For facilities and infrastructure, the district is ranked 114 out of 148 and the first lady Governor of Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan) Dr. Shama Khalid belonged to Astore District.[7]

There were some negative perceptions in past due to rough mode of transport but nowadays there are paved roads connecting Gilgit and Islamabad through the Karakorum Highway. Landslides and rockfall may be an issue in some areas of the Indus Valley. There is a permanent road through Gilgit as well as seasonal road access via Deosai Plateau to Skardu. Here you can obtain all types of vehicles (Jeeps, taxis, wagons, SUVs) and hire jeeps and SUVs at affordable prices. The most used vehicles are Jeeps and SUVs with a local preference for Pajeros and Landcruisers.

Astore lies about the massive base of Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest peak in the world. To the south of the Nanga Parbat massif lies Rama Valley, which is home to Rama Lake, with basic facilities for visitors. It has a hotel called the PTDC, constructed by the government of Pakistan. Astore valley is a unique area for tourists to visit, surrounded by the high peaks of the far western Himalaya. Nearby the two river junction the village Louse, popular for apples, apricot, cherry and other fruits especially the wild almond oil. Louse a small village with literacy rate of about 95%, the only biggest power house for electricity supply up to 1000 kW to whole district approx since 1987, nearby Louse a peaks include Nanga Parbat, Shaigiri, Rupal Peak, Chongra Peak and Laila Peak (Rupal Valley). Astore Valley ascends from the Indus River Valley near Jaglot, Pakistan..

Deosai plains are the highest plateau in himalayas and are most picturesque with a bowl shaped lake, wild flowers, and a habitat of brown bear. The easiest route from Astore is via, Gorikot, (tarzay sultan abad) Gudai, Chilum and then a track leads to this area with little steep hike. It has been declared a Natural park, a special status to preserve its flora and fauna.

Rupal Valley is one of the prominent tourism spots of Astore Valley. it lies in the east of Nanga Parbat, the killer mountain (8126m). Moreover, a huge amount of water from Nanga Parbat Glacier, named Rupal River passes through Tarishing and meet with Nala Rattu at Rehmanpur. Then it flows towards east and meet with Nala Gudai at the starting point of Gorikot and become a major river of Astore Valley. This river falls in Indus River at Bunji, one of Astore Valley's village.

Allah Wali jeel also called "Allah named Lack" is one of another ancient tourism spot of Astore Valley. It is at the end of Perishing valley in Gotomsar town, 45 minute drive away from the Astore (HQ). The name Allah written by river is famous because the river passes only through the vast aisle in the huge greenfield, This aisle is in zigzag manner and name of Allah becomes obvious if it is looked from some altitude. The greenfield is nearly 5,000 m² bounded by the high altitude mountains. There is Rest House build by the government to provide night stay accommodation and kitchen facilities for both national and international tourists. The broad greenfield is attractive for sports activities. In each year an official sports[football, cricket, volleyball and swimming] tournament event is held in July and august.