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

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).