The valley, adjoining the eastern side of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), is about 120 km long and 5,092 km² in area. The entrance of the valley is located about 60 km southeast of Gilgit with four side valleys.The valley is famous for different kind of important medicinal plants and herbs. In summer, the colors of valley become very much attractive due to different flowers of different colors. Astore valley lies in the famous peaks of Nanga Parbat, Chongra Peak, and Rupal Peak. It includes different lush green valleys and lakes which are the main attraction for tourists. It is accessible through Gilgit as well as from Skardu through Deosai Plains. From Skardu through Deosai Plain is an adventurous four-wheel drive within the colorful and attractive view of Deosai. It is also connected with Minimerg on the extreme side of Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir.

Treks

Mazino Pass

Rama Lake

Range:                                 Himalaya

Maximum height:              5377 m

Trek Standard:     easy to Strenuous

Zone:                           Open

Duration:   12days(5 hotel and 7 camps)

Best time:    June to September

Mazino Pass Trek

This is one of the interesting treks in the newly born District Astore in the south of Gilgit-Baltistan. The trek starts from the last village of Tarashing there are about 150 houses in the village at the altitude of 3000 meters. There are some simple hotels to stay and dine on your arrival. The people from the Tarashing and Gorikot a down village gather for the job of porters as soon as they hear the trekkers arrived. There are fields of wheat in the village most of the villagers’ source of economy depends on the agriculture. Live stock is also important part of their economy.

TREK ITINERARY 

Day 1- Arrival Islamabad sightseeing Islamabad and Rawalpindi                                      Hotel

Day 2- Drive to Chilas over Babusar Pass (4100m) 10 to 12 hours                                      Hotel

Day3- Drive to Tarashing from where the trek starts 5-6 hours                                           Hotel

Day 4- Trek to Latobo 4-5 hours                                                                                                  Camp

Day 5-Trek to Shaigiri 2 to 3 hours                                                                                              Camp

Day 6- Trek to Mazino lower Base camp 3-4 houra                                                                  Camp

Day 7- Trek to Mazino High Camp 4 to 5 hour                                                                           Camp

Day 8- Trek to Loiba accrossing the pass 8 to 10 hours                                                           Camp

Day 9-Trek to Zangot 3 to 4 hours                                                                                                 Camp

Day 10- Trek to Halela and Drive to Chilas 5 to 7 hours                                                           Hotel

Day 11-Drive to Islamabad 10 to 12 hours along the KKH                                                       Hotel

Day 12- Fly Home                                             Transfer to Airport

There are two other options to go around Nanaga Parbat trek of another 4-5 days.