Welcome to Astore
(Capital: Astore, Area: 12,381km2 Population: 190,000)
Welcome to the verdant valley of Astore! The crystal-clear water, natural lakes, glorious springs; admirable scenic area, hospitable people in their traditional villages are without compare! The virtually untouched fragile eco-systems with a variety of wild flowers will enhance your visit.
Deosai National Park
One of the most enigmatic places on earth is located above the tree line at an average elevation of (13,500ft, 4114.8m). DNP is the highest national park in the world! This undulated plain is surrounded by mountains and covers an area of almost 3,000 square kilometers, where an impressive variety of endemic species of flora and fauna thrive. Home of the Himalayan Brown Bear, it is the residence of the core population of the endangered species. Wildflowers make the plain radiant with bright colors throughout the summer. Its beauty will enchant and captivate you. The CEO of Balafama Eco Travel & Tours was the first conservationist from the Gilgit-Baltistan to struggle to preserve the remaining population the Himalayan Brown Bear and was a pioneer team member of Deosai National Park. He dedicated many years to save the Himalayan Brown Bears, install free medical health camps and give awareness presentations to the schools and communities with the aim of protecting the endangered species and eco-systems with a major focus on Deosai National Park.
Rama Lake
The enthralling beauty of Rama will captivate you forever because of its charm. The high altitude of the Protected Forest area, crystal clear lake, ancient glacier, summer pasture huts and agricultural lands will mesmerize you and assure you of treasured memories for a long period of time. Balafama Eco Travel & Tours is already working with local villagers to conserve the native species of flora/fauna. We are educating the communities by arranging an awareness-raising campaign for the protection of endangered species and their eco-systems. In Rama, a myriad of different species of flora and fauna exist in a variety of habitats. I draw your attention to them and encourage you to assist in the preservation of these regional treasures for future generations.
Minimarg/Neelam Valley
You will drive to remote villages, and whatever discoveries you make, will depend on the season. In summer there will be wildflowers, and stunning crystalline streams and rivers, abundant. You will also experience local foods and converse with locals. Through Chota Deosai, there is another thrilling chance of a lifetime to visit Minimarg. You might glimpse a Himalayan Brown Bear. This scenic jeep trip will take you to the last boundary of GB and connect to the Neelam Valley, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir. Before the separation of Pakistan and India, this was the only connecting road from India to Gilgit-Baltistan from the Shounter Valley. The (12,467.19ft, 3,800m) Shounter Pass separates Azad Kashmir from Astore Valley.
North Face of Killer Mountain (Nanga Perbat) or Tarishing
At (9,514.436ft, 2,900m) elevation, Tarishing Road leads through quaint villages at the foot of the northern part of the massive Nanga Parbat. Colossal Nanga Parbat and the spectacular Tarishing Glacier are ideal for travelers and trekkers. Tarishing village serves as base camp for all of the trekkers/climbers heading up to Nanga Parbat, Rupal, and Mazeeno Pass.
