Astore Valley & Minimarg

Astore Valley & Minimarg

Rama's alpine lakes and the hidden green world of Minimarg.

regionGilgit-Baltistan
duration6 days
base elev.2600 m
group4–12
departsLahore / Islamabad
fromRs 32,500

Rama Meadows and Rama Lake, the towering Rupal face of Nanga Parbat, and the remote emerald valley of Minimarg near the Kashmir frontier. This 6-day journey pairs Nanga Parbat country with comfortable stays, unhurried pacing and a guide who knows every bend of the road.

/ trip highlights

What makes it unforgettable

  • Rama Meadows & Rama Lake (3300 m) ringed by pine forest
  • Nanga Parbat (8126 m) framed from the Rama viewpoint
  • The remote, emerald valley of Minimarg
  • Domail — the meeting of rivers — and Rainbow Lake
/ elevation profile

Day-by-day itinerary

▲ 1265 m

Day 1

Lahore / Islamabad → Chilas

Karakoram Highway along the Indus gorge.

▲ 3300 m

Day 2

Chilas → Astore → Rama Meadows

Turn off the KKH at Jaglot and climb through Astore to the Rama meadows.

▲ 3300 m

Day 3

Rama Lake day

Walk or jeep up to Rama Lake with Nanga Parbat towering behind.

▲ 2800 m

Day 4

Astore → Minimarg via Rattu & Domail

Cross into the lush Minimarg valley near the frontier (permits required).

▲ 2900 m

Day 5

Minimarg, Domail & Rainbow Lake

Explore Minimarg village, the Domail confluence and Rainbow Lake.

▲ 507 m

Day 6

Astore → Islamabad / Lahore

Long, scenic return drive down the Karakoram Highway.

/ the fine print

What's included

Included

  • Private 4x4 / coaster transport
  • Hotels, guesthouses & alpine camping
  • Daily breakfast & dinner
  • English/Urdu speaking guide
  • Astore & Minimarg permits

Not included

  • Airfare to Islamabad
  • Lunches & personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
/ from the field

Gallery

Astore Valley & MinimargAstore Valley & MinimargAstore Valley & Minimarg
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Plan it well

New to the north? Our guide — Northern Pakistan Travel Guide — covers the best season, what to pack and what to expect on the ground.