Introducing Astor Valley & Nanga Parbat
The Nanga Parbat massif is the western anchor of the Great Himalaya. Its south (Rupal) face is a sheer 4500m wall, too steep for snow to stick – hence its name, Urdu for ‘Naked Mountain’. The north (Raikot) face steps down 7000m to the Indus. A large number of climbers have been killed trying to scale this mountain.
Advertisement
The hair-raising track beside it, up the Astor Valley and over the Burzil Pass, was the only link between British India and Gilgit until the Babusar Pass was opened in 1892. The India-Pakistan Line of Control has closed the Burzil, but Astor is still the best way to get up close to the mountain. Four-wheel drives regularly fell off the track until it was improved. It’s now wider and safer, but probably no more comfortable.
Astor Valley is about 75% Sunni and 25% Shiite, the latter mainly in the upper tributaries. Everyone speaks Shina and almost nobody speaks English. Some food is available in Astor, but if you’re going further or camping it’s a good idea to bring some supplies.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: Your opinions on the most spectacular treks in Pakistan
by chitralguyimran 12 September 2011
Bonjour mes amis, K2 and GL, a very beautiful trekking itinerary but full of traffic like Everest and Solo Khumbu valley in Nepal. Maz…
-
RE: Your opinions on the most spectacular treks in Pakistan
by soneri 12 September 2011
Hi Nick First of all Wellcome to Pakistan Pakistan is a beautiful country & there are many spectacular treks in the country in northern…
-
RE: SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE TREKKING THE BALTORO
by chitralguyimran 10 September 2011
Bonjour mes amis, Baltoro is a dry rugged terrain as soon as one starts the trek from Askole, after Paiyuu the moraine begins that goes…
See all Thorn Tree forum discussions for Astor Valley & Nanga Parbat
Hotels & Hostels
Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.
Advertisement
