Lake or water
Rama Lake
Astore district · 3,300 m
Rama Lake sits above the Rama meadow and its coniferous forest, with Nanga Parbat behind it.
Rama is a scenic place west of Astore town: summer pastures surrounded by mature coniferous forest. The book calls it an idyllic spot to rest and acclimatise, and it is just that. The lake above it is small and lovely, with Chongra Peak rising on its western side.
Kind Lake or waterDistrict AstoreElevation 3,300 mPosition 35.330° N, 74.786° E
About Rama Lake
The walk from Astore is a gentle introduction to the district. The footpath starts in the main bazaar and winds west across green, rolling fields that are knee deep in flowers in July. You can camp at about 3,150 m on the edge of a wide field covered in edelweiss.
From the lake, the Sachen glacier trek begins. You can also walk on to Tarishing, where the shepherds are always welcoming.
The book ties Rama to the Rupal trek. It recommends two days at Rama, followed by 4 to 5 days up the Rupal valley.
On our Deosai and Skardu overland, Rama is the last day in the mountains before the road back to Gilgit, and Nanga Parbat shows from here on its eastern side.
Elsewhere in Astore
Swipe along the district, from the valley floor to the summits.
Conservancy · 2,600 m
Astore
Astore is a markhor conservancy and the district's main town, with treks to Rama, Rupal and the Deosai plateau starting from here.
- 3,100 m
Town or village
Rupal
Rupal lies under the Rupal face of Nanga Parbat, the largest mountain wall on earth at 4,600 m of relief.
- 2,800 m
Town or village
Minimarg
Minimarg lies beyond the Burzil Pass, at the far end of the Astore district.
- 4,100 m
Pass
Burzil Pass
Burzil Pass stands at 4,100 m, where the old Srinagar to Gilgit road crossed before the highway existed.
Safari ground · 4,142 m
Sheosar Lake
Sheosar Lake lies at 4,142 m on the Deosai plateau, in brown bear country, and it is the site of our mobile camp.