Rama Valley

Northern areas of Pakistan are on every tourist bucket list, and they want to enjoy the best. The main struggle is to decide where they should go and enjoy everything in one place. Based on recommendations and reviews from locals and travelers, there is no other place like Rama in Astore Gilgit Baltistan.

It is the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas, with meadows and mountain peaks. Here is what you need to know about Rama before you plan a visit to this magical place.

Weather

Rama valley has moderate weather conditions from May to August. The temperature in these months is between 15°C to 25°C. In September and October, a chilly environment makes the temperature fall. Winter months, December to January, are very severe because the temperature ranges between -7°C to 0°C. In midwinter, snowfall presents a beautiful view. The frequency of rain is twice a week, which adds to the beauty of this valley.

When is the Best Time to Visit Rama?

The best time to visit is May to August because of the moderate temperature. During the summer, nature is fully mature, so the lake and meadows present a beautiful view. In the winter season, there are chances of land sliding. The track to Rama becomes blocked, so it is better not to visit in winter. Internet and mobile signal reception also become weak during snowfall. The snow falling in the winter adds to the lake’s beauty, and so many tourists also visit it in winter. It is your choice to select a month for a visit, but it is risky in winter. However, from May to August, there is no chance of land sliding, so these months are best for visiting and enjoying Rama.

Things to Bring Before Visiting Rama Valley 

Here are a few of the most important things you must pack before visiting the valley.

·         Hiking Shoes

·         Warm Clothes

·         Umbrella/ Raincoat

·         Camping Essentials

·         Sleeping bags

·         Eatables

·         Plenty of water

·         Extra socks

·         Emergency kit

·         Small toolbox

·         Tent and sleeping pads

Snow-Covered Valley in Winter

Rama is a stunning place for visitors because it offers much to enjoy. Standing anywhere in the valley, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley, especially when it is covered with snow in the winter. It feels like a wonderland or a fairyland when everything is wrapped around a white shawl of snow. This experience is unmatchable to any other experience in the world. And if you visit the frozen Rama lake with misty snow-covered peaks surrounding it, you will never want to leave.

Lush Green Paradise in Summer

If you visit the Rama valley in summer, it offers different views. In summer, the valley is filled with lush green grass, and you can enjoy the views of wildflowers scattered along the paths or on the hills. Due to heavy snowfall during the winters, when summer arrives, all the melted ice converts into fresh water that flows through the streams and waterfalls of the valley. Especially the Rama lake is there to welcome you with all its beauty during the summers when it is filled with crystalline water and beautiful background of meadows and mountains.

Rama Meadows

One of the most attractive features of this valley is the vast starches of fields that add to its beauty. Visitors can enjoy a variety of fauna and flora that graces these fields in the summer months. The valley is blessed with sweeps of beautiful blooms of different types of flowers in summer. The place looks magical, with all the blooming flowers and butterflies flying around. Summer pastures are of great ecological importance because they feed the Rama valley’s livestock.

Rama Lake

Rama Lake is one of the most beautiful Himalayan lakes located in the valley. The lake offers swimming and fishing facilities for its visitors. It can be reached via Astore. This beautiful and scenic lake, with its clear blue water and reflection of the beauty around it, is one of the best-kept secrets of Rama valley. Camping nearby the lake is a very soothing experience.

Beautiful View of Nanga Parbat

Nanga Parbat is the 9th highest mountain in the world, also known as the killer mountain with its prominent peaks and challenging climb. Many people go to the fairy meadows to enjoy the beauty of Nanga Parbat, but you can also enjoy the full view of this majestic mountain from the Rama valley.

Annual Polo Festival

The tourism department of Gilgit-Baltistan has organized the annual Rama Festival in the first week of July since 2011. The purpose of this festival is to promote tourism in Astore valley from all over the world. This festival continues for three days. A large number of visitors come to attend the festival every year. This fabulous festival represents GB’s culture, traditions, and heritage worldwide. It is held on a considerable green ground, and polo is played with the help of beautiful and strong horses. Teams from other valleys take part in the Rama festival. The tourism department of Gilgit-Baltistan bears all the expenditures of the festival. The management has allocated a separate pavilion for women to enjoy the matches and festival. In addition, a Meena Bazaar is also set up through which local women display and sell traditional crafts. Every year there is a high turnout of tourists from Pakistan and other countries worldwide. Moreover, there are traditional dances, food, dresses, folk music, and much more for the enjoyment of tourists at this festival. If you want to be a part of this beautiful festival, visit Roma Valley in July.

Things to Do in Rama

The serene valley is a majestic place packed with many activities for travelers. You can go for walks and hikes around the valley or to a nearby village. Stroll in the ancient streets, walk to different scenic spots and enjoy the view. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful huts and houses among the meadows with the backdrop of mighty peaks. Hiking and trekking are the most enjoyed activities at the Rama.

Hiking Towards Rama Lake & Nanga Parbat

Hiking is one of the most enjoyed activities by tourists visiting the Rama valley. Once they have enjoyed all the nearby beautiful attractions, it’s time to witness the beauty of Rama Lake, which lies in the foothills of the majestic Nanga Parbat Mountain. You have to trek for 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the beautiful Rama lake from Rama valley. Therefore wear comfortable clothing and shoes so that the journey can be enjoyable. Due to the ever-changing weather conditions of the valley, it would be best to pack your backpack with a raincoat and extra pair of shoes and clothes. It would also be wise to pack some protein-rich eatables to keep you energized during trekking towards the lake and Nanga Parbat. The parts you have to track are uneven, but it offers spectacular views of the fields, flowers, and animals that make it worthwhile.

Camping at Rama Meadows & Rama Lake

Another beautiful thing about being in the Rama valley is its opportunities for visitors to camp. There are many camping spots in the valley, such as the Rama lake or the Rama meadows. These locations are equally beautiful and suitable for camping. Make sure you have packed everything required for a successful camping trip so you can enjoy more and fret less. While camping near Rama Lake or in the meadows, you can enjoy the peace and calmness of the valley that can instantly calm your irritated nerves and muscles. You can also enjoy stargazing at night here.

Fishing in Rama Lake Astore

Many tourists usually enjoy fishing in Rama Lake Astor and its surrounding streams. Rama Lake is enriched with many fish species like trout, brown trout, pike, perch, and carp. Visitors can fish in the summer when the lake water is abundant and flowing. However, frozen water cannot do fishing in the winter season. Do not forget to bring a fishing rod and the necessary gear.

Swimming in the Lake

Rama Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the GB. The color of the water changes dramatically with daylight and turns greenish-blue from dark green. The primary source of water is the glaciers around Rama Lake. In the summer season, the water is warm enough to swim. While swimming, you can also enjoy the beauty of the meadows and the surrounding peaks. In winter, Rama lakes freeze because the temperature falls from 0℃ to freezing. It remains frozen from December to March, so no one can enjoy swimming.

Staying Facility in Rama Valley

Rama valley is a base to explore the whole valley around lakes and other waterfalls. Since Rama valley is very well connected to nearby villages and recreational areas, travelers can enjoy them while staying there. The valley offers many facilities and accommodations that can make your stay very comfortable. All the locations can be accessed by visiting one of the following guest rooms or hotels.

·         Wazir Guest House Rama Astore

·         PTDC Motel Rama

·         Rama Paragon Guest House

·         Rama Green View Hotel

·         Rama Valley Hut

All these hotels are equipped with facilities to let you enjoy a comfortable trip to Rama valley. When you reach the valley, look around and explore your options. Select the best-staying facility that resonates with your needs.

How to Reach Rama?

Reaching Rama valley is very easy. When you arrive at the exit for fairy Meadows on the Karakorum highway, keep driving for half an hour. Soon you will see a board directing you towards Astore. Head on this road, and it will take 2 to 3 hours to reach the beautiful astore valley. If you get to the astore valley by noon, it is recommended that you stay here for a night, enjoy the scenic beauty, and rest for the trip ahead to reach the Rama valley. The road from astore to the valley was previously very rugged, but now it has been cemented, making it easy for you to travel on it. Mostly jeeps or 4×4 vehicles work best on these roads. Once you have reached the Rama valley and are interested in visiting Rama Lake, it will take another 1.5 hours of trekking.

Gilgit Baltistan to Rama Distance:

Gilgit Baltistan is blessed with so many beautiful locations and tourist destinations. One of them is the Rama valley Astore. It is located 52.4 KM away from Gilgit Baltistan.

Rama Location:

Rama valley, the cradle of peaks, lakes, and meadows, is located in Astore valley of Gilgit Baltistan. When you reach Astore, Rama valley can be reached through a drivable cemented Rama road.

FAQs

How much is the height of Rama Valley?

Rama valley Astore is a densely forested Valley with juniper, cedar, and pine trees. It is located at a height of 10 800 feet above sea level.

How is the Road to Reach Rama Astore?

The road was previously in bad shape but is now cemented recently. So it makes driving easier.

Is Rama valley worth visiting?

The beautiful Rama valley, also known as the land of pastures, is dotted with beautiful lakes and natural scenery. As the traveler moves from Astore to Rama valley, you can enjoy many lovely lakes along the path. Its beautiful meadows and trees create a mind-blowing site to experience and enjoy.

Conclusion

Rama valley is a unique and majestic valley in the heart of the Himalayan range. The secluded valley, green pastures and snowcapped mountains surrounding the Rama valley will surely amaze you. It is heaven for nature lovers or adventurers looking for peace and calmness. Visitors can enjoy short picnics, green meadows, peaceful mornings, and peaceful evenings in the valley.