In a Glimpse
As you travel from Astore to Rama valley, the path is dotted with several beautiful lakes. Rama Valley is the gem of the land adorned with its meadows and the spectacular Rama Lake. The valley with its thick forests of cedar, pine and juniper trees is at an elevation of 3300 meters above sea level. The valley remains snow covered for most of the year, but in summer transforms into lush green paradise that can lead you to the east face of Nanga Parbat.
Surrounded by forests, Rama Lake is a spectacular site from where you can hike up the base of Nanga Parbat.
The crystal clear water of Rama Lake, reflecting the mountains in its backdrop, is a soothing sight for visitors who arrive after a strenuous hike or drive. The picturesque beauty of the surroundings makes it the best among many natural attractions in the area.
The lake offers a unique sight because of its crystal clear waters that alter colors owing to weather and sunlight variance. The snow-capped Himalayas and thick forest of the huge pine, cedar, fir, and juniper trees, spread along the valley render it a unique feature. Rama Lake, with all these features adding up to its shimmery water, is an amazing place to visit for tourists.
Among many incredibly enchanting lakes in the neighborhood of Skardu Valley, Rama Lake (Urdu: راماسرجھیل ‎), at the top of Astore valley, has its significance. Eastern slopes of Nanga Parbat massif hold this gem in its lap, the Rama Lake. It is a high-altitude mountain lake at an elevation of 3507m above sea level, in the Rama Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan.
Accessing Rama Lake
Rama lake is at a 4 km distance from Rama meadows. The road from Astore valley to reach Rama Lake is full of adventurous drive, a test of strong nerves and driving skills. The drive from Astore to Rama Lake is only 11 km long but may take a couple of hours due to the challenging terrain of the area.
The rough road called Rama Road is only suitable for travel by Jeep. The road passes through remote areas and cell phone connectivity is also weak at most of the route. The road is closed from September to June due to extreme weather and possible landslides but remains accessible throughout the summer.
Activities at Rama Lake
The lake provides unmatched opportunities for nature photography. In winter this lake remains frozen for half of the year from October to March. In summers, the valley turns into lush verdant green.
You can cherish the reflection of the mighty Nanga Parbat and its neighboring peaks in the turquoise blue water of Rama Lake. In summer, the lake water is warm enough to enjoy swimming, but in winter the lake remains frozen.
Rama lake provides adequate trout stock to try fishing. Camping at the lake site is illustrious; to explore the forests around, the beauty of color-changing pure lake-water, grazing cows, horses, and stargazing as well.
The most significant sports event Rama Valley is famous for is the annual Polo Festival. Different polo teams from various districts of Gilgit Baltistan take part in the polo festival every year. Thousands of spectators flock in to witness Polo matches and festivities, from all around the country.
Accommodation
There are two options available to stay in Rama Valley. Rest houses of FWO and Forest department rest have accommodations that require reservations in advance.
Camping near Rama Lake is a good option for tourists. However, the weather is cold even in summers and gets chilly in the evenings.
