General
Tarashing & Ratu Tour (6 Days) (2026-27)
Explore the Tarashing & Ratu Tour, a breathtaking excursion through Astore Valley’s isolated Himalayan scenery. First, experience Tarashing’s glacier streams, hamlet fields, and stunning views of Nanga Parbat. Then head to Ratu for forested slopes, alpine pastures, and calm mountain towns. Furthermore, beautiful excursions and cultural encounters enhance each stage. Thus, this six-day excursion is ideal for nature enthusiasts, photographers, families, and explorers.
In addition to this tour, we also offer the following Astore Valley Tours & Short Treks, as shown in the table below.
Itinerary – Tarashing & Ratu Tour (6 Days)
The itinerary for the tour is given below.
Day 02: Drive to Tarashing Valley
On this Day
Leave Chilas and follow the Karakoram Highway to Thalichi, where the route curves toward Astore Valley. Follow the Astore River through rocky gorges, scattered settlements, and agricultural terraces before arriving at Eidgah and Gorikot. Continue driving a suitable mountain vehicle toward Tarashing, the entryway to Rupal Valley and Nanga Parbat's southern flank. In a secluded mountain location, stay at a local guesthouse or camp, surrounded by glacier streams, pastures, forested slopes, and imposing Himalayan landscapes.
Day 03: Explore Tarashing and Rupal Valley
On this Day
Explore Tarashing and continue the trek to Rupal Valley, crossing the glacial terrain near Tarashing Glacier with the help of a local guide. Continue via village pathways, willow and poplar trees, cultivated fields, and wide meadows with stunning views of Nanga Parbat's Rupal Face. The walk can be customized based on fitness and terrain conditions. Return to Tarashing after sightseeing, photography, and interaction with local populations, and then relax at the hotel or campsite.
Day 04: Exploration of Rattu
On this Day
Depart Tarashing and retrace the mountain path through Gorikot to Eidgah before connecting the route to Ratu, also known as Rattu. The tour takes you through varied landscapes, including river basins, woodlands, alpine meadows, and traditional communities. After arriving in Ratu, enjoy the accessible vistas, streams, hamlet environs, and the area's naturally picturesque slopes. Learn about its significance as a high-altitude training location, and relax in the tranquil mountain surroundings.
Day 05: Return to Astore - Chilas
On this Day
Before returning, explore Ratu's woodland surrounds, riverside vistas, alpine meadows, and local village panoramas. Drive back through Astore Valley toward Thalichi, taking in vistas of the Astore River and the steep mountains that surround the route. Rejoin the Karakoram Highway and proceed to Chilas, with pauses scheduled based on road conditions and group preferences. Check into your hotel in Chilas and prepare for the final trip to Islamabad.
Day 06: Drive to Islamabad
On this Day
Follow the Karakoram Highway from Chilas to Besham, passing stunning rock formations, mountain towns, and river vistas along the way. Continue through Mansehra and the Hazara Motorway to Islamabad, stopping at convenient rest stops for lunches and refreshments. The change in scenery shows the passage from Gilgit-Baltistan's rocky valleys to the greener foothills and metropolitan plains. Arrive in Islamabad, where the six-day Tarashing and Rattu journey wraps up with unforgettable Himalayan experiences.
Dates & Cost – Tarashing & Ratu Tour
All seasons are considered good for the Tarashing & Ratu Tour. Considering the inflow of tourists all year round, our dates are open throughout the year, and your bookings will be 100% guaranteed even if you are a single traveler. Our prices and dates for this tour (all seasons) are given below.
| Season | Months | Tour Start Date | Price Per Person (USD) | Minimum Travellers Required | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Mid-November to February, 2026 | Daily | 780 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Spring | March to May, 2026 | Daily | 780 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Summer | June to Mid- September, 2026 | Daily | 780 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Autumn | Mid-September to Mid November, 2026 | Daily | 780 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Season | Months | Tour Start Date | Price Per Person (USD) | Minimum Travellers Required | Register |
Holiday Information
- Pickup from hotel or vacation rental before sightseeing
- Drop at hotel or vacation rental after sightseeing
- Guided sightseeing tour according to itinerary above
- Map (hard copy)
- Licensed professional guide (english speaking)
- SUV/mini-van/car (depending on number of people)
- Driver
- All entry/admission tickets
- Bottled water in car (fair usage policy)
- Toll & parking fees
- Drop after 10 pm (Drivers & Guide's working hours end at 10pm)
- Gratuities/tips for guides/drivers, etc
- Meals, snacks and drinks (our guide will make recommendations after consultation with guests)
- Accommodation (can be arranged at additional cost according to your budget)
- Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
- Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents can be offered if requested for multiday tours)
- Refunds in case of early tour windup/closure due to any reason
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Highlights
The tour has a lot to offer. The main highlights are given below.
- Explore Tarashing village, gateway to Rupal Valley.
- Admire Nanga Parbat’s Rupal Face from nearby trails.
- Cross Tarashing Glacier beside dramatic mountain scenery.
- Walk through Rupal Valley meadows and farmland.
- Experience Astore Valley roads beside rushing rivers.
- Discover Ratu village surrounded by forested slopes.
- Enjoy Ratu streams flowing through alpine landscapes.
- View traditional settlements across Astore’s mountain valleys.
- Follow Karakoram Highway beside the Indus River.
- Capture Himalayan landscapes throughout the scenic journey.
As Featured In:
Photo Gallery
Overview – Tarashing & Ratu Tour
The Tarashing & Ratu Tour combines two stunning views of Astore Valley into one wonderful mountain excursion. Beginning in Islamabad, the journey travels via scenic roadways until Chilas before entering Astore’s rocky interior. Tarashing greets visitors with cultivated fields, glacial streams, tranquil towns, and breathtaking vistas of Nanga Parbat. Furthermore, the settlement acts as an entrance to Rupal Valley and the mountain’s renowned southern face. Guided walks show off alpine meadows, glacier views, local towns, and serene Himalayan scenery. This excursion is ideal for nature enthusiasts, photographers, families, and travelers looking for real northern Pakistan experiences.
After exploring Tarashing, the group continues to Ratu, also known as Rattu. The forested slopes, running streams, traditional towns, and open pastures provide a welcome contrast. Ratu is well recognized for its natural skiing terrain and high-altitude training activities during the snowy months. The Tarashing & Ratu Tour combines scenic drives, mild exploration, cultural experiences, and pleasant overnight stays. Furthermore, the return through Astore and Chilas provides different views along the Indus corridor. Overall, this six-day plan includes Himalayan adventure, rural beauty, and unforgettable views without requiring a lengthy trekking excursion.
