Rupal Valley

The Rupal Valley is located in the Astore District of Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region. It lies just south of 8,126 meter Nanga Parbat and is popular for treks to the mountain's Rupal Face, one of highest mountain faces in the world. Rupal Village is located in the valley at 35°13′38.76″N 74°42′26.60″E / 35.2274333°N 74.7073889°E / 35.2274333; 74.7073889. The Rupal is home to Shina speaking herdsmen, who have grazed and harvested wood in the valley for hundreds of years. Overgrazing has caused some loss of vegetation, leading to wind-blown dust. Towering peaks on either side of the valley make it a breathtaking, albeit remote destination for adventurers. Most treks to the Rupal Valley begin in the village of Tarashing, located at the southwestern terminus of the Astore Valley.