Fairy Meadows
Fairy Meadows stands as an iconic destination on every Pakistani travel agenda. It ranks among the most breathtaking locales in the nation, often serving as the initial introduction to Pakistan for many travellers.
Fairy Meadows is renowned for its accessibility, making it a prime destination of Gilgit- Baltistan, Pakistan. This destination attracts a steady stream of visitors year-round, thanks to well-developed infrastructure that ensures travellers of all kinds can enjoy their visit.
If you search for “most stunning places in Pakistan,” Fairy Meadows will likely top the list. This lush plateau, nestled beneath the Mighty Nanga Parbat, is a place of unparalleled beauty. It earned its enchanting name “Fairy Meadows” when the renowned climber Herman Buhl and his German team discovered it in the 1950s and named it “Fairy Meadows” for its otherworldly charm.
This guide will provide you with comprehensive information to prepare for your visit to Fairy Meadows. It includes details on transportation options, essential items to pack, and the activities to engage in upon your arrival. Additionally, we’ll briefly touch on the exhilarating hike leading to the spectacular Nanga Parbat Base Camp.
When to visit Fairy Meadows
Fairy Meadows is accessible between April and January. For the optimal experience, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April-May or September-October.
During these periods, you can enjoy fewer local tourists.
Traveling to fairy Meadows between June and August is perfectly fine, but be prepared for larger crowds during this peak season. While the summer offers pleasant temperatures, the areas around Raikot Bridge and the valley can get quite hot.
If you opt for the shoulder months, keep in mind that it will be considerably colder, and you may encounter snowfall.
Essential items to pack
Fairy Meadows isn’t a base camp; it’s a tourist hub with cabins, shops, and even a “resort.” You don’t need to pack like you’re going off the grid. Bring warm clothes, regardless of the season, along with some electronic items like a camera, power bank and head lamp. A 35-40 liter daypack should suffice in most cases. Unless you plan to camp independently, you won’t require a tent, sleeping pad, or kitchen gear. The lodges handle food and bedding, but consider bringing a sleeping bag as lodge blankets can vary in quality.
How to get to Fairy Meadows
Your initial aim is to reach the northern province of Gilgit-Baltistan. From there, you can easily access Raikot Bridge. You have a couple of options to reach Gilgit-Baltistan.
The first choice is taking a flight from Islamabad to Gilgit. These flights are somewhat reliable, with about a 60% success rate in taking off. One-way tickets typically cost $70-100. From Gilgit Airport, it’s a two-hour drive to Raikot Bridge.
Flying is the most convenient option for those who prefer not to drive on the KKH, even though it offers stunning views.
The alternative is to travel by road, using either public or private transportation. If all goes smoothly, you will reach Raikot Bridge in approximately 14-16 hours.
Travel to Raikot Bridge
Once you’ve chosen your transportation, your next destination is Raikot Bridge.
From Gilgit, it’s a two-hour drive to Raikot Bridge. If you’re coming from the south via Besham, you’ll pass through Chilas before reaching Raikot Bridge. Traveling via Babusar Pass will also lead
you to the KKH just after Chilas. The drive to Raikot takes approximately 2 hours in both scenarios. (Altitude: 1400m)
Experience the world’s most thrilling jeep ride
This is often called one of the most dangerous roads in the world. The jeep track from Raikot bridge to Tattu village (last jeep-able point) is purely for adventure seekers. Despite its scary reputation, the road is quite safe and the drivers are highly skilled. When you reach Raikot Bridge, you’ll notice a row of jeeps parked by the roadside. The journey to the Tattu village trailhead takes about 01:30 hours. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, sit on the left side for the most exciting road views.
