Travel Guide To Fairy Meadows Pakistan

Fairy Meadows Pakistan: Travel Guide

Fairy Meadows is a classic stop on any Pakistan trip. It’s one of the most stunning places in the country, and it’s probably how most people first discover Pakistan.

Fortunately, Fairy Meadows is also one of the most accessible locations in Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan. It’s visited year-round, and the infrastructure is well-established to cater to all visitors.

Of course, you’ll first have to endure an exhausting jeep ride and then a walk to Fairy Meadows. While relatively “comfortable” to visit, Fairy Meadows still requires some work. This is still Pakistan, after all.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Fairy Meadows, including but not limited to where to stay, how to get there, what to pack, and what to do once you arrive. Of course, we’ll also (briefly) cover the hike to the legendary Nanga Parbat Base Camp. But enough about the introduction – let’s get started!

What is Fairy Meadows?

Search “most beautiful places in Pakistan” on Google; the first result will probably be Fairy Meadows. This green plateau sits just below the majestic Nanga Parbat and is unlike anywhere else. Words cannot describe how beautiful this area is.

Although Fairy Meadows was inhabited before becoming a tourist destination, it didn’t get its charming name until the legendary Hermann Buhl and his German climbing companions arrived in the 1950s. Upon seeing it, they named the place Mårchenwiese, which, as one might expect, means “Fairy Meadows”.

Autumn colors at Fairy Meadows

Ice, forest, mountains, and sky all mixed to form perfection. Fairy Meadows is characterized by its lush vegetation and proximity to the Karakoram Highway and Nanga Parbat. Below, in the Indus River valley, sandstorms are scaring truckers bound for China, while above, the cold, lifeless slopes of Nanga Parbat loom at 8,000 meters. Fairy Meadows lies between these two picturesque landscapes – an oasis of pine trees, miniature lakes, and gentle pastures.

The Germans were right to settle in the Fairy Meadows region and use it as a base camp. The region is 3,300 meters above sea level and has a pleasant climate, making it a perfect base to relax while planning an excursion to Nanga Parbat.

Today, the Fairy Meadows region is practically a right of passage for anyone visiting Pakistan, both foreigners and locals. Sometimes, everyone stays in a cabin for a few days to see the killer mountain. Also, the crazy jeep ride to the meadows is worth it!

When to Visit Fairy Meadows?

The best time to visit Fairy Meadows is between April and October. However, the best months are April, May, September, and October. These are transition months, meaning the number of tourists in Pakistan will drop significantly, and prices will drop significantly.

Fairy Meadows Hotels

If you visit at the end of the season, the temperatures will be very cold! June to August is a good time to visit Fairy Meadows, but it will be very crowded. This is when Punjabis and Sindhis go on vacation, and Fairy Meadows, one of Pakistan’s most popular tourist attractions, will get crowded. Although the Raikot Bridge and the valley are like an oven, the temperatures are comfortable in the summer.

If you plan to visit during the transition months, be aware that the weather will be colder, and there is a chance of snow. In April, Fairy Meadows was hit by a freak storm, and people were hiking in waist-deep snow next to Beyal Camp. So be prepared.

When should you go to Nanga Parbat Base Camp?

Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Base Camp take on gorgeous colors in the fall. If you want to go to Fairy Meadows alone, try to go during Ramadan. Most Pakistanis are quiet during the holidays and don’t travel as often, so traveling during Ramadan can pose logistical problems.

Fairy Meadows at Night

Pack the right equipment.

Fairy Meadows is not a base camp; it’s a camp. It’s a tourist area with cabins, tok shops, and even a “resort.” So you don’t necessarily need to pack like you’re going completely off the grid.

Whether it’s high season or transitional season, bring warm clothes and entertainment items like a camera, Kindle, card games, etc. In most cases, a 35-40 liter backpack will be enough. Unless you plan to camp alone, you don’t need to buy a backpack.

Unless you plan to camp alone, you don’t need a tent, sleeping mat, or kitchen. All the lodges in Fairy Meadows provide food and bedding. You may also want to bring a sleeping bag, as sometimes the blankets provided by the lodges are not up to par.

How to Get to Fairy Meadows?

Your first goal is to reach the northern province of Gilgit-Baltistan. Once there, you can easily reach the Raikot Bridge. There are two ways to reach Gilgit-Baltistan.

The first option is to fly. Gilgit is the busiest airport, with three flights a day from Islamabad. These flights are fairly reliable; there is a 60% chance they will take off. A one-way ticket usually costs around $100.

From Gilgit, it is a two-hour drive to reach the Raikot Bridge.

Flying is the most convenient option for those who don’t want to drive on the KKH Highway. While the highway is extremely beautiful, it can also be equally frustrating. Landslides happen frequently and can cause delays of hours or even days.

Another option is to drive, either by public or private transport.

Driving a Private Car in Pakistan

It is always better to travel with a group of friends. If you choose public transport, the cheapest option, you will take the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highway via Bisham. You should reach the Raikot Bridge in 16-18 hours if all goes well.

There will most likely be obstacles and delays afterward, such as being late to the Khunjerab border, having to spend the night there, or being stuck behind the landslides, as mentioned earlier. Do not take a bus to Gilgit-Baltistan unless you have plenty of time and patience.

The best option is to travel by private car. Shared taxis cost only 4000 rupees and are faster and more comfortable. You can also travel by Babusar Top, which I think is better than KKH. Ask your hotel in Islamabad or the bus station to Pindi to arrange a shared taxi.

You can also drive yourself, usually on a motorcycle. Driving in Pakistan is a completely different matter and requires serious consideration. Click here for more information on safe driving in Pakistan.

Step 1: Get to Raikot Bridge

Once you have decided which mode of transport to use, you can walk to Raikot Bridge. It takes two hours to drive from Gilgit to Raikot Bridge. You can take a NATCO bus or arrange a taxi. If you can save 1,000 rupees on a taxi, take it.

If you are coming from the south via Bisham, you will first pass Chilas before reaching Raikot Bridge. If you come via Babusar, you will intersect the Karnataka Expressway after Chilas. In both cases, the drive to Raikot will take about two hours.

Gilgit Main Bazaar Driving to Raikot Bridge

The route to Raikot Bridge passes through dusty settlements. Before reaching Raikot Bridge, ensure the driver knows where you want to get off—he should make it convenient for you.

As the name suggests, Raikot Bridge is a large bridge with a few guesthouses. There is nothing to do here except take a jeep to Fairy Meadows. If you arrive late and need a place to stay, Raikot is a good option.

Insider Tip: Only a few tuk-tuk shops or decent restaurants exist between Chilas and Raikot Bridge. Carry snacks with you during this period in case you are late. This stretch of road, especially around Tatapani, is known for landslides.

Step 2: The World’s Scariest Jeep Ride

The jeep route from Raikot Bridge to Ferry Meadows is often hailed as one of the most dangerous roads in the world, but it is not for the weak. With death-defying cliffs, precise curves, and little protection, this road is, for lack of a better word, absolutely insane.

Despite its reputation, this route is still relatively safe. Believe it or not, the track was widened some time ago, and fewer accidents have occurred. The drivers are professionals, too—they live, eat, and sleep in their jeeps seven days a week.

Coming out of the Raikot bridge, you’ll see a line of jeeps on the roadside. The current price is 8,000 rupees per jeep. Of course, you can split your pocket money among 4-5 people. If you have less than that, you can wait for others to show up and gather their strength.

Road to Fairy Meadow

A meditation on life and death on the Fairy Meadow road. For travelers who think they don’t ride in jeeps, don’t try it. A policeman or jeep will almost certainly stop you at some point. The drivers don’t like people trying to cheat the system and strictly control the road to Fairy Meadow. Unless the road is damaged – in which case you have no choice but to walk – you must endure it and pay the road toll.

The hike to the Fairy Meadows trail takes about two hours. The brave ones should sit on the left side to enjoy the most beautiful views on the way.

Fairy Meadows Trail

To be honest, jeep drivers are annoying. They are my least favorite tourist attraction in the UK.

One last thing: you will also be assigned a police escort before leaving the Raikot Bridge. This is a precautionary measure and should not be considered a sign of danger. The Pakistani government only wants to ensure that all foreign tourists are 100% safe. The adjuster may also help you during your stay. Feel free to tip him 500 rupees if he does a good job.

Step 3: Hike to Fairy Meadows

The jeep will drop you off at a parking lot about 10 minutes away from Tatu Village. Before dropping the driver off, inform him or her of your expected return date and time; the more, the better. Also, just in case, bring your details, including your name, phone number, and maybe even a photo. This is the return trip to the Raikot Bridge.

After parking, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the teahouse, crossing the river halfway. This is the starting point for the walk to Fairy Meadows. One can also hire horsemen here.

Horses are usually used as pack animals on the way to Fairy Meadows. The owners charge people 150 rupees per kg for carrying the equipment. If you want to ride a horse, the fare is 1,500 rupees one way and 2,500 rupees for a round trip.

Hike to Fairy Meadows from Raikot Bridge

Overall, the walk to Ferry Meadows is not bad. The trail is 5 km long and has a gradient of 700 meters. It takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. As it is a long way to go, you can hire a horse or donkey to climb up.

The first half of the trail runs along the mostly exposed canyon wall. There are no steep parts. However, if you hike in the middle of the day in the summer, the trail can be very hot.

Once you reach the Midway Hotel, you are already halfway to your destination.

The rest of the trail passes through a beautiful, shady pine forest. After about 30 minutes, you will increase in length more quickly. At the end, on your right, there is a steep section called the “local road”. If you don’t want to deal with this, you can skip it and take a gentler curving route ahead called the “horse road.”

At this point, you are almost at Fairy Meadows. Continue along the ridge until you reach the river. Not far away, a steep local road takes you past the Greenland Guest House. Otherwise, continue until you reach Raikot Serai. Welcome to Fairy Meadows! The sunrise over Nanga Parbat from Fairy Meadows is indescribable in words. You will see the galaxy over your head at night, and the view on the morning of the day after you arrive is breathtakingly beautiful. 

Where to stay in Fairy Meadows? Average Hotel Rates?

After your trip to Fairy Meadows, you can find your hostel by walking around. Unless you have booked in advance, you can book a room. You’ll notice immediately that Fairy Meadows has various accommodation options, half of which appear to be permanent structures. The accommodation area stretches from the Shambhala Resort by the pond to the Fairy Meadows cottages in the south.

The average room cost at Fairy Meadows is between 2,000 and 3,000 rupees. Raikot Serai is the most expensive place at 7,000 rupees a night.

Room rates at Fairy Meadows Hotels start at 4,000 rupees per night, and meals are 1000 rupees. The hotel is also easy to find today, as it is next to the new communications tower. Electricity and hot water are available upon request.

Nanga Parbat Base Camp Hike

Besides the beautiful mountain views, this is the number one reason to visit Ferry Meadows. Nanga Parbat Base Camp is one of the best day trips in Pakistan and should be on every traveler’s list.

The journey can take 5 to 8 hours, depending on the group’s strength and the trail’s condition. It is about 9 kilometers long and reaches a height of 700 meters. The trail is an out-and-back, which means you will return the same way.

The first half of the hike is very easy, as you are mainly walking through meadows. After two hours, you will reach the Bir Camp, where you can enjoy tea and lunch on the way back. After another hour, you will reach the midpoint, also known as the “view point.”

The other half is more difficult and involves mainly hiking on the glacier. The trail may disappear if the weather is bad, which is a good reason to bring a local guide. Don’t just trust maps, as some people get lost while doing this. This viewpoint promises just what its name promises: a breathtaking view. The last stretch involves a steep climb to the top of the mountain, the Nanga Parbat Base Camp.

Once you reach the base camp, you are almost in front of the 8,126-meter peak. Nanga Parbat looks at you almost indifferently, like a giant that cannot notice such a small creature. Look at the terrifying face of the Raikot with its countless crevices and canopies and admire the gigantic beauty of this mountain.

Play Cricket or Volleyball

A large open space in the center of Fairy Meadow serves as a gathering place. Pakistani tourists and locals gather to socialize, play volleyball, and, most importantly, cricket.

If you haven’t noticed during your trip to Pakistan, people are passionate about cricket. If Pakistanis have free time, they may look for a casual game.

Pakistanis also love to share their national pastime with foreigners. They will eventually ask if you want to join if you approach the field and stay there long enough (15 seconds). Cricket is fun. Overzealous players may yell about the rules, but that’s part of the game.

Find the Reflecting Pond

Find the Reflection Lake. It perhaps offers the best view of the Fairy Meadows of Nanga Parbat. The Nameless Pond (locally known as Reflection Lake) is behind the Cricket Field, next to the Shambhala Resort. From a distance, the canal is easy to miss, but once you see it, the pond’s location becomes very clear.

Almost everyone will love this spot, but photographers will especially love it. Nanga Parbat is perfectly reflected in the water, and this reflection makes for a beautiful picture.

The Reflection Lake works best at dawn. Do yourself a favor: cross the Cricket Field before sunrise and head for the pond. Whatever you do, don’t look back! Only look back once you’ve reached the pond and walked around it. You’ll see the most beautiful view of your life: Nanga Parbat, in all its morning glory, lit by the rising sun.

Dive Into Your Soul

At worst, Fairy Meadows is a great place to do nothing. It is the best place to connect with your inner soul. You can read a book, take a peaceful nap, enjoy the homemade recipes, or do whatever feels most pleasurable to you.

Walk to the Old Reception Point

This is a short but pleasant hike to a viewpoint looking north in the opposite direction of Nanga Parbat. It’s known locally as the “Reception Point” because it was the only place in Ferry Meadows where a cell phone signal was available (until a cell tower was installed).

Not as many Pakistanis walk and talk on the phone these days, but it’s still a great sight. The valley and 7,800-meter-high Rakaboshi, about 100 kilometers from Hunza, offer stunning views.

You can also explore another city in the valley below. It’s accessible on foot, although residents may not be accepting of strangers. People who live in the area like to maintain their privacy and generally don’t like tourists invading their personal space.

Prepare for a bonfire

Almost all the lodges in Fairy Meadows have some fire pit, and a bonfire is built every evening. This is a great opportunity to meet other travelers. They’ll most likely be from Lahore or Karachi, which means they’ll most likely want to dance. The Punjabi dance party with live singing at Fairy Meadows is a must-try.

It’s also a great opportunity to sit back and reflect on life. Think about how far you’ve come: you’re in one of the most beautiful places in the most beautiful country in the world; think about how lucky you are.

Things To Remember While Visiting Fairy Meadows

Fairy Meadows trip is a popular place for good reason, both because of its beauty and accessibility. However, it can seem a bit crowded at times. Popularity has its negative side, too. Overpopulation creates demand, and demand often puts pressure on local communities and ecosystems. 

Astore locals aren’t always thrilled about tourists trampling their land, but they see the value in having people visit as long as they’re respectful.

During the colder seasons, drinking tea by the fire is one of the best ways to enjoy Fairy Meadows. To ensure you have a great time during your visit to Fairy Meadows, be aware of the following:

The locals are among the most conservative in Gilgit-Baltistan, though they’re not as conservative as the Chilas. This conservatism is evident in the fact that Fairy Meadows has almost no women. Most of them are hidden away. Don’t confront a local woman, as the situation can quickly become awkward if you see a local woman.

Women walk along the edge of Fairy Meadows, especially in the mornings and afternoons. Avoid taking photos if people are wandering around. The depictions of women in Astore are generally considered inappropriate.

Avoid walking through the local town. There is a delicate balance between living and traveling here, and it works while respecting boundaries.

Local men can be a bit aggressive with foreign women. Ladies, if a local man enters your space, tell him politely to leave; they will listen. Otherwise, they will go a kilometer if you give them a centimeter. This is key to women’s safe travel in Pakistan.

Fairy Meadows is a very clean place by Pakistani standards. Help keep it that way by cleaning up after yourself.