Fairy Meadows, Pakistan is increasingly famous for its picturesque beauty and the challenging path leading there. However, few know that trekking to Nanga Parbat Base Camp from Fairy Meadows offers even more unforgettable experiences. This article will share detailed experiences of trekking to Nanga Parbat Base Camp, from preparation to things to note along the way, helping you have a safe and fulfilling trip.
Fairy Meadows and the Journey to Conquer Nanga Parbat Base Camp
Fairy Meadows, also known as “Heaven on Earth,” is located at an altitude of over 3000 meters above sea level, at the foot of the majestic Nanga Parbat mountain. This place attracts tourists with its peaceful beauty, lush green meadows, and spectacular views of the Himalayas.
However, to truly discover the unspoiled beauty of this land, you cannot miss the opportunity to trek to Nanga Parbat Base Camp. This is a challenging journey, but it is also extremely rewarding with what you will witness.
Detailed Directions to Fairy Meadows
Before starting your Nanga Parbat Base Camp trek, you need to reach Fairy Meadows. Below are detailed directions on how to get there:
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Get to Gilgit:
- By Plane: The fastest way to get to Gilgit from Islamabad is by plane.
- By Taxi: If you are not flying, you can take a shared taxi. Ask your hotel in Islamabad for directions.
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Get to Raikot Bridge:
- Hire a taxi from Gilgit to Raikot Bridge, which takes about 2 hours (weather permitting).
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Jeep to Tatu Village:
- From Raikot Bridge, hire a jeep (costing around 8000 Rupees in 2021) to get to Tatu Village.
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Walk or Hire a Horse to Fairy Meadows:
- From Tatu Village, you can walk about 5km or hire a horse to reach Fairy Meadows.
The “Heart-Stopping” Jeep Road to Tatu Village
The 15km jeep road from Raikot Bridge to Tatu Village is an unforgettable experience. Only locals are allowed to drive on this road, and they transport tourists at breakneck speed.
The dirt road is narrow, with a rock wall on one side and a deep abyss on the other. It is said that this road used to be even narrower! Accidents still happen frequently, and you can see wrecked jeeps lying in the abyss, the consequences of careless drivers.
Jeep road and surrounding landscape
A week after a landslide, the road was still not completely cleared, so we had to walk a considerable distance before being picked up by a jeep. It was a steep, dusty, and hot stretch. We had to navigate through washed-out sections, witnessing workers clearing debris in dangerous working conditions and rebuilding retaining walls by hand, stone by stone.
Navigating the washed-out road
At Tato, where the jeep dropped us off, there is a small tea shop where you can buy food, drinks, and use the restroom. From here, you still have to walk another 5km to reach Fairy Meadows. Or you can hire a horse.
Tato Village, from here you have to walk another 5km to get to Fairy Meadow. Horse rental service is available from here.
Trekking to Nanga Parbat Base Camp: A Journey Through Challenges
The trek from Fairy Meadows to Nanga Parbat Base Camp is about 16km round trip, with a difficulty rating of hard. Here’s what you need to know:
- Length: 16km round trip
- Difficulty: Hard
The path to Nanga Parbat Base Camp takes us through a village so beautiful that I wished I could stay there instead of continuing. Neat wooden houses are surrounded by vegetable gardens and livestock pens. Nanga Parbat peak dominates the sky like a protective deity. The locals are friendly, but they are very strict about not allowing photos of women and children.
Small village on the way to basecamp. There is a small guesthouse/tea house on the outskirts, where we stopped to filter water and then ate on the way back.
Note: If Fairy Meadow is too crowded, Beyal Camp near this village is an alternative camping spot. You can walk to Beyal Camp from Fairy Meadows, which takes about 2-3 hours.
After passing through the village, the path starts to get steeper. And at that altitude… It’s tiring! I walked slowly, slowly, slowly. I told myself to just take it one step at a time.
Then the path meandered along fields full of wildflowers, but always going up, and up. I couldn’t help but stop and take pictures every 10 steps, it was breathtakingly beautiful (and I also needed to rest, haha). And even though I could barely get oxygen into my lungs, I was having the best time. Meanwhile, the massive Nanga Parbat massif gradually took over our view. It’s a massive mountain. It makes the 4000m peaks in Colorado seem like little hills compared to it.
Path to Nanga Parbat Base Camp
We had to cross a scree field, so loose that we could hear and see rocks – from pebbles to bowling ball size – sliding around us. It felt like one wrong step could bring a whole hillside of rocks and sand down on us. We tried to move as fast as we could. When we got past the scree field, we finally saw our destination, a small stone tea shop on top of a hill.
We ended the hike at a tea shop at Nanga Parbat Base Camp. I was really looking forward to a snack. Our guide kept telling us, “We’re almost there, then we’ll have tea”. Looking back, I think he was just saying that to encourage us. Based on what I saw in Fairy Meadow, where all the shops seemed to have random opening hours, I doubted whether it would be open. Well, guess what? It was closed.
It’s okay. I didn’t come here for tea, I came for the mountain. And it was an amazing mountain!
Tea shop at Nanga Parbat basecamp
Nanga Parbat is the second highest mountain in Pakistan after K2. At 8,126 m (26,660 ft), it is the 9th highest mountain in the world. It is huge, majestic, and an impressive sight up close. It is known to be very difficult and dangerous to climb. It has claimed the lives of many climbers over the years, leading to its nickname: Killer Mountain.
Here at base camp, the 8000+ meter mountain filled my entire vision. My jaw dropped and my eyes were as big as saucers. You definitely feel small and insignificant. I understand why people in ancient times (and even now), believed that gods resided on top of these mountains. It’s frightening, it’s beautiful, and it’s awesome.
Preparing for the Trek
To have a safe and successful trek, you need to prepare thoroughly:
- Fitness: Make sure you are in good health and used to hiking at altitude.
- Clothing: Bring warm, waterproof clothing, specialized hiking boots, and gloves.
- Personal Items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water bottle, snacks, and necessary medications.
- Hire a Guide: It is advisable to hire a local guide to ensure safety and get more information about the area.
Important Notes
- Weather: Mountain weather can change erratically, so check the weather forecast before you go.
- Altitude: Hiking at altitude can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea. Hike slowly and drink plenty of water.
- Respect Local Culture: Locals are very friendly, but please respect their customs and traditions.
Fairy Meadows Greenland Resort: Ideal Stopover
If you want to have a comfortable place to stay in Fairy Meadows, choose Fairy Meadows Greenland Resort. Although not too luxurious, this resort offers private cabins with comfortable bathrooms, and most importantly, stunning views of Nanga Parbat.
In the evening, you can explore the meadows, find the best sunset viewing spots, or participate in activities with locals.
Sunset over Fairy Meadow
Conclusion
Trekking to Nanga Parbat Base Camp is a memorable experience of a lifetime. With careful preparation and an adventurous spirit, you will have a safe, fulfilling, and memorable journey. Plan your trip today and explore the majestic beauty of the Pakistani mountains!