July 22, 2019

Fairy Meadows

Fairy Meadows is the heart of North Pakistan. It is a lush green plateau, named by German climbers and locally known as Joot. Many people have called it the “Heaven on Earth”. Fairy Meadows is a very peaceful and relaxing place to enjoy the mountain atmosphere and hospitality of the local people.

Location:

Fairy Meadows is approachable by a fifteen kilometer-long jeepable trek starting from the Raikhot bridge on Karakoram Highway to the village Tato. Further, from Tato, it takes about three to four hours hiking by a five-kilometer trek to Fairy Meadows. Crossing through the most impressive view of Karakorum Highway & River Indus. These lush, green meadows and forests lie at the base of Nanga Parbat at the western edge of the Himalayan range in Pakistan. The grassland is located in the Raikhot valley, at one end of the Raikhot glacier which originates from the Nanga Parbat and feeds a stream that finally falls in the River Indus. Since 1992, locals have operated camping sites in the area.

Best Routes to reach Fairy Meadows :

Route 1:

Islamabad to Gilgit ( 2 Hours by Air)
Gilgit to Raikot Bridge ( 2 Hours by Road)
Raikot Bridge to Tatto ( 1.5 Hours Jeep Drive)
Tatto to Fairy Meadows ( 3 Hours Trek)

Route 2:

Islamabad to Chilas ( 11 Hours by Road)
Chilas to Raikot Bridge ( 2 Hours by Road)
Raikot Bridge to Tatto ( 1.5 Hours Jeep Drive)
Tatto to Fairy Meadows ( 3 Hours Trek)

Route 3:

Islamabad to Kaghan Valley ( 7 Hours by Road)
Kaghan to Chilas via Babusar Pass ( 4 Hours by Road)
Chilas to Raikot Bridge ( 2 Hours by Road)
Raikot Bridge to Tatto ( 1.5 Hours Jeep Drive)
Tatto to Fairy Meadows ( 3 Hours Trek)

Which is the best time when we visit this place?

The place is closed in the winters due to heavy snowfall and is accessible only in the summers. June-July is the best time to visit this place. The Nanga Parbat base camp is accessible from Fairy Meadows, and if the tourists desire to visit the base camp then hiring a local guide would be a good option. It is at least a total of a three and a half hour hike depending on your level of fitness. Fairy Meadows is a very peaceful and relaxing place to enjoy the mountain atmosphere and hospitality of the local people. Fairy Meadows is a very popular tourist attraction among the locals and it can get very very crowded so avoid peak times like the midsummer months or during public holidays.

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Have hotels around this place?

Since 2010, many new hotels have been built which provide rooms at affordable rates, the food, however, is a bit expensive compared to what you get in cities. Locals have established a small village at this place also. Horse riding is also available here. The polo matches that are organized for tourists here are a delight to watch. The lush green meadows also serve as a football or cricket ground for tourists. Many tourists like to stay in camps in grassy places. Many tourists like to stay in camps in grassy places.

Things To Prepare For Hiking In Fairy Meadows:

Here are some things to prepare before you make the trip:

Good Shoes: Its best or safe for you to wear hiking shoes. Common shoes will be not comfortable for you on this track. So, you must wear strong soul shoes.
Weatherproof Jackets: Due to it’s rainy or snowy weather, you must wear waterproof jackets. Weather is so risky here.
Get Maps. Me: Maps.me is the best app you can have on your phone, especially when hiking. The app is available on both Android and iOS and with their offline capabilities and their comprehensive list of available hiking trails, you will never get lost here.
Prepare Snacks: Food at this place can be quite expensive (150 – 500 PKR) so if you want to save money, buy some snacks beforehand. Snacks are also great for the trail especially if you plan to hike all the way to Nanga Parbat in one day because you will have to take lunch with you.

Best Viewpoint:

Nanga Parbat base camp is the best viewpoint here. Fairy Meadow is famous for its beautiful lush green plateaus and World’s ninth biggest mountain Nanga Parbat (the Killer Mountain).