The journey begins with a rugged 4×4 vehicles snaking through the untamed terrain, offering a thrilling experience unlike any other. But hold on tight, because the real adventure has only just begun. The foreground of the ninth tallest peak (Nanga Parbat) is a lush alpine meadows, which is affectionately called Fairy Meadows. It’s an opportunity to connect with the raw beauty of the natural world.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a novice explorer, Fairy Meadows is waiting for you to experience it. Are you ready to answer the call of the wild and experience the magic of this hidden paradise? Let’s dive in and discover the wonders that await in one of the hearts of Pakistan’s untamed wilderness.
One of the World’s Most Dangerous Road?
Oof, probably reading that title doesn’t sound like the best start. But it is part of the adventure.
While driving the Karakoram Highway is an adventure within itself… think of the journey to Fairy Meadows as a side quest. This road is what many consider to be one of the world’s most dangerous road. It has gotten this title as it sits at altitude (ca. 3300m above sea level), is unstable and extremely narrow at parts. The twist and turns last for 16km of twists and turns, taking approximately 1.5 – 2 hrs to navigate. You may be surprised to know that this is for both ways… some parts are so narrow it could probably only fit one car, which is fine except there’s no barriers from stopping you from falling off the edge. Definitely takes a special type of driver to be unphased by these roads!
A road is carved out of the mountainside, one side with a rocky face and a steep drop-offs inches from the tires down the other. It services the villages of Tattu, Fairy Meadows and beyond. It’s only opened during spring – autumn. I was travelling with seasoned travellers but the roads still posed a challenge to some with the narrow paths and hairpin turns. Heading to the depths of the valley, the scenery evolves from Mars-like surroundings to eventually lush greenery with towering peaks. It’s easy to say that travel is often not about the destination but the journey. This is 100% the case for the road to Fairy Meadows. It’s a test of nerve, and being in a Jeep, feeling every bump and turn, makes your adrenaline pump! Some might say it’s not for the faint of heart but I would beg to differ.
The Jeep along Fairy Meadows Road
At the foot of Fairy Meadows Road, near the Raikot Bridge, everyone jumps into a Jeep with Fairy Meadows as its destination. It kind of feels like you’re about to board a roller coaster. The engine roars to life, and suddenly, you’re off! If you want a preview of the roads, head over the Google Maps and turn on “satellite view”. On the accent, some parts are steeper than others. The roads are unpaved, graveled roads so it can be quite uncomfortable and bumpy. I was gripping the frame of the car so I wouldn’t be jumping out of my seat too much and accidentally hitting my head on the roof. Which happened multiple times, unfortunately.
Don’t fret, you won’t be driving. You’re in the hands of one of the local expert drivers. It’s amazing watching them navigate the roads with ease. While I’m usually not one to be bothered if someone is on their phones while they are driving at slow speeds, my stomach was in knots as our very skilled driver was changing music, messaging and being on a call – all while we were holding on for dear life!
This Jeep ride is more than just transportation; it’s really a taste of adventure, setting the tone for what lies on the wild side of Pakistan. Truth be told, it does get really nerve wrecking while driving up and there’s another car coming from the opposite direction on this little path. Some areas are not wide enough for both vehicles, one wrong move and it’s quite a drop to the bottom. As the road snakes up the mountain, you start being accustomed to the path.
The Trek to Fairy Meadows
After a bumpy 1.5hrs on the Jeeps, you arrive at the village of Tattu (Tato) and start the hike from here. The trek is not excessively strenuous. It is a steady incline over 5.5km from the village. But what I think gets you is the altitude. I’m a decent hiker but what really threw me for a loop was how breathless and tired I go hiking at altitude. There is an option for riding a horse up to Fairy Meadows from the village for a price.
You will only be taking a day pack worth of things for your time at Fairy Meadows. Pack light and pack right. As the weather can be unpredictable and cold due to elevation weather-appropriate clothing would be key. I used a pair of trail runners which seemed to do the trick for me. Due to the altitude, it would be an idea to acclimatize beforehand to make the hike a lot more enjoyable. Before you start the hike, you can fill up your water bottle and you get to munch on some local bread and curries from a tea house to maintain your energy levels. Additionally, I had packed a first-aid kit for the unexpected. Don’t forget a camera to capture the majestic views, especially a zoom lens! During the hike, there are several rest stops or tea houses you can visit and sip some chai while recharging before continuing.
Anecdotes from the Trail
I remember setting out for the trail, dusty from the Jeep ride but breathing in the crisp early afternoon air, buzzing with excitement. It was quite exciting because this had been on my list for the longest time. After all, I did fly all the way to Pakistan for the sole reason to visit Fairy Meadows. Along the hike, we saw so many locals who greeted us with the warmest smiles, herders racing pass us with their livestock and some impressive locals carrying supplies on their backs for the cottages at the top. Snaking up our way through the valley, my fellow travellers and I shared laughter, traded stories, and even sang songs to keep ourselves going. It felt like every turn we made up towards the meadows, we were in awe over Nanga Parbat.
First Glimpses of Fairy Meadow
It was soon going to be sun set when we reached the plateau. We walked through the maze of trees, passed a lot of on-going construction before we made it to our rest stop for the next few days. Emerging from the trees, we had our first glimpses of Fairy Meadows. To say I was in awe would be an understatement. The lush greenery in the foreground is a stark contrast to the majestic Nanga Parbat standing grand in the distance. Nanga Parbat, in its Kashmiri name means “naked mountain”. When we first saw Nanga Parbat, we joked that she was shy because there were clouds surrounding her peak. Unfortunately. this 9th tallest mountain also has the reputation of being known also as Killer Mountain.
I always loved the smell of mountain air, it’s probably the freshest you can get. After the hike, the tranquility of the meadow provides a sense of peace. It’s a place that feels removed from time, offering a rare chance to disconnect and be immersed in nature’s splendor. It helps that there was no WIFI in the area so you could truly disconnect.
In the heart of the mountain range
The meadow is a perfect base for further adventures too, with trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints of Nanga Parbat and to its basecamp. When venturing towards Eagle Nest Viewpoint, it felt as if time has stood still. The locals go about their lives how they would’ve done decades ago. The air filled with laughter of children and people going about their business. Locals catching up in the tea houses. The surrounding mountains make you feel so small. Exploring the area reveals secluded spots where you can sit with your own thoughts and reflect. You can venture towards Nanga Parbat’s basecamp, however I had opted to sit back and enjoy the view of Nanga Parbat from the distance instead.
Having lunch at the foothills of the mountain felt like such an experience as we were the only ones there. Our guides shared stories and one of them had previously climbed Nanga Parbat in his younger days. Such an awe inspiring man, you can read more about the tour I joined here.
Night Under the Stars at Fairy Meadow
During our time at Fairy Meadows, we stayed in a rustic accommodation building with a terrace overlooking Nanga Parbat. There was hot water, when there was enough water boiled, running water and all the basics you need for a comfortable stay. As the sun set over the mountain ranges, the guides made the evenings very cosy. Our first night, we had camp fire. The air lingered of wood smoke, laughter and stories from our experiences during the day whilst being warmed by the fire. And on our second night, we sat in a local living room with the fire place roaring. This really set the ambiance for a sense of community.
When the night engulfed the sky, you could clearly see all the stars, numerous they felt within reach. Across the sky if you’re patient enough to let your eyes acclimatize, you will clearly see the Milky Way. While it feels so simple, this is the sort of experience that grounds you. It is in these moments that memories are created.
Dawn in the Mountains
If you managed to sleep, you awake at dawn to Fairy Meadow and feel a sense of calm in the air. Your surroundings are so tranquil. If you miss first light, you miss the mountain peak being bathed in a soft glow just as your surroundings just start waking up. I will admit, the difficult part of waking up is crawling out of the warmth of your blankets as the mountain air is crisp and cold. My favourite memory is watching the sun rise and its light shining on Nanga Parbat. This is a place where time slows down, where the chaos of life melts away. I never usually wake up for sunrise but dawn at the foothills of a mountain is something I would highly recommend.
I tried going on a little sunrise mission to the pine tree lined marsh in front of our accommodations. There were horses grazing under Nanga Parbat that I couldn’t help myself by attempt to capture this moment. I didn’t realise some parts of it were water logged and ventured down in my fake-birkenstocks and woolen socks. A bit of a mistake. I was completely engrossed by capturing this moment. From the side, I noticed that there were cows coming towards my direction. What I had failed to realise was that they were also blocking the only path out. I did not want to get between the bull and his… urges. I ended up stuck for about 20mins before I managed to find an alternate way up, which involved climbing over a wooden fence. What a way to start the morning!!
The adventure getting here
In my previous guide, I have detailed the logistics of visiting this beautiful country. It’s quite important to approach such trips with knowledge and preparation, which is where this comprehensive Pakistan Travel Guide becomes invaluable. Whether it’s understanding local customs, knowing what to pack, or planning your route, this resource provides the foundation for a successful adventure.
The experience of Fairy Meadow, with its raw beauty, complements the varied experiences Pakistan offers. As this was part of my tour, I previously reviewed what it was like travelling with Rocky Road Travel. Together, these guides and anecdotes serve to inspire, encouraging travellers to explore the off beaten paths with curiosity. Pakistan is a destination that rewards the bold and curious.
From the heart-racing jeep ride along questionable roads to the awe-inspiring hike through lush alpine meadows. Fairy Meadows is not simply a destination. It’s an adventure for those who are seeking for it. It’s a place where time slows down. Where every moment is engrained to your memory. Where the spirit of adventure truly comes alive.
So, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a curious traveler, Fairy Meadows and Pakistan is a journey worth taking. Pack your bags and get ready for an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home. As travellers and story tellers, we carry with us a piece from each country, each road, each mountain visited and each night spent under the stars.
The wild beauty of Northern Pakistan is calling—are you ready to answer?
Leave a Reply