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Fairy Meadow is a lush green plateau, at 3300 m,
offering a breath taking view of Majestic Nanga Parbat (The Killer
Mountain). Many people have called it the "Heaven on Earth". These lush,
green meadows and forests lie at the base of Nanga Parbat at the western
edge of the Himaliyan range in Pakistan. Fairy Meadows is a very
peaceful and relaxing place to enjoy the mountain atmosphere and
hospitality of the local people.
The name Fairy Meadows is part of the legend that Fairies have their
heaven on this lush green plateau. Hermann Buhl, the Austrian climber
who made the first ascent of Nanga Parbat in 1953, named it Fairy Meadow
due to its wonderful scenery.
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It is about 540 km drive through Karakorum Highway, from Islamabad to
Raikot Bridge (1400 m). Where local Jeeps will take you up to the Tatto
village, it is one and half hour exciting drive from Raikot Bridge to
the last village of Tatto (2900 m). Crossing through the most impressive
view of Karakorum Highway & River Indus.
On arrival at Tatto village, it starts trekking on very easy and simple
route to Fairy meadows. It is a great experience to have overnight in
fixed camping side, or in the traditionally built wood Huts, which
offers magnificent view of the North face of the Nanga Parbat. There are
several short walks on this plateau, including the full day excursion up
to the base camp (3900 m) of Nanga Parbat.
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It is very easy walk through the forest till then the edge of the
plateau call Beyal Camp (3500 m). Whereas the trek from Beyal Camp to
base camp is little difficult along the Raikot glacier. Nice hotels and
bungalows are available at the meadows, but you may also choose to camp
in the grassy sites. After reaching Raikot Bridge one has to take a one
and a half hour jeep ride just to get to the hiking point, at this point
the track becomes very narrow and jeeps aren't accessible beyond it.
Then after an at least two and half hour hike straight up the hill you
reach Fairy Meadows.
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 but one can't complain when meat, pulses and potatoes
are available at this remote place as well. Locals have established a
small village at fairy meadows 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.
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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 desires to visit the base camp then hiring a local guide
would be good option. It is at least a total of a three and a half hour
hike depending on your level of fitness.
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