Fairy Meadows

FAIRY MEADOWS :

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In the heart of exotic North Pakistan, Fairy Meadows is located at the base of Nanga Parbat , which, at 8126 m, is the 9th highest mountain in the world and second in Pakistan after K2. Nanga Parbat is also called the Killer Mountain and locals call it Daimoryi, which is the end of Himalaya. The Fairy Meadows are lush green alpine pastures situated in the middle of a pine forest at an altitude of 3,306 m. The Fairy Meadows have been a thrilling destination for polo lovers, spending couple of days here, having a touch of real adventure. Fairy Meadows has been a source of enchantment since long for back packers, climbers, wildlife researchers, photographers, painters & geologists, besides nature lovers. The pine forests skirting Fairy Meadows are perhaps one of the virgin forests in the north of Pakistan, and Fairy Meadows are home to a number of species of birds and wildlife.

From Fairy Meadows the site overlooks the Raikot Glacier and provides a majestic view of the North Face of Nanga Parbat, commonly known as the Raikot Face or Fairy Meadow face. The area in front of Fairy Meadows Cottages is known as Pari Mahal (Fairy Palace), named by the famous Japanese photographer, Fujita Heroki . The Fairy Meadows Cottages are at a distance of eight minutes hike from main village and other tourist resorts with its breathtaking natural view of great Nanga Parbat. At Fairy Meadows Cottages, log cabins are available having the fascinating views of Nanga Parbat. Cottages have a camping site where tourists can pitch their own tents to Fairy Meadows or, they can hire tents. Dining area & kitchen are located adjacent to camping site. Toilets & baths can be reached very comfortably from cabins & tents in Fairy Meadows. The whole area is demarcated with a controlled access and the tourists are free to enjoy the privacy within the vicinity. The famous day hike from Fairy Meadows is for Beyal Camp & the base camp of Nanga Parbat. Friendly and experienced mountain guides, who are familiar with the terrain, accompany the visitor, taking them to different treks. Staff at cottages is experienced and help trekkers in planning their routes. Camping equipment & food can also be arranged for these treks. Natural rock climbing pitch is a part of this beautiful setting of Fairy Meadows, where climbing may be practiced under the supervision of well trained staff. Fresh Pakistani and European meals are available in comfortable AZHAR Dining Hall. Local food can also be prepared upon request.

HOW TO GET THERE:

                              Fairy Meadows can be easily approached from the capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates two flights to Gilgit daily, which is the main city of Northern Areas of Pakistan. Further via silk route (KKH) up to Raikot Bridge, 76 km from Gilgit & further 1 ½ jeep able journey.

A road journey from Islamabad on Karakoram Highway (KKH) takes 11 hours to Chillas. From here, Raikot bridge on silk route is 61 km away. Another scenic approach by road from Rawalpindi is through the Kaghan Valley. Jeep able road passes through the Kaghan Valley via the Babusar Pass (4173 m) through Chillas, reaching the Raikot Bridge. Jeeps are available at Raikot Bridge round the clock, carrying 6 passengers on one vehicle. A small café in Jail village offers refreshments & lunch.

ROUTES TO FAIRY MEADOWS :

:: Islamabd to Gilgit  ( 2 Hours by Air)
 :: Gilgit to Raikot Bridge ( 2 Hours by Road)
 :: Raikot Bridge to Tatto    ( 1 ½ Hours 4 X 4 Jeep Drive)
 :: Tatto to Fairy Meadows ( 3 Hours Trek)

:: Islamabd to Chilas  ( 11 Hours by Road)
 :: Chilas to Raikot Bridge ( 2 Hours by Road)
 :: Raikot Bridge to Tatto    ( 1 ½ Hours 4 X 4 Jeep Drive)
 :: Tatto to Fairy Meadows ( 3 Hours Trek)

:: Islamabd 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 ½ Hours 4 X 4 Jeep Drive)
 :: Tatto to Fairy Meadows ( 3 Hours Trek)

ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES :

At Fairy Meadows Cottages, log cabins are available having the fascinating views of Nanga Parbat. Cottages have a camping site where tourists can pitch their own tents or to Fairy Meadows, they can hire tents. Dining area & kitchen are located adjacent to camping site. Toilets & baths can be reached very comfortably from cabins & tents. The whole area is demarcated with a controlled access and the tourists are free to enjoy the privacy within the vicinity.

Best time to be in Fairy Meadows is from March to October. Facilities can be provided in off season as well.

Keeping the nature as well as the basic facilities of life in mind, now Fairy Meadows Cottages facilitates you with Water Turbine generated electricity.

FOOD :

     Fresh Pakistani and European meals are available in comfortable Dining Halls. Local food can also be prepared upon request

A view of Nanga parbat from FAIRY MEADOWS

Boat rowing at FAIRY MEADOWS

Camping at FAIRY MEADOWS

A view of FAIRY MEADOWS