Around Nanga Parbat Trek
This trek is located in the Himalayas of Pakistan, specifically in the Diamir district of Gilgit-Baltistan (Northern Areas), on the northern flank of Nanga Parbat and a few kilometers south of the Karakoram Highway and the Indus River at Chilas. Fairy Meadows is a lush green plateau situated at an elevation of 3,300 meters, offering breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat, which stands at 8,126 meters. This mountain is nicknamed "Killer Mountain" due to the high number of climbers who have tragically lost their lives attempting to summit it.
Nanga Parbat lies in the western part of the Himalayan Mountain Range, serving as its western anchor before the Karakoram Mountain Range begins. It is the second highest peak in Pakistan and ranks ninth globally. The first successful ascent was achieved by Austrian climber Hermann Buhl in 1953.
The lush meadows and forests at the base camp of Nanga Parbat are found on the western edge of the Himalayas. Fairy Meadows is a peaceful and relaxing place, perfect for soaking in the mountain atmosphere and experiencing the hospitality of the local people. It provides easy access to the base camp of this over 8,000-meter peak, alongside some of the world’s best mountain panoramas and several excellent day hikes and climbs.
This trek is one of the easiest in Pakistan and is easily accessible from the Karakoram Highway, making it suitable for trekkers of all levels. It is approximately 550 kilometers from Rawalpindi or Islamabad to Raikot Bridge (1,400 meters). From there, local jeeps can take you to Jhal (2,700 meters) in about an hour and a half via an amazing jeep road. The road ends at Jhal, where you can stop for tea or lunch at a small tea shop.
From Jhal, the trek begins. Porters or horses can be arranged if needed. Expect a 2-3 hour easy walk along a straightforward route to reach Fairy Meadows (3,300 meters). Various camping sites and traditional wooden huts are available, where you can enjoy a comfortable night. While you may bring your own tents, sleeping tents equipped with mattresses and sleeping bags are also available at the camping sites. Meals are served at the restaurants, so there’s no need to bring food from lower down.
Fairy Meadows is an ideal place to relax in front of Nanga Parbat. From here, a leisurely 2-3 hour walk through the forest leads you to the edge of the plateau, known as Beyal (3,500 meters), which also features camping sites, huts, and restaurants. A little further ahead is a viewpoint that offers a magnificent view of the North Face of Nanga Parbat and the surrounding mountains.
You can take a full-day excursion to the base camp of Nanga Parbat, which involves a 4-5 hour round trip from Beyal to the base camp located at an elevation of about 3,900 meters. Access to Fairy Meadows is from Raikot Bridge, located on the Karakoram Highway between Gilgit and Chilas. There are flights available to Gilgit that take about an hour from Islamabad, followed by a 50 km drive to Raikot Bridge. An alternative route is available from Naran via Babusar Pass to Chilas, and then along the Karakoram Highway to Raikot Bridge.
HIGHLIGHTS OF TREK
- You can take a full-day excursion to the base camp of Nanga Parbat, which involves a 4-5 hour round trip from Beyal to the base camp located at an elevation of about 3,900 meters.
- Fairy Meadows is an ideal place to relax in front of Nanga Parbat. From here, a leisurely 2-3 hour walk through the forest leads you to the edge of the plateau, known as Beyal (3,500 meters), which also features camping sites, huts, and restaurants.
- The lush meadows and forests at the base camp of Nanga Parbat are found on the western edge of the Himalayas. Fairy Meadows is a peaceful and relaxing place, perfect for soaking in the mountain atmosphere and experiencing the hospitality of the local people.
