Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat Base Camp
A short, easy trek to the meadows and forests beneath the north face of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain on earth.
The Rakhiot face
Fairy Meadows is a grassy clearing in pine forest at about 3,300 m, looking straight up at the Rakhiot face of Nanga Parbat. Getting there is half the fun: a jeep track climbs out of the Indus gorge from Raikot Bridge to Tato, and a two- to three-hour walk leads up to the meadows.
From there an easy day hike follows the edge of the Rakhiot glacier past Beyal to the viewpoint at the old base camp. It is a good first trek in Pakistan, and a fine add-on to a Hunza or Karakoram Highway tour. We stay in log cabins at the meadows or camp, as you prefer.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Islamabad
Arrive and transfer to the hotel; afternoon sightseeing if you wish.
- Day 2
To Chilas
By road up the Karakoram Highway (or over the Babusar Pass in summer) to Chilas.
- Day 3
Fairy Meadows
Drive to Raikot Bridge, jeep to Tato, and walk up through the forest to Fairy Meadows.
- Day 4
Beyal & the base camp viewpoint
A gentle hike past Beyal to the moraine viewpoint below Nanga Parbat, and back.
- Day 5
A free day
Explore the forest, photograph the dawn on the face, or walk up toward the Rakhiot glacier.
- Day 6
Down to Naran or Chilas
Walk down to Tato, jeep to the highway, and drive on.
- Days 7 – 9
Islamabad & departure
Return to Islamabad, with a spare day in hand for the mountain roads.
Let’s build your package together
Tell us about your event or holiday and we will design a program that fits your needs, interests and budget.