GOVERNMENT OF GILGIT BALTISTAN
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Fairy Meadows

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Fairy Meadows

Fairy Meadows

Fairy Meadows, nestled in the heart of Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region, is renowned for its verdant plateaus and the imposing presence of Nanga Parbat, the world's ninth-highest peak, often referred to as the "Killer Mountain." Located in the Diamer District, this scenic meadow sits at an elevation of 3,300 meters (10,826 feet) above sea level. It boasts expansive grassy plains, encircled by dense alpine forests and nourished by glacial waters from Nanga Parbat, which looms to the south. The name "Fairy Meadows" was bestowed in 1953 by Austrian climber Hermann Buhl, the first to summit Nanga Parbat. Locally, it is known as "Joot," while German mountaineers refer to it as Märchenwiese, meaning "Fairy Tale Meadows."

Fairy Meadows is accessible via a 15-kilometer jeep trek from Raikot Bridge on the Karakoram Highway to the village of Tattu (Tato). The only road to Fairy Meadows, considered the second deadliest road on the planet by the World Health Organization in 2013, is open only to locals who provide transportation to visitors from Raikot Bridge to Tato. From Tato, it takes about three to four hours of hiking on a five-kilometer trek to reach Fairy Meadows. The grassland is located in the Rakhiot valley, at one end of the Rakhiot glacier, which originates from Nanga Parbat and feeds a stream that eventually flows into the River Indus.

Visitors to Fairy Meadows can stay in small on-site cabins or designated campsites, as the location is declared a National Park. The area serves as a base for climbers summiting Nanga Parbat's northern face and has had local-operated camping sites since 1992. Camping or staying in a traditional wooden cottage offers a unique experience, especially on clear, full-moon nights, with the moonlight reflecting off the icy peak of Nanga Parbat showcasing nature’s beauty and peace.

Fairy Meadows has long captivated backpackers, climbers, wildlife researchers, photographers, painters, geologists, and nature lovers. The area features virgin pine forests home to diverse bird and wildlife species. Overlooking the Raikot Glacier, it offers majestic views of Nanga Parbat's North Face. Popular day hikes lead to Bayal Camp and Nanga Parbat Base Camp, with experienced guides available to accompany visitors. The cottage staff assists with route planning, and camping equipment and food can be arranged. Natural rock climbing pitches allow for supervised climbing in this stunning setting.





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