About the place
I visited Fairy Meadows, northern Pakistan, with a small group of seven people in July 2022 as part of my third trip to the country. I knew how difficult it would be to reach the place, but I decided to take a group there this time. However, I would not do it again; in 2013, the World Health Organization declared it the second deadliest road in the world.
We took two jeeps from Raikot Bridge on Karakoram Highway to Tattu (Tato) village. The dirt road became increasingly narrow after a while. After an hour and a half of driving, the jeep track ended about a kilometre before Tattu village.
The dangerous and narrow dirt road is only accessible to locals who provide transportation for visitors; no other vehicles are allowed. It was built by Brigadier M. Aslam Khan (M.C, H.J, F.K), the first commander of the Gilgit Scouts.
Some group members continued on foot from Tattu (Tato) village, while others, including me, rented horses (ponies). I would not usually ride an animal to reach a place, but I was too sick and tired that day. Generally, I'm against using animals in such places. If you can't walk, you shouldn't use animals; you should hike. That was the first and last time I did that, and I only did it because I couldn't walk that day.
After two and a half hours of walking and/or riding, we arrived at Fairyland - as beautiful and serene as you can imagine. The grasslands are located in the Rakhiot Valley, at one end of the Rakhiot Glacier. This glacier originates from Nanga Parbat and feeds a stream that eventually flows into the Indus River.
Most impressive is the view of majestic Nanga Parbat - the ninth highest mountain in the world and one of the 14 eight-thousanders. It is a massive, dramatic peak that rises far above the surrounding terrain and has been nicknamed "Killer Mountain" due to the many deaths among climbers.
The area offers a range of activities, such as visiting Nanga Parbat Base Camp (a 3-4 hour one-way journey) and Beyal Camp (a 1 hour one-way journey), as well as trekking along the Raikot Glacier.
When visiting Fairy Meadows, make sure to bring the right gear, including shoes (most important), clothing, a first aid kit, and a utility kit. You won't forget this outing for years!
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