Nanga Parbat Rakhiot Face Basecamp (Fairy Meadows)

This is one of the most popular treks in northern Pakistan. Fairy Meadows was the traditional German campsite for several expeditions between 1835 and 1953. At 10,880 feet/3296 meters, it offers a truly majestic view of Nanga Parbat and the Rakhiot Glacier. A small hill above Fairy Meadows is also a vantage point to see the Haramosh-Rakaposhi range. There are several excursions one can take from Fairy Meadows including day trips to Beyal and basecamp-proper and non-technical ascents of Buldar and Jalipur peaks. You can either chose to camp or stay at one of the many lodges.

Tentative itinerary:

Day 1. Flight from Islamabad to Gilgit – jeep to Raikot Bridge, another scary jeep to Tato Village (also known as Jail), 3-4 hour hike to Fairy Meadows

Day 2. Acclimatization hikes around Fairy Meadows including the famous seasonal pond where you can see Nanga Parbat’s reflection – a thousand people have taken the same darn photo and you can be the 1001st.

Day 3. Hike and camping to Beyal – The view back towards the Rakaposhi Range at sunset is spectacular

Day 4. Hike to basecamp and back. Expeditions in the past have been buried under avalanches at base-camp, therefore we don’t recommend camping there.

Day 5. Hike back to Fairy Meadows, down to Tato Village, jeep ride to Raikot Bridge, and jeep to Gilgit

Day 6. Flight to Islamabad