Fairy Meadows, (or fairy tale meadows) and locally known as Joot, is a grassland near one of the base camp sites of the Nanga Parbat, located in Diamer District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. At an altitude of about 3,300 metres (10,800 ft) above sea level, it serves as the launching point for trekkers summiting on the Rakhiot face of the Nanga Parbat. In 1995, the Government of Pakistan declared Fairy Meadows a National Park.
Fairy Meadows has been a source of enchantment since long for back packers, climbers, wildlife researchers, photographers, painters & geologists, besides nature lovers. The pine forests skirting Fairy Meadows are perhaps one of the virgin forests in the north of Pakistan, and are home to a number of species of birds and wildlife. The site overlooks the Raikot Glacier and provides a majestic view of the North Face of Nanga Parbat, commonly known as the Raikot Face.
The famous day hike from Fairy Meadows is for Bayal Camp & the Base Camp of Nanga Parbat. Friendly and experienced mountain guides, who are familiar with the terrain, accompany the visitor, taking them to different treks. Staff at cottages is experienced and help trekkers in planning their routes. Camping equipment & food can also be arranged for these treks. Natural rock climbing pitch is a part of this beautiful setting, where climbing may be practiced under the supervision of well trained staff.
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Directions
Fairy Meadows can be easily approached from the capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates two flights to Gilgit daily, which is the main city of Northern Areas of Pakistan. Further via silk route (KKH) up to Raikot Bridge, 76 km from Gilgit & further one and a half hour jeep able journey.A road journey from Islamabad on Karakoram Highway (KKH) takes 11 hours to Chillas. From here, Raikot bridge on silk route is 61 km away. Another scenic approach by road from Rawalpindi is through the Kaghan Valley. Jeep able road passes through the Kaghan Valley via the Babusar Pass (4173 m) through Chillas, reaching the Raikot Bridge. Jeeps are available at Raikot Bridge round the clock, carrying 6 passengers on one vehicle. A small cafe in Jail village offers refreshments and lunch.
Routes to Fairy Meadows
Route 1:
Islamabd to Gilgit (2 Hours by Air)
Gilgit to Raikot Bridge (2 Hours by Road)
Raikot Bridge to Tatto (1 Hours 4 X 4 Jeep Drive)
Tatto to Fairy Meadows (3 Hours Trek)
Route 2:
Islamabd to Chilas (11 Hours by Road)
Chilas to Raikot Bridge (2 Hours by Road)
Raikot Bridge to Tatto (2 Hours 4 X 4 Jeep Drive)
Tatto to Fairy Meadows (3 Hours Trek)
Route 3:
Islamabd to Kaghan Valley (7 Hours by Road)
Kaghan to Chilas via Babusar Pass (4 Hours by Road)
Chilas to Raikot Bridge (2 Hours by Road)
Raikot Bridge to Tatto (2 Hours 4 X 4 Jeep Drive)
Tatto to Fairy Meadows (3 Hours Trek)
