Lush green pastures, Streams, Moon light, Snow covered mountain, One of the highest peak. All these things
together at one place? Is it really there? Is it really true? Yes! it is.
In the surroundings of the mighty Nanga Parbat, also known as killer mountain there lies lush green plans, till the limits of your sight, The Fairy Meadows. The land where flower
blossoms and the freshness of pure green grass keeps you stunning. When you get hold of yourself your eyes goes to the ninth largest peak in the world all covered in the snow. At first glance you don't believe it
is there. But yes its there.
Standing with tons of snow on the top. Sending nice cool breeze to freshen your breath. In between the
Fairy Meadows and the Killer Mountain you see Glaciers and Streams. The streams you will never forget. The sound that nature gave to the running stream is more beautiful than the man made instruments. When you go near to the streams you get even more astonished after seeing the crystal clear cold water. Yes
I mean it. Total clear water from under which you can see the base of the stream. By combining all you can
imagine the Nature at its best.
How to reach there?
There are two ways to reach to the
track that leads you to the amazing fairy meadows through Raikot
Bridge.
One way is to go to Gilgit via flight
operated by PIA (Pakistan International Airlines). From Gilgit you
can take jeep or local transport to Raikot bridge. Its a 1.5 hrs
drive from Gilgit to Raikot Bridge.
Second way to go to fairy meadows is
to drive on KKH (karakuram Highway), the Eightieth wonder of the
world. The road that Chinese and Pakistanis engineers have made with
combined efforts. Its about 18 - 20 hrs adventure drive up to Raikot
Bridge side by side with mighty Indus River. I would suggest that
you take KKH (karakuram
Highway) for your trip. Its really a thrill.
Now from Raikot Bridge you will have
to take a jeep up to the Village Tattoo. Its a thrilled bumpy ride
with deep valleys. Up to Tattoo village its a 1.5 hrs drive. Rest a
bit and give your legs a long stretch because from here you will be
tracking on your feet. Hire few porters to carry your luggage if you
don't want to carry it by yourself. Alternatively if you don't want to track on
your feet then you can take a horse ride up to a fairy meadows. The
horse riding on the track is in itself a very thrilling adventure.
When horse jumps over the wooden gates and balance it self on the
rocky track then this is a moment when you get hold of your heart.
If you choose to track on feet then
its about 4-5 hrs track for an average or normal tracker. Good
trackers can do it in less time. The track in it self is a mixture
of barren path and trees. You will find the pine and cones trees by
the side of the track.
Before reaching the top on the fairy
meadows you will start sensing the fresh and cold air. When you
reach fairy meadows you feel a sense of relaxation after a strenuous
track by beautiful lush green grass and flowers and of course The
Naked Mountain - Nanga Parbat.
Accommodation
The two famous hotels in fairy
meadows are Raikot Sarai and Fairy Meadows Cottage. The view from
Raikot Sarai is different from Fairy Meadows Cottage. From Raikot
Sarai you can see the glaciers. From Fairy Meadows Cottage you will
see a good look of Nanga Parbat and the streams in between the
meadows. From fairy meadows cottage you will not be able to see the
Glaciers.
The best thing about
the Fairy Meadows accommodation is that they are not made up of
bricks or cement. There are two modes of accommodation. One is you
can take huts and Second is that you can hire camps. You can also
take your camps if you don't want to hire it. The huts are made up
of woods only. The washrooms are available. The hot water is also
available for bathing and shower.
Food
All kind of fresh food is available
in the mess halls of fairy meadows. Local food and Western food are
made on demand. If you want to take your packed food then its
totally up to you. Cold drinks are also available.
Surrounding
Tracks You
can visit Bayal camp from fairy meadows. From Bayal Camp you can go
up to the Base camp of Nanga Parbat. There you can also visit Drexel
Monument. From fairy meadows to Nanga Parbat Base camp it is 4-5 hrs
one way track. So you should better leave early in the morning.
What to Pack
? If you
want to carry your luggage by yourself then you should pack as less
as possible. The necessary things that you should carry with you may
include
-
Rain Coat
-
One woolen warm
sweater or Jacket
-
woolen hat and
warm socks
-
Sleeping Bag
-
Half sleeves tea
shirts and trousers
-
Sleepers for free
walking
-
Toiletries
|