NANGA PARBAT & THE FAIRY MEADOWS β°π΅π°
Nanga Parbat, also called the Killer Mountain, is an 8,125-meter high mountain that figures as the second highest peak in Pakistan (after K2) and the eighth in the world. Its hair-raising name is due to the fact that, throughout the years, Nanga Parbat has taken the lives of many climbers; as it is considered one of the toughest to climb in the world.
Despite its terrifying name, the Killer Mountain can be easily accessed up to its Base Camp for almost anyone since its located few hours away only from Fairy Meadows; a campsite in a green lush plain from where you get striking views of Nanga Parbat, starting from a vast glacier which, gradually, ascends to the foot of that huge ice block; and which is normally used as a base to organize treks to the base camp.
Nevertheless, due to its high accessibility, Fairy Meadows can also be a very commercial spot in Pakistan, with higher prices than many other places in the country.
Getting there doesnβt require much of a mountain experience as a decent chunk can be done through special 4x4s which can be found around Raikot Bridge off the Karakoram Highway, which is located 56km from Chilas, 80km from Gilgit and 400km from Islamabad.
Local Jeeps can be found & hired there to get you up there and back (charge is around 7,000/8,000 PKR for a round trip and can be divided by up to 5 passengers if available).
A registration at the the police station there is required where an armed ATF [Anti Terrorists Forces] is assigned to you as personal armed escort; this is an initiative launched in 2013, after group of terrorists killed foreigners.
It was the first and only attack that has ever happened in Gilgit-Baltistan region.
I personally never felt unsafe at any stage of my travels around Pakistan and such rare incidents should not discourage anyone hopefully.
The 4x4 zigzag journey takes around 2 hours over one of the most scenic roads in Pakistan but probably the sketchiest, bumpiest and most dangerous road in the world. Its extremely narrow and is built on a cliff that's 1,000+ meters high with no borders across most of it. Walking would definitely be safer but would be much of a longer way and officially it's not allowed to do so for security reasons.
Once you reach the end of the drivable road, you will be dropped few kilometers away Fairy Meadows; and you will have to continue your journey on foot for around 2 to 3 hours through an alpine forest until you get to the fairytale campsite. Donkeys & horses can be hired for extra luggage/bags hauling and even yourself if you prefer less efforts.
Once you are at the top, you can relax and enjoy some of the most wonderful and privileged views ever.
From there you can explore further and get closer to the killer mountain by trekking upwards into Beyal Campsite - [another option of sleeping in here with great views and less people] - into an alpine forest where the trail gets slightly tougher, but surely more rewarding. The way eventually becomes more arid but with impressive views, surrounded by snow and ice blocks of the vast glacier.
The ridge trek and climb gets a bit sketchier, steeper and more narrow after the main viewpoint leading up to the base camp and must be done in caution due to the falling rocks.
Once you reach Nanga Parbat Base Camp, nature's own silence and the sound of the occasional avalanches is a treat like no other.
VID
https://photos.app.goo.gl/u16C7tMUozGuuD5z9
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#karakoram #pakistan #k #mountains #nature #himalayas #adventure #gilgitbaltistan #mountaineering #hunza #travel #skardu #gilgit #trekking #naturelovers #hunzavalley #landscape #expedition #photography #baltistan #adventurecalling #sololife #getlost #roadtrippin #natureseekers #lifehappensoutdoors #wilderness #adventruretimes #roadtrip #nature #landscape #desert #travellife #travelstoke #hoptale #neverstopexploring #backpacking #lifehappensoutdoors #getoutandplay #incognitostravel #yourescapewizard #nangaparbat #killermountain #rakaposhi
map
itinerary
highlights
gallery