The Naked Mountain
Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat basecamp
Tour Highlights
Nanga Parbat is the western most high peak of the Himalayan range. Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest in the world, is a colossal and magnificent mountain, in mountaineering circles it is known as King of the mountains for its size and magnificent profile. The Karakoram Range, in contrast, has the greatest concentration of high peaks along with the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. Amongst these is Rakaposhi, the 27th highest peak in the world. Rakaposhi is well recognized for its beauty than its rank might suggest.
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The morning is free to recover from your journey. In the afternoon and we offer an optional walk to the Margalla hills surrounding the capital. Later in the afternoon, the trek leaders will give a full trip briefing. We will conclude our evening with a group dinner, this will be an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other.
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Trip Profile: distance approx. 377 km, time: 9 to 10 hrs, ending. altitude: 1265m(4150ft).
We start after breakfast taking the scenic highway from Islamabad to Skardu. Our first stop is the UNESCO world heritage site of Taxila, located only 30km from Islamabad. The origins of Taxila as a city go back to 1000 BC and it was an important Buddhist Centre from 5th century BC to 6th Century AD. Taxila Museum is famous for its
magnificent collection of Gandhara Art.
After a few hours on site, we will be back on the road taking the Karakoram Highway aka the new Silk route. We will stop for lunch and tea as we continue our journey to Naran where we will spend the night.
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Trip Profile: distance approx. 172 km, time: 4 to 5 hours, ending.
altitude: 3507m(11505ft).
We start early today and head to Raikot bridge from where we will travel to Fairy Meadows. As we travel we leave the lush foot hills behind us and head to the arid high peaks. The green fertile meadows, lead to Alpine valleys and sights of Nanga Parbat Massif (the 9th highest peak in the world).
Nanga Parbat is a colossal mountain, the peak can be seen from miles away and forms a glacial amphitheater at the head of Raikot Gah. It is here at Raikot bridge that we take Jeeps over a 17km steep and narrow dirt road to Tattu village, where the hiking trail to Fairy
Meadows begins. This is a well established trail and we walk through the forest on a gentle climb for about 2-3 hours. The trail levels off as we get to Fairy Meadows a summer pasture, surrounded by pine forests with views of the eastern peaks of the Nanga Parbat massif.
Here we will camp for the night.
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The trail to basecamp passes through pine and fir forest along a stream, for about 5km. The vista finally opens up as we reach the small settlement of Beyal, there are great views of the Indus Valley and Rakaposhi. From Beyal we continue on a trail with views in all directions. The trail leads up to the moraine where a ruble covered track leads us to Nanga Parbat basecamp. The incredible peaks of Nanga Parbat form a sweeping panorama. After dinner we have time to enjoy the mountain, we turn off all lights watch the unbelievable star filled sky.
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In the morning there is an option to trek to camp1 and return. The trek
to camp1 is on a steep trail above the great moraine and takes about
two hours, all along the trek the views are spectacular. Those who
decide to stay will enjoy a leisurely morning enjoying the panoramic
views, and can explore the area.
Later we retrace our steps, taking an easy descending path back to Fairy
Meadows where we will spend the night.
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We will take the early morning flight to Islamabad, if unable to fly we will
drive the Silk Road back to Islamabad
Our private bus will be waiting at the airport to transfer us to the hotel
and once we have settled in it will be time to take lunch. After lunch the
rest of the day is free for independent sightseeing, shopping or to relax
at the hotel.
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This is an additional day for sightseeing and our trip leader will arrange a
group tour to see some of the local sights. We will have a group dinner
with some entertainment.
This is an important contingency day; incase of flight cancellation we will
be arriving in Islamabad this afternoon so you should not be planning to
fly out on this day
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This morning transfer to Islamabad airport where your tour ends
Is this Trip for you
All our tours feature a physical rating to help select the right vacation. Every one of tours require the ability to walk around sights unaided, while more active tours include longer walks or multi-day treks.
Level 1: A reasonable level of fitness is required but its more about spending time on your feet than covering large distances. You will be getting on and off vehicles, walking around sites and climbing steps.
Level 2: The typical day is busier and involves more steps or multiple sites visits every day. The trip might involve day hikes of 2-3 hours.
Level 3: You should enjoy hiking and feel comfortable hiking 3–6 miles with elevation with elevation gains/losses of up to 300m(1000 ft) per day. We suggest beginning a regular exercise regimen at least 2–3 months prior to departure.
Level 4: You should be comfortable with hiking 5-8 hours each day, up to 18km (11 miles) with as much as 3,000’elevation gain and loss or high altitude.
Level 5: Challenging for fit hikers with experience in multi-day treks in high altitude. These tours are not appropriate for novice hikers or even for experienced but unfit hikers.
If you have any questions, please reach us at info@thewander.travel
At a glance
Group size 2-12
All lodging and Meals
Local flights included
Nanga Parbat from the plance
Two cars traveling on a narrow mountain road carved into the rocky cliffside with steep slopes on either side.
Nanga Parbat from Fairy Meadows
Beyal Camp
Nanga Parbat at night
Nanga Parbat lit up in the morning
Nanga Parbat Basecamp
A group of people and vintage jeeps on a rocky mountain trail with large boulders and rugged mountains in the background.
Gilgit Hotel