Journey
Loading…
Journey · Chilas, Hunza, Gojal (Upper Hunza)
Fairy Meadows and Hunza
Up the Karakoram Highway to the meadows beneath Nanga Parbat, then on to the forts and lakes of Hunza.
- Duration
- 9 days
- Highest point
- 3,300 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Season
- May–September
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Photo: Faheemifti · CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
Fairy Meadows lies at about 3,300 metres on the northern side of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world. It is reached by a narrow jeep track from Raikot Bridge and then a walk of a few hours, so arriving feels earned.
After two nights under the mountain, the journey continues up the Karakoram Highway into Hunza and Gojal. It begins in Islamabad and makes the most of the road north, including the ancient rock carvings around Chilas.
- Two nights at Fairy Meadows facing Nanga Parbat
- Rock carvings near Chilas along the Karakoram Highway
- Baltit and Altit forts in Karimabad
- Attabad Lake and the Passu peaks
- The Hopper Glacier in Nagar
Itinerary
Day 1
Islamabad to Chilas
A long road day north on the Karakoram Highway, crossing into Gilgit-Baltistan. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Chilas
Day 2
Chilas to Fairy Meadows
Morning at the Thalpan rock carvings, then to Raikot Bridge, a local jeep up to Tato and a walk to Fairy Meadows.
Overnight: Fairy Meadows Highest point: 3,300 m
Day 3
Fairy Meadows
Easy walks in the forest and meadow. Fitter travellers can walk further up the valley towards the base camp viewpoint.
Overnight: Fairy Meadows
Day 4
Fairy Meadows to Karimabad
Walk down, jeep to Raikot, and drive north to Hunza. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Karimabad
Day 5
Karimabad
Baltit and Altit forts and the old village lanes.
Overnight: Karimabad
Day 6
Attabad and Passu
Attabad Lake, the Hussaini bridge and the Passu peaks.
Overnight: Gulmit or Passu
Day 7
Gojal to Nagar
Back down the valley and into Nagar for the Hopper Glacier viewpoint.
Overnight: Karimabad
Day 8
Karimabad to Gilgit
Drive to Gilgit with a stop at the Rakaposhi viewpoint.
Overnight: Gilgit
Day 9
Depart Gilgit
Flight to Islamabad, weather permitting, or the road south.
Practical information
- Suitable for
- Explorers, Photographers, Trekkers, Private groups, University groups
What’s included
Included
- Private vehicle with driver from Islamabad
- Local jeep between Raikot Bridge and Tato
- Guide throughout
- Accommodation as listed, including huts or cabins at Fairy Meadows
- Breakfast daily, plus meals at Fairy Meadows
- Porter for luggage on the Fairy Meadows walk
Not included
- Return flight from Gilgit
- Meals in towns unless stated
- Travel insurance
- Optional horses on the Fairy Meadows path
- Tips and personal expenses
What to bring
Essential
- Broken-in walking boots
- Small overnight bag for Fairy Meadows (main luggage stays below)
- Warm jacket for cold nights at 3,300 m
- Waterproof jacket
- Head torch
- Walking poles if you use them
- Sunscreen and sun hat
- Passport and copies for KKH checkpoints
Optional and useful
- Wide-angle lens for Nanga Parbat
- Power bank
- Snacks for the walk
- Lightweight down booties
- Binoculars
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- The Raikot–Tato jeep track is narrow and exposed; transport is run by local drivers.
- The walk from Tato takes a few hours uphill; a reasonable level of fitness is needed.
- Fairy Meadows facilities are simple; luggage should be kept to a small bag for the walk.
Photos
Route and region
You might also like
All journeys
Journey
Gojal (Upper Hunza), Hunza
Khunjerab Pass and Upper Hunza
- Duration
- 7 days
- Highest point
- 4,693 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- May–Oct
Price to be confirmed
Journey
Astore
The Deosai Crossing: Astore to Skardu
- Duration
- 7 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Season
- Jul–Sept
Price to be confirmed
Want this journey shaped around you?
Start with what draws you, the time you have and who you’re travelling with. We’ll help shape the journey around what matters to you.
Start shaping your journeyFairy Meadows and HunzaPrice to be confirmed
Ask about this