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13 Days Fairy Meadows Trek with Rama Lake and Skardu Sight Seeing Tour
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Group Size
min 1 person
max 15 persons
Activity Level
Travel Style
Accommodation
Overview
Fairy Meadows named by German climbers (Märchenwiese – literally fairytale meadow) due to its beauty and splendor is a lush green grassland locally known as Joot or Fantori located on the way to Nanga Parbat base camp. Nanga Parbat itself comes in the list of the 10 highest mountains in the world and is the 2nd highest mountain in Pakistan after K2, however it is more famously known by its nickname Killer Mountain. This trek takes us to these lands which seem to have come straight out of a fairytale. The next stop in our trek is Rama Lake and Rama Meadows which offer a different kind of beauty and are located in District Astore of Gilgit-Baltistan. Traveling onwards, we cross the 2nd highest plateau in the world Deosai Plains which has been given the status of a National Park for the protection of its flora and fauna. Deosai, meaning ‘Land of the Giants’ is home to the the endangered Himalayan brown bear, red fox, gray wolf, golden marmot, ibex and snow leopard along with multiple species of birds and sweeps upon sweeps of wildflowers. This area is covered entirely in snow in winter and is only accessible in summer which explains the Balti word for it being ‘Ghbiarsa’ which means ‘Summer’s Place’. Finally, after crossing this natural wonder, we shall go to the heart of Baltistan, Skardu and explore the area along with a visit to the historic royal 17th century Shigar Fort as well which is known as Fong-Khar in Balti which means ‘the Palace on the Rock.’ After restoration by Aga Khan Cultural Services, Pakistan (AKCS-P), it was converted into a museum and a luxury hotel managed by Serena Hotels.
This is the perfect itinerary for anyone looking for a tour of the attractions of Gilgit Baltistan along with a chance to go trekking along the trails of some of the most beautiful places. Book a trekking tour now and check out the itinerary below for details.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Islamabad
Welcome at Islamabad International Airport followed by travel to the hotel. The day will be spent exploring the attractions the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad have to offer e.g Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa, Pakistan National Monument and Museum, Shakar Parian, Daman-e-Koh, Monal, Rawalpindi Old Bazaar etc. Home to the lesser Himalayas, many of the attractions listed offer a bird’s eye view of the capital. Altitude/Elevation: 540 meters
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Day 2
From Islamabad to Chilas
Departure from Islamabad will be in the morning after breakfast. The day will be spent traveling on the 8th wonder of the world, the Karakoram Highway for about 8-9 hours to reach Chilas in district Diamer of Gilgit Baltistan. The night will be spent in the hotel in Chilas. Chilas is also home to the seventh highest mountain – more famously known as the Killer-Mountain owing to the high number of climber fatalities, Nanga Parbat and the accompanying beautiful Fairy Meadows. In this region (and in those ahead), ancient Buddhist petroglyphs can be seen on the rocks and mountainsides. Altitude: 1265 meters
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Day 3
From Chilas to Tato to Fairy Meadow
After breakfast in Chilas, we shall drive up to Raikot Bridge from where we will disembark and resume our travels on jeeps which are suitable for the mountainous terrain. It will take us another 1.5 hours zigzagging our way up the mountains to arrive at Tato from whence our actual trek towards Fairy Meadows will commence. This trek will lead us through the rocky trail surrounded by coniferous trees and the view of the majestic Nanga Parbat lying ahead which will take us to a cozy and secluded settlement in Tato with different houses scattered across the area. A 2-3 hour trek will take us to the lush green grassland Fairy Meadows, believed by the locals to be inhabited by many fairies giving it its name. This is the base camp of the 5th highest mountain in the world. We shall spend the night here, with hidden fairies dwelling amongst us beneath the stars in huts and tents. Altitude: 3300 meters Accommodation: Huts and Tents
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Day 4
Fairy Meadow
This day will be devoted in its entirety to Fairy Meadows. There is also a lake over here which, with the backdrop being the majestic snow-draped Killer Mountain itself, looks glittering and magnificent under the sun. After a day full of enjoyment, exploring and some rest in this lovely area which looks to be straight out of a fairytale, the night will spent in huts and tents. Altitude: 3300 meters Accommodation: Huts and Tents
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Day 5
Excursion from Fairy Meadows to Nanga Parbat Base Camp through Beyal Camp
After breakfast, a walk through the alpine forest surrounding Fairy Meadows will take us to the trail. This trail will be along a ridge with a view of Nanga Parbat ahead and the Raikot glacier to the left. The trek is easy and after two hours we will reach Beyal Camp, another small settlement where one may stop and rest for a cup of tea. Going ahead towards the Base camp, the forest will give way to the rocky boulders and ice blocks heralding the glacier lying ahead but not before we pass a viewpoint which gives another stunning view of the Raikot glacier and Killer Mountain. The trek from Beyal Camp to the Nanga Parbat base camp takes another 2-3 hour hours but this path is a little more difficult as it involves walking over the glacier. However, the views are even more picturesque and one can find themselves to be in winter right in the middle of summer. The ice boulders, snowy mountains and beautiful glaciers make for a magnificent view. Upon reaching Nanga Parbat base camp, one can appreciate the full view of this famous Killer Mountain whose ascent so many veteran climbers have died summiting but stands there aloof and majestic, swathed by dreamy clouds, visible clearly at times and veiled during others. Nanga Parbat is not a single peak but a series of ridges which culminate in an icy summit 8,125 meters high. We shall then return to Fairy Meadows and spend the night there. Altitude: 3300 meters Accommodation: Huts and Tents
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Day 6
From Fairy Meadows to Tato to Rama Lake
After breakfast, we will leave Fairy Meadows by walking back to Tato village and taking the 4x4 jeeps back to Raikot Bridge. At this point, we will switch to the jeeps that will take us to Astore. It will take a little over an hour to reach. Astore is one of the ten districts of Gilgit-Baltistan but possesses a beauty of its own with its evergreen forests and rustic charm. From Astore city, the drive to Rama is short. Rama is a small idyll within Astore. Rama Meadows are famous for their lush green plains, babbling brooks and pretty views. It lies at an elevation of 3300 meters (10,800 feet). This is where we shall reside in our hotel, though a twenty minute drive on the jeep higher up can take us to Rama Lake. We shall spend the night in a hotel in Rama Meadows. Altitude: 3300 meters Accommodation: Hotel
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Day 7
Excursion to Rama Lake from Rama Meadows
This day shall be spent relaxing and enjoying at the serene environment that Rama Meadows offers. An excursion to Rama Lake will also be conducted. Rama Lake lies at an elevation of 11,505 feet and the rocky riverbank, and surrounding hills filled with colourful flower patches offer a magnificent travel destination. The massive pine, cedar and fir trees that thickly populate this valley are a delight to the traveler and the view of the massive Diamer Mountain which joins Nanga Parbat from behind induces the viewer into raptures. The beauty of Rama Lake itself is unrivalled with the light reflecting on the blue water and painting a pretty sight. Overnight in hotel in Rama Meadows. Altitude: 3507 meters Accommodation: Huts and Tents
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Day 8
From Rama to Skardu via Deosai Plains
After breakfast we shall say our goodbyes to Rama Meadows and proceed towards Skardu by way of Deosai Plains. The greater part of the day will be spent traveling but the sights will get even more interesting as we will be crossing the Deosai National Park – which is the 2nd highest plateau in the world after Tibet at 13,947 feet. This plain grassland is home to a wide variety of fauna and flora and we encourage our travelers to remain on the lookout for a glimpse of some of the brown bears, red foxes and ibexes that are known to inhabit the region. The area is also filled with wildflowers blooming everywhere and makes for a very photogenic environment. Traveling from Deosai to Skardu, we will have the chance to see the beautiful Satpara Lake as well. Having reached Skardu, we will check in at the hotel and spend the night there. Altitude: 4,114 meters Accommodation: Hotel
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Day 9
Skardu
After a filling breakfast, we will have a full day to explore the beautiful Skardu in Baltistan. Skardu is located at the confluence of the Indus River and Shigar River and has the special feature of possessing a variety of geographic features such as lakes, rugged mountains, lush green fields, waterfalls, freshwater streams and even a cold desert! At an elevation of 2500 meters, it is home to the hospitable Balti people whose language and culture is unique. The Upper and Lower Kachura Lakes are a special attraction as well as an ancient fort and the Skardu Bazaar is a hub of Balti culture. Altitude: 2228 meters Accommodation: Hotel
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Day 10
From Skardu to Shigar
After breakfast at the hotel, we shall proceed to Shigar for a day trip and explore the beautiful countryside. The 400 year old Serena Shigar Fort is a historic heritage hotel completely renovated by Aga Khan Cultural Services Pakistan and is perfect for appreciating Balti architecture and culture. A walk around the tranquil town and visiting the ancient mosque after taking a tour of the picturesque royal fort – where the Raja of Shigar used to reside is truly a one of a kind experience. South of the village, there are also petroglyphs (rock carvings) as well as an excavation of a Buddhist monastery. Visiting this area with its rich history and delightful views will make for a lovely day. Altitude: 2230 meters Accommodation: Hotel
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Day 11
From Shigar to Skardu
We will go to Skardu Airport in the morning to catch the flight to Islamabad by PK-452 (This flight is subject to weather conditions). The rest of the day will be spent at leisure in Rawalpindi/Islamabad. Altitude: 540 meters Accommodation: Hotel In case the flight gets cancelled, we will drive to Besham via KKH and transfer to the hotel. NOTE: Confirmation of flight to/from Skardu is subject to weather conditions and the confirmation of seat is expected a day before the flight.
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Day 12
Islamabad
This will comprise of a full day excursion to Taxila (In case of flight cancellation, this day will be spent traveling to Islamabad from Besham with overnight stay in hotel. Accommodation: Hotel
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Day 13
Departure from Islamabad
Depart to Islamabad International Airport in the morning to catch the homebound flight. Meals: Breakfast only
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$ 1,225
$ 817
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