Fairy Meadows

Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

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Fairy Meadows is a spellbinding alpine grassland tucked into the Rakhiot Valley of Diamer District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Perched at around 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) above sea level, it offers one of the most iconic views in the world: the towering north face of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain on Earth.

The name “Fairy Meadows” was coined by German climbers enchanted by its dreamlike beauty, though locals call it “Joot.” To reach this secluded paradise, travelers embark on a thrilling jeep ride from Raikot Bridge along the Karakoram Highway to the village of Tato—a road so narrow and precarious it’s been dubbed one of the world’s most dangerous.

From Tato, a 3–4 hour trek through pine forests and alpine trails leads to the meadows themselves, where wooden cottages and campsites dot the grassy expanse. Declared a national park in 1995, Fairy Meadows is more than just a scenic stop—it’s a launchpad for treks to Nanga Parbat Base Camp and a haven for stargazers, nature lovers, and solitude seekers.

On clear nights, the Milky Way spills across the sky, and the snow-draped peak of Nanga Parbat glows in the moonlight like something out of a myth.