10-Day Northern Pakistan Tour Plan: Fairy Meadows, Rakaposhi, Hunza

Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Islamabad. As you leave behind the bustling city, you will embark on a long but scenic journey towards Chilas. If traveling via Naran, the route will take you through the lush green valleys of Kaghan and Naran, passing picturesque spots like Lulusar Lake and the breathtaking Babusar Top. This route offers magnificent mountain views and refreshing weather. Alternatively, if Babusar Pass is closed, you will travel via the Karakoram Highway through Besham, following the winding Indus River. After a full day of travel, you will reach Chilas, a historic town known for its ancient petroglyphs and rugged landscapes. A well-deserved rest awaits you at your hotel, where you can recharge for the adventures ahead.

After breakfast, you will set off towards Raikot Bridge, where the real adventure begins. From here, a thrilling jeep ride on narrow mountain trails will take you to Tattu Village, the starting point of the trek to Fairy Meadows. The ride itself is an adrenaline-pumping experience, offering breathtaking views of deep gorges and towering peaks.

Once at Tattu Village, you will begin the three- to four-hour trek through lush pine forests, gradually ascending towards Fairy Meadows. As you get closer, the first glimpse of Nanga Parbat’s mighty peak appears, filling the sky with its towering presence. Arriving at Fairy Meadows feels like stepping into a dream—vast green meadows stretch before you, with the snow-covered Nanga Parbat standing majestically in the background. As the sun sets, the landscape glows with golden hues, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale. You will spend the night in a cozy wooden cottage or a tent under a sky full of stars.

Waking up in Fairy Meadows is an experience in itself. The morning air is crisp, and the sight of Nanga Parbat illuminated by the rising sun is nothing short of magical. For adventure seekers, the day offers an opportunity to embark on the challenging trek to Nanga Parbat Base Camp, an eight- to nine-hour round trip. The trail passes through Beyal Camp, a beautiful meadow surrounded by towering cliffs and glacier-fed streams. The journey to the base camp is demanding but rewarding, offering some of the most dramatic mountain views in the world.

For those who prefer a more relaxed day, a shorter trek to Beyal Camp is a great alternative, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscape without the strenuous hike. After a day of exploring, you will return to Fairy Meadows for a warm meal and a peaceful night surrounded by nature.

After breakfast, you will bid farewell to Fairy Meadows and begin the trek back to Tattu Village. From there, the jeep ride will take you down to Raikot Bridge, followed by a drive to Gilgit, the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan. The journey along the Karakoram Highway offers stunning views of rugged mountains and the winding Indus River.

Upon reaching Gilgit, you will have time to explore the bustling Gilgit Bazaar, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, gemstones, and local dried fruits. A visit to the Gilgit Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in the region, provides an exciting experience as you walk above the roaring Gilgit River. The night will be spent in a comfortable hotel, allowing you to rest before the next day’s adventure.

After a hearty breakfast, you will embark on a short but scenic drive to Minapin Village, a peaceful settlement surrounded by apricot and cherry orchards. Minapin serves as the gateway to the Rakaposhi Base Camp trek. From here, the trek begins with a gradual ascent towards Hapakun Campsite, a three- to four-hour hike through dense forests and alpine meadows.

The higher you climb, the more spectacular the views become, with Rakaposhi’s snow-capped peak dominating the skyline. Upon reaching Hapakun, you will set up camp in a pristine setting, surrounded by towering mountains and fresh mountain air. As night falls, the silence of the mountains will provide a tranquil escape from the world.

The trek continues towards Tagaphari, also known as Rakaposhi Base Camp. This part of the journey takes around three to four hours and offers breathtaking views of the Rakaposhi Glacier. As you approach the base camp, the landscape transforms into a dramatic scene of ice and rock, with the mighty Rakaposhi standing at 7,788 meters.

Reaching the base camp is a moment of triumph, and you will have plenty of time to soak in the beauty of the glacier, take photographs, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The night will be spent camping under the shadow of one of the most stunning peaks in the Karakoram range.

This day is dedicated to exploring the wonders of upper Hunza and the legendary Khunjerab Pass. The journey along the Karakoram Highway takes you past Attabad Lake, a mesmerizing turquoise lake formed after a landslide in 2010. Continuing further, you will witness the breathtaking Passu Cones, one of the most iconic mountain formations in Pakistan.

A short stop at the Hussaini Suspension Bridge will allow you to experience one of the world’s most adventurous rope bridges. The journey culminates at Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved border crossing between Pakistan and China at 4,693 meters. Here, you will have time to take in the stunning landscape before returning to Hunza for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, the journey back towards Islamabad begins. If Babusar Pass is open, the route will take you through Naran, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes. You will make stops at Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top, both providing breathtaking photography opportunities.

If Babusar is closed, the journey will follow the Karakoram Highway towards Besham, with stops at scenic viewpoints along the way. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Naran or Besham, providing a chance to relax before the final leg of the journey.

The final day of the tour takes you back to Islamabad. After breakfast, you will drive through the scenic valleys, making stops for tea and souvenirs along the way. Arriving in Islamabad marks the end of an unforgettable adventure, filled with memories of towering mountains, thrilling treks, and the breathtaking beauty of Northern Pakistan.