9 Days Fairy Meadows and Hunza Valley Winter New Year Trek

Description: Arrive at Islamabad International Airport where a North Nomads representative meets you for a private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in and rest after your journey.

Check in to your accomodation in Islamabad. In the evening, join the group for a traditional Pakistani welcome dinner. Meet your fellow adventurers and expedition leader for a detailed pre-trek briefing covering winter conditions at Fairy Meadows, gear checks, and safety protocols.

The flight crosses the western Himalayas with aerial views of Nanga Parbat (8,126m), Rakaposhi (7,788m), and the Karakoram Range. Window seat strongly recommended. Note: flights are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rerouted by road if cancelled.

Arrive in Gilgit and meet your full ground team. Stop in Gilgit town for a hot lunch before continuing the journey south along the Karakoram Highway.

Check in to a guesthouse near the bridge. Enjoy dinner and prepare your daypack for the next morning's trek to Fairy Meadows.

The narrow mountain track climbs through steep switchbacks with dramatic drops. The jeep ride itself is an adventure. The trek to Fairy Meadows begins on foot from Tato Village.

Trek through snow-covered pine and birch forest from Tato Village to Fairy Meadows (3,300m). In winter, the team may need to break trail through deep powder. The trek gains approximately 700 metres over 5 kilometres and takes 4 to 6 hours depending on snow conditions. Porters carry the main luggage. Arrive at Fairy Meadows to find the entire alpine plateau deserted and blanketed in snow, with the massive south face of Nanga Parbat towering directly above. Settle into your wooden cabin, warm up by the wood-burning stove, and enjoy a hot dinner.

Wake to views of the 4,600m Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat lit by the winter sun. Spend the day exploring the frozen meadow at your own pace. If weather and snow conditions permit, trek to Beyal Camp (approximately 2 to 3 hours round trip) for dramatically closer views of Nanga Parbat's massive south face. Other options include snowshoeing across the meadow or relaxing by the stove. In the evening, the team lights a bonfire in the snow and prepares a special feast of traditional Pakistani mountain cuisine with hot chai and kahwa (Kashmiri green tea with saffron and almonds). Stargaze under skies with zero light pollution at 3,300 metres.

Wake to views of the 4,600m Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat lit by the winter sun. Spend the day exploring the frozen meadow at your own pace. If weather and snow conditions permit, trek to Beyal Camp (approximately 2 to 3 hours round trip) for dramatically closer views of Nanga Parbat's massive south face. Other options include snowshoeing across the meadow or relaxing by the stove. In the evening, the team lights a bonfire in the snow and prepares a special feast of traditional Pakistani mountain cuisine with hot chai and kahwa (Kashmiri green tea with saffron and almonds). Stargaze under skies with zero light pollution at 3,300 metres.

Attraction Name: Fairy Meadows, Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan Description: Final morning views of Nanga Parbat before trekking back down through the snow to Tato Village. The descent takes 3 to 4 hours and requires care on icy sections. Trekking poles essential. Porters carry the main luggage.

ato Village, Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan Description: Arrive at Tato Village and board the 4x4 jeep back down to Raikot Bridge.

Drive north along the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit city. Check into a comfortable hotel with hot showers and enjoy a well-earned dinner in town.

Drive north from Gilgit along the Karakoram Highway towards the Hunza Valley. The road follows the Hunza River through dramatic gorge scenery with snow-dusted peaks on both sides.

Visit the 700-year-old Baltit Fort, a beautifully restored monument perched on the clifftop above Karimabad. The fort offers panoramic views of Rakaposhi (7,788m), Ultar Sar (7,388m), and Lady Finger Peak. Explore the museum rooms and learn about the history of the Hunza Mirs.

Visit Altit Fort, one of the oldest structures in the Hunza region, with its traditional watchtower and terraced gardens overlooking the valley.

Make the short climb to Eagle's Nest viewpoint above Karimabad for a sweeping sunset panorama of the entire Hunza Valley, with peaks glowing in the last light of the day.

Drive north along the KKH to Attabad Lake, a stunning turquoise lake formed by a massive landslide in 2010. In winter, the lake is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and often partially frozen at the edges, creating a dramatic winter landscape.

Continue to Passu to see the iconic Passu Cones, a row of jagged spires also known as the Cathedral Peaks. If conditions allow, walk across the famous Passu Suspension Bridge over the Hunza River.

On the return journey, visit the ancient Ganish Village, a UNESCO-listed settlement with centuries-old carved wooden mosques, watchtowers, and traditional architecture. One of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the Hunza Valley.

Free time to browse the traditional bazaar in Karimabad for local handicrafts, dried fruits, and gemstones. Final evening in Hunza with dinner at the hotel.

The flight offers a final aerial tour of the Karakoram peaks.

Optional extra night in Islamabad available with a complimentary half-day city tour covering Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh, and the Pakistan Monument.