Fairy Meadows camping checklist: what to pack for a night under Nanga Parbat

Fairy Meadows sits at roughly 3,300 metres, facing the Rakhiot face of Nanga Parbat. Days between June and September are pleasant, but nights can drop close to freezing and the weather can change within an hour. This checklist covers what we would pack for two or three nights.

Shelter

• A double-fly tent with a full rain fly. A dome tent for 2 to 4 people from our camping tents range is enough in summer; choose a mountaineering tent if you plan to camp higher.
• Pegs and guy lines for every point. Afternoon wind across the meadow is common.
• A groundsheet that stays under the tent floor, so rain does not collect on it.

Sleep system

• A sleeping bag made for cold nights, not a summer bag. See our sleeping bags and our guide on choosing one for winter.
• A camping mat. The ground pulls heat from your body faster than the air does.
• A warm cap and a pair of dry socks kept only for sleeping.

Clothing

• Layers instead of one heavy jacket: a base layer, a fleece or sweater, and a windproof outer jacket.
• A rain jacket, even when the forecast is clear.
• Trekking shoes broken in before the trip. The walk up from Tatu village, where the jeep track ends, takes two to four hours.

Camp kit

• Head torch with spare batteries.
• A folding chair or stool for the evenings. See camping furniture.
• Water bottle, purification tablets and a small stove if you plan to cook.
• Rubbish bags. Carry out everything you carry in.

Before you go

Check the weather and the condition of the Karakoram Highway and the Raikot Bridge to Tatu jeep track. Tell someone your plan, and carry a power bank, because mobile signal and electricity are limited.

Not sure which tent or sleeping bag suits your trip? Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and group size and we will recommend a setup from our range.