subject: Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat [print this page] Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat
Nanga Parbat:
Nanga Parbat (8125 m) is the 9th highest mountain on Earth, with its main summit being one of the 14 eight-thousanders. It is situated at the furthermost Western end of the Himalayas. The massif of Nanga Parbat lies in the Northern Areas in Pakistan, and forms the border between the districts of Astore to the East, and Chilas to the West. Indus river flows to the North at an altitude of about 1200 m, thus creating an impressive difference in hight and marvellous sceneries. The peak rises near the famous curve of Indus river close to its confluence with Gilgit river and the homonymous town. The name Nanga Parbat means The Naked Mountain, while the alternative name Diamir is translated as The King of the Mountains. The massif has three faces, forming three main valleys, glaciers, and rivers respectively. They are named after villages that lie beneath - Rakhiot (North) face, where the mountain's first ascent was conducted; Diamir (West or Northwest) face; and Rupal (South) face. Three ridges divide the mentioned valleys - East Ridge, connecting Nanga Parbat to Chongra Range; Ganalo Range (N-NW); and Mazeno
Range to the SW. First attempt to climb the summit was conducted in the distant 1895 by the leading British climber of that time Albert F. Mummery, who disappeared with his two Gurkha companions somewhere in the ice-falls of Diama glacier, trying to reach Rakhiot valley, after unsuccessful attempts from Rupal and Diamir slopes. Afterwards, during 1930s, several disastrous ones followed, organized mainly by Germans and Austrians, who all tried to reach the summit vie its Rakhiot face. This route is the heaviest in distance from the main summit and demands enormous preparation, as well as vigour to climb. Most of them ended with many casualties and tragedies for their members, therefore it was then named The German Fateful Mountain. First successful ascent followed the same route,
and was made in 1953 by the distinguished climber Hermann Buhl from Austria, member of the German-Austrian expedition of Dr.Karl Herlighoffer. He organized it in memoriam of his half-brother Willy Merkl, who died from exhaustion on the slopes of Rakhiot face, together with Willo Walzenbach and Uli Wieland - all German elite climbers of the pre-WWII period. Diamir face, with its 3500 m high wall, was first climbed by another German expedition of the same leader in 1962, when Tony Kinshofer, A. Mannhardt and S. Lw reached the summit, while the latter died on the descend. This route was later called German or Classical. Rupal face, or World's highest wall - 4500 m, with an average slope bias of 57 degrees - a marvellous creation of Nature, was first ascended in 1970 by two German speaking brothers from Italian Tyrol - Reinhold and Gnther Messner, members of an expedition, again lead by Dr.Herlighoffer. After successfully accomplishing the first ascent through this direct route of Rupal wall, due to underestimation of the conditions at high altitudes, both were forced to descend via Diamir face, using Mummery's Rib, and thus performing also the first traverse of Nanga Parbat.
Fairy Meadows:
Fairy Meadow is lush green plateau situated in the foots gin of Nanga Parbat at the Western edge of the Himalayan Range. The name Fairy Meadows is part of the legend that Fairy's have their heaven on this lush green plateau. It would be a great experience to have overnight in fixed camping side, or in the traditionally built wood Huts, which offers magnificent view of the North face of the Nanga Parbat. There are several short walks on this plateau, including the full day excursion up to the base camp (3900 m) of Nanga Parbat. It is very easy walk through the forest till then the edge of the plateau call Beyal Camp (3500 m). Whereas the trek from Beyal Camp to base camp is little difficult along the Raikot glacier.Fairy Meadow is a meadow on the north side of Nanga Parbat( 9th highest in the World and 2nd highest in Pakistan, a few kilometers south of the Karakoram Highway and the Indus River in the Diamer district of Northern Areas, Pakistan. It is the best place to view the majestic beauty of Nanga Parbat. Willy Merkl, the leader of the 1932 German-American expedition, named it Fairy Meadow due to its wonderful scenery.
Fairy Meadows Lake:
There is a small lake in fairy meadows which is named after the legend of Pakistani trekking lover people. MrMustansar Hussain Tarar as"Tarar Lake".
For Details check the site. http://www.visitorsheaven.com
