TOURISM : FAIRY MEADOWS FAMOUS

QUEST to the high and majestic foothill of Nanga Parbat is riddled with scorching heat and dangerous road networks.

The might and the majesty of the Fairy Meadows enchants locals and foreigners alike. Every step you take towards this cosmic giant is no less than a spell that keeps on building but never breaks.

In short, you'll get this once once you'll get there.

Quite befitting of its name, Fairy Meadows was named by German climbers and is called JOOT in the local Shina language.

It's not an exaggeration to say the place is dreamy - which is the perhaps the reason why many travel to such great lengths to reach the meadows.

Think rolling hills and soaking in the sun, where horses and goats graze away happily until sunset. Skirting the cleared area are thick pine woods with flowing freshwater streams to inspire your inner wanderlust like you are exploring the forest of an imaginary land.

And, of course, the celestial skies at night are simply magical.

Nanga Parbat is the perfect and final backdrop to the awe-inspiring snow-clad Himalayan mountain range. In some local inns surrounding the area, you can get a clear view of the towing summit which is a stunning 8,215-meter peak.

It's also known as the  Killer Mountain, for good reason. Nanga Parbat s notoriously difficult to climb, so it was lent its nickname due to numerous mountaineering deaths in the mid and early 20th-century.

Austrian climber Herman Buhl made the first ascent of the world's 9th tallest mountain in 1953.

If you don't want to risk your life, however, trek to some spectacular viewpoints where you can safely gaze at the exalted Nanga Parbat and almost feel like you're on top of the world.

Despite all these wonderous descriptions of Fairy Meadows, it's important to note that getting there is notorious two-day journey that is not always made clear by travel guides.

They say it's about the journey, and not the destination. Unless you're used to transitory uneasiness through the Karakorum Highway [after Islamabad] be prepared.

Like any other epic quest, the journey is riddled with scorching heat, dangerous road networks, no washroom facilities and a perilous 2-hour Jeep journey which comes to a rude end-

 After which you have to walk uphill [not straight, like the local tour guides reassure] through boulders. And honestly speaking, it takes longer than expected.

This by no means is intended to discourage you from finding Neverland but a gentle reminder that it isn't a piece of cake.

The honor and serving of the latest global operational research on Great Tourist Adventures and writings, continues. The World Students Society thanks author, Sarah Price.