Trips: Hunza in 2017 and 2021, Fairy Meadows in August 2021 · 2026 details: from my brother’s trip to both · Last checked: October 2026
Fairy Meadows and Hunza are two of the most famous places in the north, and many people ask which one to pick. I have done both. In August 2021 I went to Fairy Meadows and Hunza on the same 7-day trip with 9 friends, and in 2026 my brother went to both. They are very different trips, and the right choice depends on how much adventure you want.
Fairy Meadows vs Hunza at a glance
| Fairy Meadows | Hunza | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting there | Raikot Bridge, then a jeep on a scary track to Tato, then a hike or a horse | A long drive on the Karakoram Highway, about 650 km from Islamabad, with no hiking |
| Effort | Hard. The trek takes about 4 hours and is tiring | Easy. Families can travel easily |
| Best season | May to August only. It closes in September | April to September. After mid-October you reach it through Besham |
| Crowds | Fully packed in May, June and July | Calm in April and May, too crowded in June, July and August |
| Costs in 2026 | Jeep PKR 14,000 to 16,000 for 5 people, horse or mule PKR 3,500 to 4,000, hut about PKR 15,000 a night, package about PKR 35,000 per person | Hotels about PKR 8,000 (friends) up to PKR 45,000 a night, and a meal about PKR 1,000 per person (my brother) |
| Mobile signal | None. A paid wireless PCO works for 2 to 3 hours in the evening | On my trips only SCOM worked. Check current coverage |
| Best for | Adventure, night skies and Nanga Parbat | Scenery, easy sightseeing and families |
If you want adventure, choose Fairy Meadows
The jeep track is really scary, and you will only enjoy it if you love adventure. After Tato you hike or take a horse, and the hike takes about 4 hours in total, with several breaks. It is tiring, so take small steps to save your energy and keep ORS with you.
The reward is the night sky, which you never see in a crowded city like Faisalabad or Lahore, a bonfire, and the view of Nanga Parbat. You can also walk to Beyal Camp, about 1 to 1.5 hours from Fairy Meadows, for some peace. The full plan is in my Fairy Meadows guide.
If you want an easy trip or you travel with family, choose Hunza
Hunza has no hike to reach it, and there is a lot to see, so even families can travel easily and find good spots. You can drive on the Karakoram Highway, and visit Attabad Lake and Hussaini Bridge. I also recommend Eagle’s Nest at dawn or dusk.
If you have asthma, be careful with Khunjerab Pass. The oxygen level there is low and you can only stay for about 10 to 15 minutes. My full Hunza notes are in Hunza in 2017 vs 2026.
The cost difference
In 2021 I did both for about PKR 24,000 per person on a 7-day trip for 10 friends, with a rented Hiace and a driver. That would cost much more today. I estimate the same trip would cost around PKR 600,000 for the group, which is only my own estimate. The full comparison is in my trip cost post.
In 2026, Fairy Meadows is the more expensive part per night, because a hut costs about PKR 15,000 a night, and the jeep alone is PKR 14,000 to 16,000. If you want to keep it simple, tourist companies still offer a Fairy Meadows plan for around PKR 35,000 per person.
Can you do both?
Yes. That is what I did in 2021. Fairy Meadows is reached from Raikot Bridge, on the way to Hunza, so you can do the Fairy Meadows part first and then continue towards Hunza. Do it between May and August, when Fairy Meadows is open. My 2021 route went from Faisalabad to Islamabad, then the Hazara Motorway to Mansehra, Naran, Babusar and Chilas. I do not recommend driving all of that in one go.
Which one would I pick?
- First time in the north, or going with family: Hunza. If you have not been to Hunza, you should go once in your life.
- You love adventure and do not mind a hard trek: Fairy Meadows.
- You have 7 days: do both, between May and August.
- You hate crowds: neither in June to August. Try Shogran in October instead.
Quick answers
- Which is harder? Fairy Meadows, because of the jeep track and the trek.
- Which is better for families? Hunza.
- When can I go to Fairy Meadows? May to August only.
- Is there mobile signal at Fairy Meadows? No. There is a paid PCO in the evening.
Related: How to reach Fairy Meadows · Hunza in 2017 vs 2026 · Best time to visit, month by month · Things I would skip
This comparison is based on my own trips and, where I say so, on my brother’s. Prices and conditions change, so please check before you travel and read my disclaimer. If you went recently and something is different, tell me on the contact page.