Fairy Meadows in spring means May, the month the meadow wakes up from winter. The jeep track from Raikot Bridge and the walking path from Tato generally reopen towards the end of May, once enough snow has cleared for jeeps and walkers to get through, and lodges begin opening through the month as the owners return. Snow still lies on the meadow and the higher paths for much of May, nights drop close to freezing, and not every cottage is open yet, so this is a trip for the prepared rather than the first-timer.
This guide covers when access actually opens, what the snow and cold mean for a visit, and who spring suits.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Spring window | May |
| Jeep and trail | Generally reopen towards the end of May |
| Lodges | Opening through May; not all open at once |
| Days | Cool, roughly 10 to 15°C |
| Nights | Close to freezing |
| Snow | Patches on the meadow, more on the higher ground |
| Suits | Fit adults with warm gear and flexible dates |
| Better for families | June onwards |
When does Fairy Meadows actually reopen in spring?
The road to Fairy Meadows is shut through the winter by snow on the jeep track and the walking path, and it does not reopen on a fixed calendar date. In most years the jeep track and the trail from Tato become passable towards the end of May or into early June, once enough snow has melted for vehicles and walkers to get through safely. Some lodge owners return earlier to prepare their cottages; others wait until the path is clearly open. Because the date moves with the winter's snowfall, don't book a specific early-May date and assume the meadow will be accessible. Call a lodge directly and confirm the current state of the track before you commit to travel. Our seasonal guide to the north shows how spring at Fairy Meadows fits alongside blossom season in Hunza and Skardu.
What the meadow looks like in May
Where June brings a fully green meadow, May is a mix: patches of snow still lying in the shade of the forest and on the open ground, with grass showing through where the sun has reached it longest. Streams run high with meltwater. The forest between Tato and the meadow is at its freshest, with new growth on the pines and the first wildflowers appearing lower down. Higher ground, including the paths towards Beyal and the Nanga Parbat viewpoint, is more likely to still be under snow than the main meadow itself.
It is a quieter, starker version of the view most photographs show, with the added drama of snow against green. Some visitors prefer it for exactly that reason.
Snow on the trail
Even once the jeep track and path are officially open, expect snow underfoot in places, particularly on the upper switchbacks near the meadow and on any north-facing stretch that gets less sun. This slows the walk down and makes some sections slippery, so allow more time than the two to three hours a fit adult might take in summer, and wear boots with a proper grip rather than trainers. Our guide to the Fairy Meadows hike covers the path in detail; treat its summer timings as a minimum in May, not a guarantee.
How cold are the nights?
Cold enough to matter. Nights in May commonly fall close to freezing at the meadow's altitude of around 3,300 metres, colder than a Karimabad or Gilgit evening might suggest. Pack as you would for a proper mountain trip: a warm jacket, hat and gloves, and a sleeping bag rated well below the daytime comfort a warm afternoon might promise. If you are camping rather than taking a cottage, this is not the season to rely on a summer-weight bag; see our guide to camping in Fairy Meadows for what to bring.
Which cottages are open?
Not every lodge on the meadow opens at the same time in spring. Some owners return in early May to get rooms ready; others wait until closer to June, when demand picks up and the path is reliably clear. This is the single most important thing to check before a May trip: call ahead and confirm that a specific lodge is open and has a room, rather than assuming that because the season has "started" every cottage is available. Our guide to Fairy Meadows hotels explains the types of rooms on offer once you find one open.
Getting there in spring
The Babusar Pass, the shorter route from Islamabad through Naran, opens later in the season than Fairy Meadows itself and is unlikely to be usable in May in most years. That leaves the Karakoram Highway through Besham, Dasu and Chilas as the road to count on for a spring trip, which adds a day compared with the Babusar route. Our route guide from Islamabad sets out both options and the overnight stops along the way.
Who does a spring trip suit?
Spring suits fit adults who want a quieter meadow, don't mind cold nights and some snow underfoot, and can stay flexible if the track or a particular lodge isn't ready when planned. It suits less well families with young children, first-time visitors who want everything running normally, or anyone who cannot adjust their dates if the season is running late. For a first visit with children or a fixed holiday date, June through early September, covered in our guide to the best time to visit Fairy Meadows, is the safer choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fairy Meadows open in May?
Usually towards the end of May, once the jeep track and walking path have cleared enough snow, though the exact date moves each year. Confirm current access before you travel.
Is there snow at Fairy Meadows in spring?
Yes, typically patches on the meadow and more on the higher paths, especially in shaded and north-facing sections. It usually clears through May and June.
Are all the cottages open in May?
No. Lodges reopen through the month at different times, so call ahead and confirm a specific lodge has a room ready before you plan around it.
How cold are Fairy Meadows nights in May?
Close to freezing at the meadow's altitude, colder than lower valleys nearby. Pack warm sleeping clothes and a proper jacket.
Can I reach Fairy Meadows via Babusar Pass in spring?
Usually not in May, since Babusar typically opens later than the jeep track to Fairy Meadows. Plan on the Karakoram Highway route through Chilas instead.
Is spring a good time for families to visit Fairy Meadows?
It suits fit adults better than families. For a first trip with children, June through early September offers a more reliably open, warmer trip.
Is the Karakoram Highway route safe for overseas visitors?
Pakistani travellers use it all year, but as of September 2026 the UK government advises against all travel on the Karakoram Highway between Mansehra and Chilas, through Besham and Dasu. In summer the road over the Babusar Pass avoids that stretch. If you hold a foreign passport, check your own government's advice before you go, because travelling against it can void your insurance. Everyone should check local news and road conditions before setting out.
