Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Soul of Northern Festivals
- Paragliding Cup + 1st Ice Hockey Championship – Hunza (Jan/Dec)
- Jashan-e-Tukham Razi – Gilgit-Baltistan (March 15)
- Spring Blossom Festival – Gilgit-Baltistan (March–April 12–21)
- Jashan Ghanchee – Ghanchee (August 1–7)
- Baba Ghundi Festival – Hunza (August)
- Sarfaranga Desert Jeep Rally – Skardu (August)
- Rama Polo Festival – Astore (August)
- Water Sports Festival – Sadpara, Attabad & Khatli Lakes (August)
- Tour De Khunjerab (2nd Highest Road Marathon) – Khunjerab (September)
- Ski Festival – Naltar (December)
- Hidden & Local Festivals of GB: Food, Faith & Folk Traditions
- FAQs – Gilgit-Baltistan Festivals 2026
🏞️ 1. Introduction: The Soul of Northern Festivals
Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), the northern crown of Pakistan, is not just a region of glaciers and peaks — it is a living museum of cultures, languages, and centuries-old traditions.
From Hunza’s legendary hospitality to Skardu’s desert rallies and the poetic calm of Astore, every valley hosts its own festival celebrating nature, resilience, and unity.
The region’s festivals highlight its multi-ethnic character — Wakhi, Balti, Shina, and Burushaski communities all participate in year-round events that blend faith, music, and adventure.
These festivals are not only a reflection of joy but also a major draw for global tourists seeking eco-adventure and cultural depth.
🪂 2. Para Gliding Cup + 1st Ice Hockey Championship – Hunza (January/December)
Sky Meets Ice — A Northern Dual Spectacle
Hunza hosts one of Asia’s most dramatic high-altitude sporting combinations — paragliding from the iconic Duikar viewpoint and the 1st Ice Hockey Championship on frozen Altit Lake.
Adventure seekers glide above the snow-lined terraces of Karimabad while below, hockey teams from Pakistan, Canada, and Central Asia compete in thrilling matches on natural ice.
The event has become a cornerstone of winter tourism in Hunza, with thousands gathering to cheer under fluttering prayer flags. Locals sell yak kebabs, hot apricot tea, and hand-knitted caps, giving the event a festive bazaar feel.
Local Tips & Hidden Gems
- Best Viewing Spot: Duikar Peak early morning for clear views of the paragliders.
- Try Local Experience: Night skiing sessions organized by Altit Youth Club after hockey finals.
- Hidden Gem: The Altit Old Settlement transforms into an art village where local children paint paragliding murals.
🌱 3. Jashan-e-Tukham Razi – Gilgit-Baltistan (March 15)
The Festival of Seeds and Renewal
The Jashan-e-Tukham Razi (literally “Celebration of Seed Sowing”) is a rural festival rooted in centuries-old agricultural customs. It marks the beginning of spring and the sowing of wheat and buckwheat across valleys like Gilgit, Yasin, and Puniyal.
Elders gather to offer prayers for fertile land, while children scatter flower petals over ploughed fields.
Villagers decorate oxen with colorful tassels and perform the Dambura dance — a rhythmic movement honoring the balance between humans and earth.
Tourists can join local families for Soun Daat, a traditional seed-day feast featuring barley bread, yak butter, and dried apricots.
Local Tips & Hidden Gems
- Visit the Yasin Agricultural Museum, which opens for one day showcasing old wooden ploughs and seed-grinding stones.
- In Phander Valley, locals stage a “folk harvest play” that dramatizes the ancient sowing ritual.
🌸 4. Spring Blossom Festival – Gilgit-Baltistan (March–April 12–21)
When the Valleys Turn Pink
The Spring Blossom Festival is perhaps GB’s most photogenic celebration. From mid-March to late April, Hunza, Gilgit, and Skardu transform into a pink and white paradise.
The festival includes art exhibitions, heritage music, guided village walks, and Blossom Parades where school children wear flower crowns representing different valleys.
Baltit Fort, illuminated by hundreds of lanterns, becomes a central stage for cultural performances. Traditional attire — long Pharts for women and embroidered caps for men — gives tourists a glimpse of timeless mountain fashion.
Traveler Tips
- Photography Spot: Karimabad Road in early morning light offers unbeatable blossom shots.
- Hidden Gem: Gulmit Art Gallery hosts a “Women of the Mountains” photography exhibition during the festival.
🕌 5. Jashan Ghanchee – Ghanchee (August 1–7)
The Celebration of Little Tibet
Held in the heart of Ghanchee District, Jashan Ghanchee is a cultural harmony of Balti heritage.
Polo, tug-of-war, yak races, and archery competitions take place against the serene backdrop of the Shyok River and Kharfaq mountains.
Evenings are reserved for Balti music nights, where singers perform epic songs of Baltistan’s warriors.
The Chaqchan Mosque, built in 1370, becomes the symbolic heart of the celebration, representing centuries of coexistence between Buddhist and Islamic traditions.
Local women showcase stone-carved jewelry and yak-wool shawls, attracting collectors from all over Pakistan.
🧿 6. Baba Ghundi Festival – Hunza (August)
Where Faith and Mountains Meet
In the sacred Chipursan Valley, at the edge of the Pamir plateau, lies the Shrine of Baba Ghundi, a 12th-century Sufi saint believed to protect the northern frontiers.
The festival brings together devout followers, nomadic Wakhi herders, and modern travelers who come to experience a mystical mountain pilgrimage.
Yak races, community feasts, and Sufi zikr nights illuminate this high-altitude sanctuary.
The serenity, combined with the crisp air and echoing chants, makes it an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Local Tips
- Respect dress codes and photography rules near the shrine.
- Camp overnight in Chipursan Meadows for a clear view of the Milky Way.
6. Sarfaranga Desert Jeep Rally – Skardu – August
Nestled in the world’s highest cold desert, the Sarfaranga Desert Jeep Rally is one of the most thrilling annual events in Gilgit-Baltistan. This festival merges adventure, culture, and natural splendor against a surreal backdrop of sand dunes surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The rally attracts participants from across Pakistan and even foreign off-road enthusiasts eager to test their mettle in the heart of Skardu.
The event is jointly organized by the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department and Frontier Works Organization (FWO), featuring multiple racing categories including 125cc and 250cc motorbikes, jeeps, and ATVs. The rally also hosts cultural nights, Buzkashi matches, and folk music evenings, where traditional Balti songs echo through the valley under starlit skies.
For travelers, local guesthouses in Skardu and Katpana offer homely accommodations. Pro tip from locals: arrive two days before the rally to explore Katpana Cold Desert, Shigar Fort, and Shangrila Lake, all within a short drive.
FAQ:
Q: Is the Sarfaranga Jeep Rally open to amateur drivers?
A: Yes! There’s an “Amateur Class” for local participants, though vehicles must meet safety standards and pre-race inspection.
7. Rama Polo Festival – Astore – August (3 Days)
Set in the lush, scenic valley of Rama near Astore, this festival celebrates the region’s deep-rooted polo tradition. Unlike the more commercialized Shandur Polo Festival, Rama Polo Festival retains a purely local charm, showcasing unrefined, high-energy polo matches between Astore, Gilgit, and Diamer teams.
Each day begins with a traditional Balti breakfast of butter tea and khurba bread, followed by polo matches, yak races, and local craft exhibitions. Evenings light up with bonfires, Balti dance performances, and a celebration of traditional poetry known as “Ghazal Ghus.”
Visitors can camp near Rama Lake or stay in small lodges. The area is also a gateway to Nanga Parbat Base Camp — a must for hiking enthusiasts. Local tip: carry warm gear; even in August, the nights can dip below 10°C.
FAQ:
Q: Is there an entry fee for Rama Polo Festival?
A: No, it’s a free public event, though donations to local sports committees are appreciated.
8. Water Sports Festival – Sadpara Lake, Attabad, Khatli – August
This summer spectacle unites three breathtaking lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan — Sadpara, Attabad, and Khatli — for a synchronized celebration of aquatic adventure. Activities include kayaking, jet-skiing, paddleboarding, and traditional wooden-boat races. Each lake hosts its segment of the festival, connected through tourism caravans promoting eco-tourism and lake conservation.
At Attabad Lake, visitors can enjoy underwater photography tours, while Sadpara Lake focuses on eco-camping and trout fishing. Khatli Lake, lesser known but equally enchanting, offers serene camping spots for peace-seekers.
The festival’s evenings feature local craft stalls, seafood feasts, and folk music from Hunza and Baltistan. It’s an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and sustainable tourism advocacy.
FAQ:
Q: Do I need prior experience to join the water sports activities?
A: Beginners are welcome; safety gear and basic training are provided at all official venues.
9. Tour De Khunjerab (2nd Highest Road Marathon) – Khunjerab – September
Known as the world’s second-highest paved international border marathon, the Tour De Khunjerab is an extraordinary test of endurance and willpower. Cyclists traverse from Gilgit to Khunjerab Pass, covering over 470 kilometers and climbing altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet (4,693 meters).
This event highlights Gilgit-Baltistan’s breathtaking landscapes — from the lush Hunza orchards to the icy winds near the Khunjerab top. The marathon draws national and international participants, making it a symbol of resilience and peace through sports.
The route passes through Karimabad, Sost, and Passu Cones, offering unbeatable photographic moments. Medical support and water stations are set up every few kilometers for participant safety.
Local tip: even spectators should prepare for altitude sickness — carry warm clothing and hydrate constantly.
FAQ:
Q: How long does the Tour De Khunjerab last?
A: It typically spans three to four days, with checkpoints for rest and altitude acclimatization.
10. Ski Festival – Naltar, GB – December
When winter cloaks Gilgit-Baltistan in snow, Naltar Valley transforms into Pakistan’s skiing capital. The Ski Festival here is jointly organized by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Winter Sports Federation, drawing international athletes, adventure travelers, and snow enthusiasts alike.
Participants compete in giant slalom, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding, while beginners can join guided sessions led by certified instructors. The event also includes snow sculpture contests, snow camping, and nighttime bonfire gatherings.
Naltar’s ski slopes are surrounded by dense pine forests and alpine vistas, making it a photographer’s paradise. Cable cars operated by PAF offer breathtaking aerial views of the valley.
Pro tip: The best time to visit is between December and February. Book accommodations in Gilgit or Hunza early, as lodges fill quickly during festival season.
FAQ:
Q: Can tourists rent skiing equipment at Naltar?
A: Yes, rental equipment and safety gear are available at the main ski base operated by PAF.
✳️ Additional Hidden & Local Festivals of Gilgit-Baltistan
Beyond the well-known events, Gilgit-Baltistan hosts several lesser-known but deeply meaningful local celebrations:
- Danyore Music Nights – Local musicians gather to celebrate regional instruments like the rabab and sitar.
- Passu Cultural Day – Celebrating the traditions of Wakhi people, including traditional dances and craft stalls.
- Baltoro Trekking Gathering – Annual eco-trek and clean-up initiative by youth volunteers and mountaineers.
- Hunza Art Week – Promotes regional artists, painters, and sculptors working with local materials.
- Shigar Fort Heritage Evenings – Storytelling and folk music under candlelight at Shigar Fort.
Each of these events enhances Gilgit-Baltistan’s growing reputation as Pakistan’s cultural and adventure tourism capital.
Read More:
Sources:
Traveler Guide: The Living Spirit of Gilgit-Baltistan Festivals
From high-altitude marathons to folk polo and musical bonfires, Gilgit-Baltistan’s festivals encapsulate the unity of culture, adventure, and natural wonder. Each event tells a story — of resilience, tradition, and timeless hospitality. Whether you’re soaring over Hunza’s peaks or sipping butter tea beside a mountain lake, every experience in GB is a living memory of Pakistan’s untouched northern magic.
FAQs – Gilgit-Baltistan Festivals 2026
🪂 1. Para Gliding Cup + 1st Ice Hockey Championship – Hunza – January/December
Q1: When is the best time to experience both the Paragliding Cup and Ice Hockey Championship in Hunza?
A: Visit between late December and mid-January when snow peaks and flying conditions are ideal — allowing you to witness both the ice games and high-altitude glides in one trip.
🌸 2. Jashan-e-Tukham Razi – Gilgit-Baltistan – March 15
Q2: What does the Jashan-e-Tukham Razi signify for the local communities?
A: It celebrates the traditional seed-sowing season, symbolizing fertility and renewal, with farmers performing rituals to ensure a prosperous harvest year.
🌺 3. Spring Blossom Festival – Gilgit-Baltistan – March to April 12–21
Q3: What are the main highlights of the Spring Blossom Festival?
A: Visitors enjoy guided photography tours, apricot blossom picnics, and open-air folk dance performances in Hunza and Skardu valleys during peak bloom.
🏔️ 4. Jashan Ghanchee – Ghanchee – August 1–7
Q4: How can tourists participate in Jashan Ghanchee?
A: Guests are welcomed to join local families for traditional meals, participate in folk dances, and explore ancient monasteries while the festival runs across Ghanchee and Khaplu.
🕋 5. Baba Ghundi Festival – Hunza – August
Q5: Who was Baba Ghundi and why is he celebrated?
A: Baba Ghundi was a revered Sufi saint from upper Hunza; his shrine symbolizes peace and unity among the mountain tribes, and the festival honors his spiritual legacy with prayers, polo, and folk music.
🏎️ 6. Sarfaranga Desert Jeep Rally – Skardu – August
Q6: Can international racers join the Sarfaranga Jeep Rally?
A: Yes, the event is open to both national and international drivers, though prior registration with the GB Tourism Department is mandatory for safety clearance.
🐎 7. Rama Polo Festival – Astore – August (3 Days)
Q7: What makes Rama Polo Festival unique compared to other polo tournaments?
A: It maintains raw, traditional polo without modern rules — fast-paced, aggressive, and deeply rooted in Gilgit’s tribal rivalry and sportsmanship.
🚤 8. Water Sports Festival – Sadpara Lake, Attabad, Khatli – August
Q8: Are there any environmental initiatives during the Water Sports Festival?
A: Yes, a lake-cleaning campaign runs alongside the event, promoting sustainable tourism and raising awareness of preserving glacier-fed lakes.
🚴 9. Tour De Khunjerab – Khunjerab – September
Q9: What is the elevation challenge faced by cyclists in Tour De Khunjerab?
A: Cyclists climb to 15,397 feet (4,693 meters) — battling thin air and steep ascents, making it one of the world’s toughest high-altitude road races.
🎿 10. Ski Festival – Naltar, GB – December
Q10: How can beginners safely participate in the Naltar Ski Festival?
A: The Pakistan Air Force-run ski school provides beginner lessons, rental gear, and guided descents under instructor supervision — perfect for first-timers.
