Table of Contents – AJK Festivals 2026
- Introduction: Adventure and Culture in Azad Kashmir
- Tour De AJK Cycling Race – Muzaffarabad to Banjosa (August)
- Apple Festival – Rawalakot (September)
- AJK Marathon – Bhimber to Rawalakot (September)
- National/International Paragliding Cup – Pir Chanasi (October)
- Winter Sports Festival – Ganga Choti, Tolipeer & Arang Kel (Dec–Jan)
- Travel Tips, Best Time to Visit & FAQs
Introduction: Adventure and Culture in Azad Kashmir
Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) is not just a region — it’s a living masterpiece painted with emerald valleys, alpine lakes, and ancient traditions. Known for its serenity and thrilling landscapes, AJK hosts a series of annual events that blend adventure, culture, and community.
From the high-energy Tour De AJK Cycling Race that carves through mountain roads to the soulful Apple Festival in Rawalakot, these gatherings showcase a side of Pakistan few travelers have experienced. Each event brings together athletes, locals, and tourists, building bridges through sport, taste, and culture.
Visitors are welcomed with open hearts and authentic hospitality — cups of saffron tea, mountain smiles, and stories that echo from the peaks of Pir Chanasi to the meadows of Neelum Valley.
For official travel details and updated schedules, visit the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation .
🚴♂️ 1. Tour De AJK Cycling Race – Muzaffarabad to Banjosa (August)
The Tour De AJK Cycling Race is a thrilling annual event connecting the scenic roads of Muzaffarabad to Banjosa Lake. It’s Pakistan’s answer to the Tour de France, blending adrenaline with breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
Highlights & Activities:
- Multi-stage professional cycling event passing through Neelum, Rawalakot, and Bagh valleys.
- Amateur categories for local cyclists and students to encourage youth participation.
- Cultural evenings hosted at checkpoints featuring folk music and traditional Kashmiri cuisine.
Hidden Gems & Local Tips:
- Stop at Toli Peer viewpoint — a secret sunrise spot loved by local photographers.
- Try Kashmiri pink tea at roadside dhabas; locals claim it gives cyclists extra endurance.
- Visitors can join short family-friendly rides held alongside the main race.
- Meet with AJK Cycling Club members who often offer free guided routes to new travelers.
Travel & Access:
The race begins in Muzaffarabad, with easy access from Islamabad (3–4 hours by car). Registration typically opens in July. Accommodations available in guesthouses and hotels along the route.
🍎 2. Apple Festival – Rawalakot (September)
The Apple Festival in Rawalakot celebrates AJK’s rich harvest season — a delightful mix of fruit markets, cultural performances, and culinary experiences. This event reflects the area’s agricultural heritage and the sweetness of its people.
Highlights & Activities:
- Apple exhibitions showcasing dozens of local varieties.
- Cooking competitions where chefs create desserts and jams using Kashmiri apples.
- Cultural performances with local music, dance, and traditional crafts.
Hidden Gems & Local Tips:
- Visit Tatta Pani hot springs, a short drive from Rawalakot, for post-festival relaxation.
- Try apple cider and handmade dried fruit snacks sold by local women at small stalls.
- Photographers can capture orchard workers hand-picking apples under golden sunlight.
- Locals recommend visiting early morning when the market is most colorful and fresh.
Travel & Access: Rawalakot is accessible via Azad Pattan or Kohala routes; mid-range hotels and farm stays available. No entry fee, though apple-tasting sessions may require tickets.
🏃♀️ 3. AJK Marathon – Bhimber to Rawalakot (September)
The AJK Marathon is a growing cross-country event connecting Bhimber plains to Rawalakot hills, blending athletic challenge with breathtaking transitions in terrain.
Highlights & Activities:
- Half and full marathon categories for professionals and amateurs.
- Scenic routes passing through pine forests, villages, and historic forts.
- Cultural mini-zones along the route offering food, music, and traditional games.
Hidden Gems & Local Tips:
- Local runners recommend training early morning near Bhimber River trails for perfect oxygen-rich air.
- Stop by Baghsar Fort, a hidden Mughal-era ruin offering majestic valley views.
- Villagers along the path offer free water and fruit stands — a tradition of AJK hospitality.
- For recovery, try Desi Kashmiri Kehwa with almonds available at finish line stalls.
Travel & Access:
Race registration typically opens in August via AJK Sports Board. Transport is arranged between Bhimber and Rawalakot for participants.
Read More: Learn more about highland adventures in the Best Camping Spots in Northern Pakistan (2026).
🪂 4. National/International Paragliding Cup – Pir Chanasi (October)
The Paragliding Cup at Pir Chanasi is one of South Asia’s most scenic flying events. Organized by the AJK Tourism & Adventure Foundation, it attracts local and international pilots for a sky-high spectacle above Muzaffarabad.
Highlights & Activities:
- Cross-country paragliding over lush valleys and the Jhelum River.
- Training sessions for beginners by certified instructors.
- Night bonfires and adventure camps under starry mountain skies.
Hidden Gems & Local Tips:
- Hike to the Pir Chanasi Shrine early morning for panoramic sunrise shots.
- Locals suggest staying at AJK Tourism Lodges — affordable and right near takeoff sites.
- Don’t miss local honey stalls near Pir Chanasi — famous for its medicinal richness.
- Bring binoculars to spot other gliders dancing in the valley winds.
Source: For official event info, visit the AJK Tourism Department.
❄️ 5. Winter Sports Festival – Ganga Choti, Tolipeer & Arang Kel (Dec–Jan)
When winter cloaks AJK’s mountains in silver, the Winter Sports Festival turns Neelum and Bagh valleys into snow adventure hubs. It’s a paradise for snow lovers, skiers, and photographers alike.
Highlights & Activities:
- Snowboarding, ice skating, and sledding competitions.
- Cultural winter nights featuring bonfires, music, and local folklore.
- Hot food stalls serving soups, trout, and traditional Kashmiri tea.
Hidden Gems & Local Tips:
- Visit Arang Kel viewpoint before sunrise for an unforgettable winter panorama.
- Locals suggest trying walnut kebabs and butter tea, perfect for the cold.
- Photographers can capture snow reflections on wooden cottages during golden hour.
- Make sure to carry crampons and insulated boots; paths can be slippery.
Read More: Also explore similar alpine experiences in the Hunza Heritage Guide 2026.
🧭 Travel Tips & Best Time to Visit
| Season | Recommended Events | Weather | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Paragliding practice, valley treks | Mild, green | Ideal for exploration |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Tour De AJK | Warm, vibrant | Best cycling routes |
| Autumn (Sep–Oct) | Apple Festival, Marathon | Cool, scenic | Colorful valleys |
| Winter (Dec–Jan) | Winter Sports | Cold, snowy | Snow adventure wonderland |
General Tips:
- Carry warm layers and hydration gear — AJK’s weather can shift quickly.
- Book hotels early near Pir Chanasi and Banjosa; accommodations fill fast during festival weeks.
- Respect local traditions and dress modestly in rural areas.
- Engage with locals — they’re eager to share folklore and home-cooked meals.
❓ FAQs
Q1: What is the biggest sports event in AJK?
A: The Tour De AJK Cycling Race and Winter Sports Festival attract the most national participation.
Q2: Are these festivals tourist-friendly?
A: Yes, AJK is safe and welcoming, with strong hospitality networks and English-speaking guides.
Q3: Can tourists participate in paragliding?
A: Yes — beginners can take tandem flights at Pir Chanasi under instructor supervision.
Q4: Which festival is best for families?
A: The Apple Festival in Rawalakot offers family-friendly entertainment and food fairs.
Q5: Are road conditions suitable for cars?
A: Most major routes are paved, but 4×4 is recommended for high-altitude spots like Ganga Choti.
🌸 Conclusion: The Heartbeat of Heaven on Earth
AJK’s festivals are where mountain passion meets cultural warmth — every event a celebration of endurance, flavor, and unity. Whether you’re racing across Muzaffarabad’s twisting passes or sipping apple cider under Rawalakot skies, these experiences reveal a side of Kashmir beyond postcards — alive, inviting, and eternal.
From the echo of cyclists’ wheels to the laughter of children sledding down Ganga Choti slopes, AJK’s festival calendar promises that every season brings a new story worth living.
