Visiting Gilgit Baltistan is not something about a physical journey. Gilgit Baltistan tours may involve cultural and traditional experiences. Festivals of Gilgit Baltistan are the true reflection of the region’s culture.
Surrounded by high mountain peaks, Gilgit Baltistan Festivals offer cultural and traditional enjoyment. This region provides different festivals and events, as well as religious celebrations. It provides an enthusiastic experience for all who visit.
In this blog, we will look into some of the most famous festivals of Gilgit-Baltistan. Baltoro Adventure is dedicated to guiding passionate travellers on their journeys. We strive to make every trip an unforgettable experience.
Why to visit Gilgit Baltistan
Visiting Gilgit Baltistan is a delightful and once-in-a-lifetime must-tour, particularly in spring. In Gilgit Baltistan, there are lush and picturesque valleys, such as
Skardu
Hunza
Chitral
Shigar
All these valleys offer unique festivals you must experience during your Gilgit Baltistan Tour.
Let’s explore the following famous festivals of Gilgit Baltistan:
Top 5 Famous Festivals of Gilgit Baltistan
Shandur Polo Festival
Shandur Polo Festival is a significant cultural and sporting event. It takes place every year at the Shandur Pologronud. Every summer, this festival offers the following vibrant experiences:
- Showcasing of Rich Traditions of Gilgit Baltistan
- Experiencing the breathtaking Landscape
- The traditional spirit of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral.
Dating back to 1936, the players use a wild and freestyle format to play this match. For a long week of celebration, the Chitrali and the Gilgiti teams face off in this match. Visitors also experience other engaging and attractive activities that include:
- Traditional music
- Cultural dances
- Taste of local cuisine
What Makes Shandur Polo Festival Unique?
The World’s Highest Pologround:
It is 3700 meters high; Shandur Polo Ground is the world’s highest polo ground. Lush green valleys, natural beauty, and artistic scenic views surround it. Shandur Polo Ground plays a significant role in making the Shandur Polo Festival attractive, engaging, and unique. The unparalleled beauty of Shandur attracts more and more tourists. This feature represents this festival nationally and internationally.
A Wild and Free Style Polo Tradition:
The actual purpose of this polo match is to collect happiness from people with different backgrounds. Every year, the spirit and motivation of players give a sense of having strong cultural and traditional influences.
In addition, Shandur Polo Match has minimum rules and regulations. Its main focus is the viewer’s engagement and interest. Adding other exciting elements (Music, Singing) is also a reason for the festival’s uniqueness.
A Unique Blend of Sport and Culture
The festival offers the cultural experience of Gilgit Baltistan. Following local activities are also performed while playing the Shandur Polo Match.
- Visiting nearby high mountain peaks.
- Experiencing the local markets of the surrounding valleys.
- Meeting with the local communities with different cultures.
Nawruz Festival:
Nawruz, meaning ”New Day,” is a historical festival in Gilgit Baltistan. It marks the Persian New Year. The festival is celebrated on 21st March every year, symbolising renewal and prosperity.
In Gilgit Baltistan, this festival is the time for togetherness. During Nawruz celebrations in Gilgit Baltistan, communities decorate their homes. This festival is the best opportunity to attract locals and visitors worldwide.
Babusar Polo Festival:
The Babusar Polo Festival is a highly anticipated event for locals and tourists. The reasons for its significance are:
- It is held in August when the majority of tourists visit Gilgit Baltistan.
- Regional teams of Gilgit Baltistan participate in it.
It is held at the most elevated polo arena on the planet. Besides polo matches, this festival also includes traditional music and cultural dances. During the festival, you can also enjoy the taste of the local food of Gilgit Baltistan.
Jashn-e-Baharan (Spring Festival):
Jashn-e-Baharan is celebrated in April in Gilgit Baltistan. It is one of the most famous festivals in Gilgit Baltistan. It gives a message of the arrival of spring and the blooming of flowers in the region.
This vibrant festival, also known as Spring Festival, is particularly popular in the Hunza Valley, where locals and tourists come together to enjoy the beauty of nature and partake in cultural activities.
This festival not only showcases the natural beauty but also promotes traditional crafts and cultural tourism.
Jashn-e-Mefang Festival
The Jashn-e-Mefang Festival is a famous tradition in Gilgit-Baltistan. It also symbolises spring’s beginning and peak winter season’s end. This festival offers the following key features:
- Celebration of colourful Folk balls
- Traditional Dances and music
- Experience of famous local dishes
- Chance of Community gatherings
It’s a festival that celebrates life, community, and the beauty of changing seasons.
Kharmang-Shigar Polo Festival
The Kharmang-Shigar Polo Festival is a spectacular festivity of the centuries-old sport of polo. The festival is deeply embedded in the artistic heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan. Every year, this festival is held in the Kharmang and Shigar.
Polo, frequently appertained to as the” Game of lords,” holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. The Kharmang- Shigar Polo Festival showcases this passion as original brigades contend in exhilarating matches played in the traditional, fast-paced style unique to the region. The Kharmang-Shigar Polo Matches have no breaks. They also demand extraordinary skills, efforts and attention. This festival also offers some additional activities as:
- Enjoying Folk music
- Traditional Balls
- Original Cookery
Gilgit Baltistan offers various festivals that enhance the region’s history and unique culture. The people of Gilgit Baltistan are hospitable and belong to different sects such as Shina, Balti, Wakhi, Burushu, and Dom. Each sect has a unique tradition, representing its culture through famous festivals. You will experience the famous cultural festivals in Gilgit Baltistan during the journey.
Gilgit Baltistan Festivals more often shape people’s traditional lifestyles. These festivals reflect the region’s rich cultural diversity and uniqueness. Different communities have various ways of celebrating their culture. All people, such as the Shandur Polo Festival, commonly celebrate some festivals.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Gilgit-Baltistan for festivals?
The best time to visit Gilgit-Baltistan for festivals is during the summer months, typically between May and September, when several major events, such as the Shandur Polo Festival, Jashn-e-Hunar, and the Kharmang-Shigar Polo Festival, are held. However, festivals like Jashn-e-Mefang and the Harvest Festival can be celebrated in the spring and autumn, respectively.
What is the Shandur Polo Festival?
The Shandur Polo Festival is one of the most famous events in Gilgit-Baltistan and is held at the Shandur Pass. It features intense polo matches between the teams of Gilgit and Chitral, set in a breathtaking high-altitude location. It’s often called the “highest polo ground in the world.”
Are the festivals open to tourists?
Yes, many festivals in Gilgit-Baltistan, such as the Shandur Polo Festival and the Harvest Festival, are open to tourists. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy the events, and experience the warm hospitality of the people.
What should I expect at the Kharmang-Shigar Polo Festival?
At the Kharmang-Shigar Polo Festival, you can experience the following unique and cultural activities such as:
- Thrilling polo matches
- Traditional performances
- Original food booths.
- It’s a festivity of both sport and tradition, set against the stunning background of Kharmang and Shigar dense.
