Stories from the north

Karakoram Routes journal

Research-led notes on landscapes, living heritage, seasonal events and responsible journeys across Gilgit-Baltistan and neighboring Chitral.

Polo players crossing the high-altitude Shandur field during a match

FESTIVAL

Gilgit-Baltistan Festivals: A Year-Round Planning Guide

Use this seasonal guide to understand major Gilgit-Baltistan festivals, from winter sport and spring blossom to harvest traditions, polo and desert events.

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Baltit Fort above Karimabad with the steep Ultar Sar landscape behind it

FESTIVAL

Ginani Festival in Hunza and Nagar: A Harvest Tradition

Understand the Ginani Festival as a living harvest tradition in Hunza and Nagar, with seasonal planning and respectful guidance for visitors.

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Deep snow covering the mountain slopes at Naltar Ski Resort

TRAVEL GUIDE

Skiing in Naltar Valley: A Practical Winter Guide

Plan for skiing in Naltar Valley with realistic advice on winter road access, instruction, equipment, weather and a flexible stay near Gilgit.

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TRAVEL GUIDE

Autumn in Hunza: Colour, Cold Nights and Route Planning

Plan an autumn journey through Hunza's orchards and mountain villages with practical guidance on colour timing, cooler weather and changing road conditions.

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FESTIVAL

Baba Ghundi Festival in Chipursan: A Visitor's Guide

Understand the Baba Ghundi Festival in remote Chipursan Valley through shrine etiquette, seasonal access and a flexible Upper Hunza journey.

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Two Kalasha community members in traditional dress overlooking Bumburet Valley during Chilam Joshi

FESTIVAL

Chilam Joshi Festival: A Respectful Kalash Valley Guide

Prepare for the Chilam Joshi spring festival in Chitral's Kalash valleys with cultural context, consent-led photography and current-date planning.

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Cultivated terraces and settlements across Hunza Valley beneath high mountains

TRAVEL GUIDE

Gilgit-Baltistan Blossom Season: A Spring Travel Guide

Plan a spring journey around blossom season in Hunza, Nagar and Baltistan, with realistic timing, varied elevations and low-impact photography.

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Snow-covered Nanga Parbat viewed beyond the green grassland of Fairy Meadows

TRAVEL GUIDE

Gilgit-Baltistan Trekking and Mountaineering Permits Guide

Use this safety-first checklist to begin researching Gilgit-Baltistan trekking and mountaineering permits, insurance and registered support.

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A panoramic view across Khalti Lake in Ghizer District

FESTIVAL

Ice Hockey in Hunza and Ghizer: A Winter Visitor Guide

Learn how ice hockey is becoming part of winter events in Hunza and Ghizer, and how to watch without assuming that natural ice or annual fixtures are safe.

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The timber and stone exterior of historic Khaplu Palace in Ghanche District

FESTIVAL

Jashn-e-Ghanche: Polo, Music and Balti Culture

Discover the context behind Jashn-e-Ghanche in Baltistan and plan respectfully around changing dates, local venues and community programmes.

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CULTURE

Jashn-e-Mayfung in Baltistan: Fire, Winter and Community

Explore Jashn-e-Mayfung as a winter tradition in Baltistan, with historical context and careful advice on dates, fire safety and community access.

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The Karakoram Highway descending through the open mountain landscape near Khunjerab Pass

TRAVEL GUIDE

Karakoram Highway to Khunjerab: A Hunza Road Trip Guide

Plan a Karakoram Highway road trip through Hunza toward Khunjerab Pass with realistic guidance on altitude, seasonal access and border controls.

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Sand dunes and mountains at Sarfaranga Cold Desert

FESTIVAL

Sarfaranga Cold Desert Rally: What Visitors Should Know

Plan a visit to the Sarfaranga Cold Desert Rally near Skardu with current schedule checks, safe viewing, dust preparation and desert care.

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Darkot Valley in the wider Yasin Valley of Ghizer District

FESTIVAL

Tokhm Rezi in Yasin Valley: Welcoming the Agricultural Year

Explore Tokhm Rezi, also written Tukhm Rezi, as an agricultural tradition held in spring or early summer in Yasin Valley, Ghizer.

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FESTIVAL

Tour de Khunjerab: High-Altitude Cycling and Spectator Guide

Understand Tour de Khunjerab as a high-altitude cycling event and plan carefully for changing stages, road controls, weather and acclimatisation.

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TRAVEL GUIDE

Winter Sports in Gilgit-Baltistan: Snow, Ice and Community

Discover the developing winter-sports season in Gilgit-Baltistan, including skiing and ice hockey, with practical guidance on access, weather and spectatorship.

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CULTURE

Baltit Fort and Karimabad: Reading a Living Landscape

A thoughtful introduction to Baltit Fort’s position above Karimabad and the relationship between Hunza’s built heritage, routes and inhabited landscape.

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A winding river crossing the broad green Deosai plateau beneath distant mountains

DESTINATION

Deosai National Park: Travel Lightly on the Plateau

A practical introduction to Deosai’s high-altitude wetlands, seasonal access and the low-impact choices that help protect a vulnerable plateau ecosystem.

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FESTIVAL

Shandur Polo Festival: A Responsible Visitor’s Guide

Understand the high-altitude setting, freestyle polo tradition and practical responsibilities that shape a considered visit to the Shandur festival.

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