Gilgit-Baltistan Festivals: Navroz, Cherry Blossom, Shandur Polo and More

Gilgit-Baltistan's festivals follow the seasons of a mountain farming year and the traditions of its many communities. Timing your trip to one of them adds music, dance, polo and local food to the scenery.

Quick answer: the main festivals are Navroz (21 March), cherry and apricot blossom in Hunza and Skardu (late March to April), Ginani, the harvest festival of Hunza (early summer), the Shandur Polo Festival (early July) and Gilgit-Baltistan Independence Day (1 November). Exact dates for some events change each year, so check before you book.

Festival calendar

Navroz, 21 March

The Persian new year marks the start of spring and is celebrated across Hunza and other valleys with prayers, family gatherings, music and polo matches.

Blossom season, late March to April

Cherry, apricot and almond trees flower in Hunza, Nagar and Skardu. There is no single date: blossom moves up the valleys with the warming weather, usually peaking in early to mid-April in Hunza. See our Hunza tour packages.

Ginani, early summer

Ginani is Hunza's traditional harvest festival, marking the first ripening of the wheat or barley crop, with music, dance and special dishes. It falls in early summer on a date set locally each year.

Shandur Polo Festival, early July

Freestyle mountain polo is played between teams from Gilgit and Chitral on the Shandur Pass, at around 3,700 metres, often described as the highest polo ground in the world. The festival usually takes place in early July over several days, with music and a large tent camp. Dates are announced each year.

Silk Route and cultural festivals, summer

Hunza and Gilgit host cultural festivals, crafts fairs and sports events in summer, organised by local authorities and communities. Dates vary.

Autumn colours, mid-October to early November

Not a festival, but one of the most celebrated times of year: poplars and fruit trees turn gold and red in Hunza and Skardu.

Gilgit-Baltistan Independence Day, 1 November

Gilgit-Baltistan commemorates 1 November 1947 with parades, flags and events in Gilgit and other towns.

Tips for festival travel

• Book early for the Shandur Polo Festival and blossom season; hotels and jeeps fill up.
• Festival dates are often confirmed only weeks in advance; keep your plans flexible.
• Dress modestly and ask before photographing people, especially women.
• Shandur is high and cold at night; bring warm clothes for the camp.

Frequently asked questions

When is cherry blossom in Hunza?

Usually from late March to mid-April, peaking in early to mid-April depending on the weather.

When is the Shandur Polo Festival?

Usually in early July over several days. The exact dates are announced each year.

What is Ginani?

Ginani is the traditional harvest festival of Hunza, celebrating the first crop of the year with music, dance and food in early summer.

What happens on 1 November in Gilgit-Baltistan?

It is Gilgit-Baltistan Independence Day, marking 1 November 1947, celebrated with parades and public events.

Plan a festival trip

Tell us which festival you want to see and we will build the trip around it, or read the month-by-month guide.