Winter Tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan | The Annual Ice Hockey Championship

 Gilgit-Baltistan is a region in northern Pakistan known for its stunning natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, crystal clear lakes, and verdant valleys. Winter is a particularly magical time to visit, with the region transformed into a winter wonderland and a host of exciting events and activities on offer. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the top winter tourist destinations in Gilgit Baltistan and the top places to visit in winter in this beautiful part of the world. We'll also provide some tips on planning a winter tour to Gilgit-Baltistan, including information on the annual Ice Hockey Championship and the best hotels in Skardu.

Lower Kachura Lake Skardu

Winter Tourist Destinations in Gilgit Baltistan

There are so many amazing places to visit in Gilgit-Baltistan in the winter, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are just a few of the top winter tourist destinations in the region:

1. Naltar Valley: Located just a few hours' drive from Gilgit, Naltar Valley is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The valley is home to Pakistan's only ski resort, which offers skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. The views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking, and the area is also home to a number of beautiful lakes and forests.

2. Hunza Valley: Known as the "valley of kings," Hunza is a stunning region in the Karakoram Mountains that attracts visitors from all over the world. In the winter, the area is blanketed in snow and the frozen Hunza River is a popular spot for ice skating. The valley is also home to the Altit Fort, an ancient castle that dates back to the 11th century.

3. Skardu: Skardu is the capital of Baltistan and a gateway to some of the highest peaks in the world, including K2. The town is surrounded by towering mountains and is a great base for winter sports such as ice climbing and mountaineering. Skardu is also home to a number of beautiful lakes, including Shangrila Lake, which is known for its crystal clear water.

4. Deosai National Park: Deosai National Park is a beautiful wilderness area located in the Himalayan Mountains. It is known for its stunning landscapes, including rolling meadows, snow-capped peaks, and crystal clear lakes. The park is home to a number of rare and endangered species, including the Himalayan brown bear. In the winter, the park is blanketed in snow and is a great destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

5. Khaplu Palace: Khaplu is a small town located in the Baltistan region of Gilgit-Baltistan, in northern Pakistan. The town is known for its stunning natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, crystal clear lakes, and verdant valleys. Winter is a particularly magical time to visit Khaplu, with the town and surrounding area transformed into a winter wonderland.
   

   
   
   

Top Places to Visit in Winter in Gilgit Baltistan

In addition to the destinations listed above, there are many other top places to visit in Gilgit-Baltistan in the winter. Here are just a few more ideas:

1. Shigar Fort: Located in the heart of Skardu, Shigar Fort is a stunning castle that dates back to the 17th century. The fort is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

2. Rama Meadows: Rama Meadows is a beautiful alpine meadow located in the Astore District. The meadow is surrounded by towering peaks and is a popular destination for hiking and picnicking in the summer. In the winter, the meadow is covered in snow and is a great destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

3. Satpara Lake: Satpara Lake is a stunning alpine lake located in the Skardu District. The lake is surrounded by beautiful forests and is a great spot.

4. Khaplu: Khaplu is a small town located in the Baltistan region of Gilgit-Baltistan, in northern Pakistan. The town is known for its stunning natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, crystal clear lakes, and verdant valleys. Winter is a particularly magical time to visit Khaplu, with the town and surrounding area transformed into a winter wonderland.

   
   
   

   There are a number of top tourist destinations in the Khaplu area that are worth visiting during the winter months. Some of the top places to visit in Khaplu include:

   1. Khaplu Palace: Located in the center of Khaplu, the Khaplu Palace is a stunning building that dates back to the 19th century. The palace was once the residence of the Raja (ruler) of Khaplu and is now open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the palace's beautiful gardens and rooms and learn about the history and culture of the region.

   2. Khaplu Fort: Located just a short distance from Khaplu Palace, the Khaplu Fort is another popular tourist destination in the town. The fort was built in the 19th century and is now a popular spot for tourists to visit. The fort offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place to learn about the history of the region.

   3. Chaqchan Mosque: Located in the center of Khaplu, the Chaqchan Mosque is a beautiful mosque that dates back to the 14th century. The mosque is known for its stunning architecture and is a popular spot for tourists to visit.

   4. Khaplu Bazaar: Located in the center of Khaplu, the Khaplu Bazaar is a great place to shop for local crafts and souvenirs. The bazaar is home to a number of local artisans who sell a range of items including handmade carpets, jewelry, and clothing.

   In addition to the destinations listed above, there are many other top places to visit in the Khaplu area in the winter. Some popular activities in the region include skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowshoeing. You can also visit local landmarks such as the Rama Meadows and the Satpara Lake, or go on a day trip to the Deosai National Park.

   If you're planning a winter tour to Khaplu, it's a good idea to book your accommodation and travel arrangements well in advance. The town is popular with tourists in the winter months and hotels and guesthouses can fill up quickly. You can also contact us for more information and to help you plan your trip.

   

   Skardu road in winter

   
   

Planning a Winter Tour to Gilgit-Baltistan

If you're planning a winter tour to Gilgit-Baltistan, there are a few things you'll need to consider. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:

1. When to go: The best time to visit Gilgit-Baltistan in the winter is from December to February, when the weather is cold and dry. The region can get very cold at this time of year, with temperatures dropping to as low as -20°C in some places.

2. How to get there: There are several ways to get to Gilgit-Baltistan, including by air, road, and rail. The easiest way to get to the region is by flying into the Gilgit Airport, which is served by several major airlines. You can also take a bus or jeep from Rawalpindi or Islamabad, or take the Karakoram Highway from China.

3. Where to stay: There are a number of hotels and guesthouses in Gilgit-Baltistan, ranging from budget to luxury. Some of the top hotels in Skardu include the Serena Shigar Fort Hotel, the PTDC Motel, and the Skardu Continental Hotel.

4. What to do: There are so many amazing things to do in Gilgit-Baltistan in the winter, it can be hard to know where to start. Some popular activities include skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, ice climbing, mountaineering, and snowshoeing. You can also visit local landmarks such as the Altit Fort and Shigar Fort, or go on a day trip to Naltar Valley or Hunza Valley.

The Annual Ice Hockey Championship

One of the most exciting events on the winter calendar in Gilgit-Baltistan is the annual Ice Hockey Championship, which takes place every year in the Naltar Valley. The tournament attracts teams from all over the region and is a great opportunity to see some of the best ice hockey players in action. The tournament is usually held in January or February and is a must-see event for sports fans. Now in skardu the ice Ice Hockey is starting in January 2023.

If you're planning a winter tour to Skardu and are interested in attending the Ice Hockey Championship, it's a good idea to book your accommodation and travel arrangements well in advance. The tournament is very popular and hotels and guesthouses in the area fill up quickly. You can also contact the Skardu tourism board or a local travel agency for more information and to help you plan your trip.

Top 10 Hotels in Skardu :

If you're planning a winter tour to Gilgit-Baltistan and are looking for accommodation in Skardu, here are our top 10 hotels in the town:

1. Serena Shigar Fort Hotel: This luxurious hotel is located in a beautifully restored 17th century fort and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

2. PTDC Motel: This budget-friendly hotel is located in the heart of Skardu and offers basic but comfortable rooms.

3. Skardu Continental Hotel: This mid-range hotel is located in the center of Skardu and offers a range of amenities including a restaurant and a bar.

4. K2 Motel: This budget-friendly hotel is located in the heart of Skardu and offers basic but comfortable rooms.

5. Hotel K2: This mid-range hotel is located in the center of Skardu and offers a range of amenities including a restaurant and a bar.

6. Skardu Serena Hotel: This luxurious hotel is located in the center of Skardu and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

7. Skardu Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel is located in the heart of Skardu and offers basic but comfortable rooms.

8. Skardu Inn: This mid-range hotel is located in the center of Skardu and offers a range of amenities including a restaurant and a bar.

9. Hotel Dewan-e-Khas Skardu.
10. Mount View Hotel skardu.