The Karakoram Winterlude Season 7 started on Saturday in Hunza’s Altit village, blending winter sports, cultural events, and community celebrations.
Organized annually by SCARF, a local group dedicated to promoting winter sports and cultural heritage, this 10-day festival has been a hallmark tradition in Gilgit-Baltistan for the past decade.
The opening ceremony took place at the Frozen Altit Pool, where stunning fireworks lit up the towering Karakoram mountains, leaving the audience in awe. Traditional dancers, dressed in vibrant costumes, showcased the region’s cultural richness, while well-known artists Kashif and Islam, along with local performers, energized the crowd with lively music and touching performances.
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In the first ice hockey match, Allied Bank Limited defeated Habib Bank Limited 8-0. The event attracted a large turnout of locals, players, fans, and tourists, who enjoyed the festivities despite the chilly weather. One of the standout moments was an 80-year-old elder performing a traditional dance, mesmerizing the spectators.
This year’s festival features 12 ice hockey teams — seven male and five female — from across the country. Alongside ice hockey, competitions in ice climbing, mountain biking, and glacier walking are part of the festivities. The event also includes a climate action campaign, food stalls, and musical performances.
The festival will run until January 19, with additional ice hockey matches and competitions taking place in Gojal, Upper Hunza. Young players from the Passu Youth and Sports Organisation have also joined in, displaying their skills and enthusiasm for the sport.
