Shyok Winter Festival: Celebrate the Magic of Winter

Morning: After breakfast, start your drive from Skardu to Khaplu, which takes approximately 4-5 hours. Enjoy a scenic journey along the way.

Scenic Stops:

• Shigar Valley: Stop at the Shigar Valley, known for its lush landscapes, apple orchards, and charming villages. It's a great place for photography and appreciating the peaceful surroundings.
• Shyok River Viewpoint: Take a moment to admire the breathtaking views of the Shyok River, which flows through the valley with towering mountains around.

Afternoon:

• Khaplu Palace: Upon arrival in Khaplu, visit the Khaplu Palace, a historic fort and residence, showcasing stunning traditional architecture and offering spectacular views of the valley and the surrounding peaks.

Evening:

• Check into your nearby hotel or guesthouse. Relax and refresh after the journey.
• Prepare for the upcoming event in the area, soaking in the local culture and the serene atmosphere of Khaplu.

Overnight: Stay overnight in Khaplu to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Morning:

• Festival Opening at Khaplu City Park: Start your day by attending the grand opening ceremony of the festival at Khaplu City Park. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as the festivities begin.

Late Morning:

• Tiaku Polo Matches: Watch the thrilling Tiaku Polo matches, a popular sport in the region that showcases incredible skill and fierce competition.
• Ice Hockey Championship: Don’t miss the Ice Hockey Championship events, where you can witness some exhilarating matches on ice.

Afternoon:

• Local Food Stalls: Visit the food stalls set up around the festival grounds and sample local Balti delicacies. Enjoy dishes like mutton stew, balti bread, and traditional desserts while mingling with the locals.
• Rock Climbing and Volleyball Competitions: Check out the rock climbing competition, where participants scale challenging cliffs, and enjoy the volleyball games happening on the ground.

Evening:

• As night falls, join the crowd for the bonfire event, where locals gather around a blazing fire to share stories, music, and dance.
• Experience Ltanmo, a traditional dance performance, which offers a vibrant display of Balti culture through rhythmic movements and costumes.

Overnight: Enjoy a relaxing evening and overnight stay at your Khaplu hotel or guesthouse, reflecting on the unique festival experience.

Morning:

• Balti Cultural Performances: Begin the day by enjoying the Balti cultural performances, which showcase traditional dances, songs, and customs of the region.
• Mayfang Dances: Watch the captivating Mayfang dances, a vital part of the festival, featuring vibrant costumes and rhythmic movements that bring the culture of Balti people to life.

Midday:

• Khadim of Rondu and Hushe Group Performance: Experience a special performance by the Khadim of Rondu and the Hushe Group, both known for their musical talent and storytelling. These groups will perform traditional music and rituals that are deeply rooted in the culture of the region.

Afternoon:

• Festival’s Closing Celebration: Join the closing ceremony of the festival, where locals and visitors celebrate the end of the festivities. Enjoy the music, dance, and the shared joy of this unique cultural experience.

Late Afternoon:

• Drive Back to Skardu: After the celebrations, take a 4-5 hour drive back to Skardu, where you can enjoy the scenic views of the rugged landscape and winding roads.

Evening:

• Check into your hotel in Skardu for an overnight stay, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible experiences and memories from the festival.

Morning:

• Early Flight to Islamabad: Take an early flight from Skardu to Islamabad, where you'll enjoy a scenic view of the rugged mountains during the flight.

Arrival:

• Upon arrival in Islamabad, the trip officially concludes, filled with unforgettable memories of the festival and the natural beauty of the region.