Sevendays Winter Feast

Celebrating Winter Sports, Culture, and Tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan

Sevendays Winter Feast is a flagship annual event of the Tourism, Sports & Culture Department, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, held every year in the month of January, when winter is at its peak and the region is fully covered in snow. During this time, lakes and water bodies freeze naturally, creating ideal conditions for winter sports and outdoor activities.

Nature of the Event

Sevendays Winter Feast is primarily a winter sports festival, featuring some of the most popular and traditional ice sports of Gilgit-Baltistan, including:

• Ice Hockey

• Curling

• Ice Skating

The event is organized in multiple phases. Initially, district-level tournaments are held across all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Winners from these tournaments qualify for the final tournament, which is hosted each year in a selected district such as Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer, or any other designated location. The final venue is decided annually by the Organizing Committee.

Participation and Public Engagement

Winter Feast brings together winter sports athletes from across Gilgit-Baltistan, providing them with a competitive platform to showcase their skills. The event attracts thousands of spectators, including local communities and visitors, who gather to witness the exciting ice sports competitions and celebrate winter in the region.

Cultural and Recreational Activities

In addition to sports competitions, Winter Feast offers a wide range of cultural and recreational activities that make it a complete winter festival. These include:

• Cultural performances

• Musical nights

• Bonfire evenings

• Food courts featuring local cuisine

• Awareness and promotional sessions

These activities enhance the festive atmosphere and reflect the rich cultural heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Objective of Winter Feast

The core objective of Winter Feast is to promote winter tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan. While the region is globally recognized as a premier summer tourist destination attracting millions of visitors, tourism activities historically declined during winter due to extreme cold and harsh weather conditions.

Through the consistent organization of Winter Feast over the years, Gilgit-Baltistan has successfully positioned itself as an emerging winter tourism destination. The event has encouraged both domestic and international tourists to visit the region during winter, leading to a significant boost in the local economy, increased employment opportunities, and year-round tourism activity.

A Growing Tradition

Over the years, Winter Feast has evolved into a strong and sustainable tradition. It not only promotes winter sports and nurtures local talent but also highlights the breathtaking winter landscapes, cultural diversity, and hospitality of Gilgit-Baltistan to the world.