General
Jashn-e-Gultari (2024-25)
Jashn-e-Gultari is a spectacular cultural event held in the picturesque Gultari Valley of Baltistan, displaying the vivid customs, music, and games of the Shina-speaking people. Set against the breathtaking Himalayan background, this yearly event allows visitors to discover the region’s rich heritage and hospitality.
Itinerary – Jashn-e-Gultari
The itinerary for the Jashn-e-Gultari is given below.
Day 02: Journey to Gultari Valley
On this Day
- Early breakfast, then head for Gultari Valley, which takes roughly 8-10 hours by 4x4 vehicle.
- Pass through Baltistan's harsh terrain, which includes mountain passes and lovely settlements.
- Arrive in Gultari Valley around dusk, where preparations for the Jashn-e Gultari festival are underway.
- Accommodation: Stay at a local hostel or camping.
Day 03: Jashn-e-Gultari (Singo) Day 1
On this Day
- Participate in the inauguration event of Jashn-e Gultari (Singo), which will feature traditional Balti and Shina cultural performances such as dances and music.
- Observe local competitions such as polo bouts and traditional games.
- Enjoy local foods and mingle with the friendly locals.
- Experience a folk music event under the stars.
- Overnight stay at a local hostel or camping in Gultari.
Day 04: Festival Day Two
On this Day
- Day two includes cultural exhibitions, storytelling, and more competitions.
- Explore the stalls displaying local handicrafts, traditional clothing, and relics.
- Enjoy Balti and Shina meals served at the festival.
- Participate in the closing celebration, which may feature fireworks or a bonfire.
- Overnight stay at a local hostel or camping.
Day 05: Explore Gultari Valley
On this Day
- Discover the natural splendor of Gultari Valley by exploring its three sub-valleys: Shingo, Saigar, and Phultukus.
- Short walks provide amazing views of the Himalayan mountains and lush surroundings.
- Meet the locals to learn about their lifestyle and traditions.
- Enjoy a peaceful evening by a mountain stream or beneath a bright night sky.
- Overnight stay at a local hostel or camping.
Day 06: Return to Skardu
On this Day
- After breakfast, start your return trek to Skardu.
- Stop at scenic areas for photography and short breaks.
- Check into a hotel in Skardu in the evening.
- Relax or take a walk in Skardu town.
- Overnight Stay: Skardu Hotel.
Day 07: Fly to Islamabad
On this Day
- Take a picturesque flight back to Islamabad, or continue the journey back along the Karakoram Highway.
- Optional activities in Islamabad include visiting Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa Museum, and Daman-e-Koh if time permits.
Dates & Cost – Jashn-e-Gultari
All seasons are considered good for the Jashn-e-Gultari. Considering the inflow of tourists all year round, our dates are open throughout the year and your bookings will be 100% guaranteed even if you are a single traveler. Our prices and dates for this tour (all seasons) are given below.
| Season | Months | Tour Start Date | Price Per Person (USD) | Minimum Travellers Required | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Mid-November to February, 2025 | Daily | 1000 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Spring | March to May, 2025 | Daily | 1000 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Summer | June to Mid- September, 2025 | Daily | 1000 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Autumn | Mid-September to Mid November, 2025 | Daily | 1000 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Season | Months | Tour Start Date | Price Per Person (USD) | Minimum Travellers Required | Register |
Holiday Information
- Pickup from hotel or vacation rental before sightseeing
- Drop at hotel or vacation rental after sightseeing
- Guided sightseeing tour according to itinerary above
- Map (hard copy)
- Licensed professional guide (english speaking)
- SUV/mini-van/car (depending on number of people)
- Driver
- All entry/admission tickets
- Bottled water in car (fair usage policy)
- Toll & parking fees
- Drop after 10 pm (Drivers & Guide's working hours end at 10pm)
- Gratuities/tips for guides/drivers, etc
- Meals, snacks and drinks (our guide will make recommendations after consultation with guests)
- Accommodation (can be arranged at additional cost according to your budget)
- Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
- Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents can be offered if requested for multiday tours)
- Refunds in case of early tour windup/closure due to any reason
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
As Featured In:
Overview – Jashn-e-Gultari
Jashn-e Gultari (Singo) is a colorful cultural event held in the magnificent Gultari Valley, a lonely yet attractive place in Baltistan among towering Himalayan mountains near the Line of Control (LoC). This annual celebration demonstrates the valley’s residents’ perseverance and deep traditions, as they are mostly Shina speakers. The event showcases the valley’s unique cultural history, including traditional music, dances, and local sports, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of the life and customs of this distant town.
During the festival, the valley is filled with a kaleidoscope of colors and activity. Traditional games such as polo, tug-of-war, and Indigenous tournaments highlight the community’s athletic spirit, while vendors selling local crafts and Balti-Shina food provide a sensory delight for visitors. Folk music and storytelling performances bring the region’s history and tales to life, creating a joyous environment infused with cultural pride and communal peace. Visitors are greeted with open arms, representing the warmth and hospitality for which the Gultari people are famed.
Jashne Gultari is more than just a festival; it celebrates unity, identity, and Baltistan’s natural beauty. Set against the breathtaking background of Gultari’s valleys and snow-capped peaks, the festival draws both locals and adventurous travelers looking to immerse themselves in the real charm of Pakistan’s northern highlands. It is a moment for the community to come together, reflect on their shared past, and pass down their traditions to future generations, all while inviting the world to experience the beauty of Gultari Valley.
