General
Mayfung Fire Festival Skardu (2024-25)
The Mayfung Fire Festival in Skardu is a lively celebration of the winter solstice that includes bonfires, traditional music, dancing, and local sports. This centuries-old Balti celebration, held on December 21st, welcomes winter with warmth, community, and prayers for success, providing guests with an immersive cultural experience set against Skardu’s breathtaking mountain background.
Itinerary – Mayfung Fire Festival Skardu
The itinerary for the Mayfung Fire Festival Skardu is given below.
Day 02: Drive to Skardu
On this Day
Begin the day with an early departure from Chilas, leaving at 7:00 AM. The road to Skardu leads you deeper into the mountains, with stunning views as you near the confluence of the Indus and Shigar rivers. Along the route, you'll see Shangrila Lake, commonly known as "Heaven on Earth," as well as other scenic sites. The travel takes about 6-7 hours, with breaks for lunch and photo opportunities. After arriving in Skardu, check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring Skardu Bazaar to get a sense of the local culture. Overnight in Skardu.
Day 03: Mayfung Festival Celebrations
On this Day
Today is dedicated to attending the Mayfung Fire Festival. After breakfast, head to the festival grounds to watch the lighting of the Mayfung Fire, a centuries-old tradition that welcomes winter. The day is filled with traditional music, dance performances, and cultural displays, providing an immersive experience of Balti culture. Enjoy the local cuisine provided at the festival and participate in the numerous events, which include traditional sports such as horse and yak racing. As the evening approaches, join the community around the bonfires for prayers and celebrations. Stay at Skardu for one night.
Day 04: Explore Skardu and its surroundings
On this Day
Use this day to discover the natural beauties surrounding Skardu. Begin with a visit to Satpara Lake, a tranquil alpine lake encircled by snow-capped peaks. Continue to Shigar Fort, a historic 400-year-old fort that has been converted into a boutique hotel and provides insights into the region's history and architecture. Another alternative is to visit the iconic Shangrila Resort, where you may eat lunch with spectacular lake views. Spend the day at leisure, either relaxing or browsing the local bazaar for gifts. Return to the hotel in the evening for a relaxing night.
Day 05: Drive from Skardu to Chilas
On this Day
Bid farewell to Skardu and begin your journey back to Chilas at 7:00 AM. The return journey retraces your route through the mountains, giving you one last chance to see the breathtaking scenery. Plan a lunch break en route to break up the 6-7 hour travel. Arrive at Chilas around the late afternoon and settle into your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing and reflecting on the events of the previous few days, followed by a leisurely meal before retiring for the night.
Day 06: Drive to Islamabad
On this Day
The final day of the program starts early, with a 6:00 am. departure from Chilas. Drive back along the Karakoram Highway, passing by familiar places and admiring the changing scenery as you descend from the highlands. Plan to stop in Besham or Mansehra for lunch and a rest. Continue your travel to Islamabad, arriving around 7:00 pm to commemorate the end of your tour.
Dates & Cost – Mayfung Fire Festival Skardu
All seasons are considered good for the Mayfung Fire Festival Skardu. 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 | 800 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Spring | March to May, 2025 | Daily | 800 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Summer | June to Mid- September, 2025 | Daily | 800 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Autumn | Mid-September to Mid November, 2025 | Daily | 800 | 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
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Overview – Mayfung Fire Festival Skardu
The Mayfung Fire Festival is a colorful and traditional festival conducted on December 21st in Skardu, Pakistan. It celebrates the winter solstice, welcoming the arrival of winter with celebrations that brighten the coldest time of year. The festival, which is strongly founded in Balti culture and dates back to the 15th century, represents fertility, wealth, and the resilience of the local people. Celebrations revolve around the lighting of enormous bonfires, which are thought to bring good luck and fend off the harshness of winter.
The festival includes a variety of cultural events, such as traditional singing, dancing, and music, giving visitors a personal view of the region’s rich past. Participants wear colorful traditional garb, with women wearing brilliant dresses and men wearing traditional waistcoats. The event also features local sports like horse racing, yak racing, and wrestling, which add to the festive atmosphere. The Mayfung Fire Festival not only celebrates Balti customs, but also offers a unique opportunity to see Skardu’s spectacular landscape, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, and a calm winter setting.
