Shandur Polo Festival
July; Shandur Pass, Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Northern Pakistan’s most exciting polo tournament is held on Shandur Pass, the world’s highest polo ground at 3,700m above sea level. Added attractions include a camping village, hiking, trekking and mountaineering, horseback riding and a regional festival of folk dances and music. Local culture is also promoted through souvenir and craft shops. The first polo tournament was held here in 1936.
Kptourism.com
Sibi Mela
February; Sibi, Balochistan
Balochis sell crafts and showcase their culture while livestock breeders gather for trade, display and competitions in this colourful festival. You can enjoy sports, folk dances and fireworks. The mela’s roots go back to the 15th century when tribal chiefs would meet in Sibi.
Tourism.gov.pk
Chilimjusht Festival
May; Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Festivals in Chitral’s scenic Kalash valleys (Bamburate, Birir and Rambur) pay homage to the Almighty. The four-day fair begins with Milk Day, when the Kalash people make milk offerings to the Creator for the safety of their herds and crops. Heralding spring, Chilimjusht or Joshi is marked by chanting, singing, drumming, dancing and feasting.
A highlight is selection of life partners for unwed people.
Kptourism.com
Uchao o Utchal
August 19-20; Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Sticking to their tradition of thanking the Creator during festivities, people of the ancient tribe of Kalash celebrate this two-day pre-harvest festival with cheese, corn and grape. The ceremony is accompanied by women dancing in a circle wearing traditional black robes, headdresses and colourful necklaces, while elders chant legends to the beat of drums. The feasting is incredible.
Kptourism.com
Silk Route Festival
September-October; at different locations on the Karakoram Highway, Gilgit-Baltistan
Aimed at boosting tourism along the Silk Route, the festival is a great way to explore the scenic landscape, unique culture and ancient traditions of the country’s north. Artisans, craftsmen, musicians and folk dancers showcase their expertise in Gulmit (Gojal), Ghulmet (Nagar) and Altit (Hunza). Other highlights include pavilions, camping villages, crafts bazaar, food fair, ethnic fashion show, photo exhibition, indigenous sports and polo matches.
Tourism.gov.pk
Pakistan International Mountain Film Festival
October 28-30; Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore
The festival screens global as well as Pakistani films including documentaries and movies related to mountain adventure sports, nature, environment, climate change, tourism and culture, alongside a photography contest. Created to draw visitors to the region and promote the wonders of the scenic mountainous lands, the first PIMFF was held in June 2015 with about 80 countries participating.
Pimff.com
Lok Mela
October; Lok Virsa, Islamabad
The country’s biggest cultural activity, the annual National Folk Festival or Lok Mela is the best place to experience Pakistan’s rich heritage and crafts under one roof. Organised by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, the mela runs for ten days. There are national and global performers displaying their skills, provincial pavilions, a crafts exhibition and bazaar, musical galas, folk dances and food stalls.
Tourism.gov.pk
