Hunza, Gilgit & Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan · N 35.92° / E 74.31°
Silk Route Festival 2027
A region-wide celebration of Karakoram Highway heritage — polo, artisans, and folk music across three valleys.
Gilgit-Baltistan sat directly on the old Silk Road routes connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and China, and this festival is a deliberate celebration of that heritage — artisans and musicians from across the northern valleys gather to display crafts, perform, and compete.
Unlike the single-site festivals elsewhere on this site, Silk Route events unfold across several towns over roughly two weeks — this trip is built around the strongest days in each location rather than trying to cover the entire run.
September is also one of the best months for the region's scenery — clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and the first hints of autumn color in the orchards.
What to expect
- ✦A polo match in Gilgit with festival-day crowds and music
- ✦Artisan pavilions in Hunza — textiles, gemstones, and woodwork
- ✦Time in Karimabad and at Baltit Fort, paired with the festival days
Entry requirements
- ✦Pakistan e-visa (we provide the checklist)
- ✦No special permit required for Gilgit-Baltistan on this route
- ✦Standard fitness — valley walking, no technical trekking
Safety, specifically for this trip
- Gilgit-Baltistan is consistently rated among the safest regions of Pakistan for travelers, with no current government advisories flagging its main tourist areas.
- All foreign nationals register with local authorities on arrival in Gilgit-Baltistan — a routine administrative step your guide handles.