ISLAMABAD – The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan is all set to to host the Sevendays 2024 winter festival starting from January 15, 2024. This was announced during the Sevendays 2024 Premiere Display held at Serena Hotel, Islamabad, in order to unveil the grandeur and uniqueness of the festival, set to take place in the picturesque region of Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan. The media briefing succeeded in attracting widespread attention from leading media houses, print media, and TV channels, all eagerly participating to witness the unveiling of a series of cultural and adventure sports events.
On the occasion, Secretary of Tourism, Sports, and Culture Asifullah Khan highlighted that the second edition of the festival aims to showcase the unique beauty of all four seasons in Gilgit-Baltistan. “From the receding glaciers to reintroducing cultural games, the event is set to be a comprehensive celebration of the region’s rich offerings,” he said, emphasizing that: “The Gilgit-Baltistan Winter Festival stands as a testament to the region’s determination to showcase its year-round beauty, promote winter sports, and create a positive global image. The event promises to be a blend of cultural richness, sportsmanship, and environmental awareness, inviting the world to explore the hidden gem that is Gilgit-Baltistan.”
Hosted by esteemed officials, including the Minister of Planning and Development for GB, Raja Nasir Ali Khan, Minister for Tourism GB, Mr. Ghulam Muhammad, Additional Chief Secretary GB, Capt. (Rtd.) Mushtaq Ahmed, and Secretary Tourism GB, Mr. Asifullah Khan, the media briefing also shed light on the success story of the previous year’s Winter Feast, showcasing dynamic show reels, interviews, documentaries, and video footage. The esteemed partners include Serena Hotels, Winter Sports Federation, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, GBRSP, Forest Department GB, Ramada, Bank Islami, AKRSP, GB Invest, Lexus Hotel, GLAD, SCO, and Ghulkin Winter Club.
Mr. Shahid Nadeem, representing the Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan, announced an exciting addition to this year’s event – the integration of the annual national winter sports tournament with the Sevendays Winter Feast. This strategic move aims to enhance participation levels and ensure the event’s success and tangible results.
Adding another dimension to the event, Ms. Nusrat Nisa, CEO of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat Pakistan, highlighted the organization’s commitment to pre and post-disaster mitigation strategies, along with green solutions addressing challenges faced by rural communities, particularly in the face of climate change and global warming.
The primary objective of the Sevendays Winter Feast 2024 is to promote tourism through adventure sports and revive cultural sports, positioning Gilgit-Baltistan as a four-season tourist destination. The event will not only bolster the capacity building of winter sports athletes, particularly in the emerging field of ice hockey in Pakistan, but also promote tourism during harsh winters and off-seasons.
This year, national teams from other provinces will join local teams from Gilgit-Baltistan, fostering cultural harmony and peace. The event will feature mass awareness campaigns on environmental changes and challenges through various activities such as ice sculptures, yak safaris, traditional food feasts, and stalls showcasing the rich flora and fauna of the region.
Sevendays Winter Feast 2024 promises to be an unparalleled blend of thrill, cultural celebration, and environmental consciousness, creating lasting memories for participants and spectators alike. As the winter winds sweep through the majestic landscapes of Attabad and Ghulkin, get ready for an experience that transcends boundaries and captures the essence of adventure, culture, and the spirit of Gilgit-Baltistan.