Events / 21 December
Gilgit-Baltistan
Mayfung Fire Festival
Baltistan's winter solstice fire festival, bonfires, torches, music, and dance to light the longest night in Skardu.
On the winter solstice, Balti communities around Skardu mark Mayfung (Mephang) by lighting bonfires and carrying flaming torches through villages, with traditional music, dance, food stalls, and fireworks celebrating the turn of the year toward longer days.
- Solstice bonfires
- Torch processions
- Balti music & dance
- Winter Skardu
- Fixed (21 Dec)
- When to plan
- Around 21 December, the winter solstice; dress for hard mountain cold.
- Getting there
- Reach Skardu by air (weather permitting) or the Skardu road; winter travel needs flexible plans and warm gear.
- Region
- Gilgit-Baltistan guide →
Fire against the longest night
Torches and bonfires blaze across the snow as villages gather to mark the solstice. It is one of Baltistan's most atmospheric winter traditions.
Winter travel notes
December in Skardu is genuinely cold and flights are weather-dependent. Build in buffer days, pack serious warm layers, and travel with a local host.
More in Gilgit-Baltistan
Region guide →
March - April
Spring Blossom Festival
Apricot and cherry blossoms wake the orchards of Hunza and Skardu, the first sign of mountain spring.
Summer
Water Sports Festival
Boating and competitive events on Sadpara Lake, the warmest weeks at altitude.
Winter
Snow Cross Jeep Rally
High-altitude winter motorsport, jeeps on a snow-cross course beneath Saran Pir Chanasi.
