Did you ever have a visit to Gilgit Baltistan? Have you ever got a chance to play in these chilly hills? If not, you are missing out on a lot that you should not. If yes, then would you not want to have another visit to this heaven on earth and go for multiple winter sports, especially ice skating?

Crispy snow all around, chills in the air to inhale, joy while ice skating, and more. All of this fun awaits in Gilgit Baltistan, a blessing of God in Pakistan.

This guide outlines all the guidelines for ice skating in Gilgit Baltistan.

        Read more Role of Winter Sports in Gilgit Baltistan

How does one know that Gilgit Baltistan is worthy of Ice Skating?

In Gilgit Baltistan, the homeland of K-2, the second highest mountain in the world, there are over 20 peaks surveyed which rise to a height of 6100 meters above sea level. How is Gilgit Baltistan related to the world’s massively eroded mountain range? The place connects peaks higher than 8000 meters and is one of the most mesmerizing places in the world. 

How does one know that Gilgit Baltistan is worthy of Ice Skating

The second highest mountain ranges in the world are converging: Hindukush, Himalayas, and Karakoram. Outside the Arctic region, it has the longest glaciers. This society has diversity in its languages, religions, and ethnicities.
In short, due to its dry and cold environment, it is one of the best places for winter sports.

Places in Gilgit Baltistan for Ice Skating

Many winter sports galas, which are typically ignored, are hosted around the territory of Gilgit-Baltistan. Here are a few of the well-known locations in the area that are well-known for winter sports.

  • Altit in Hunza
  • Ghulkin in Gojal
  • Hussainabad in Skardu
  • Naltar in Gilgit
  • Khalthi Lake in Ghizer

Altit in Hunza Valley

Some of the best hikes in the world are found in the valley surrounding the Hunza River. A difficult climb up to the 900-year-old Altit Fort is a great way to combine history and nature. You should be hiring a tour guide along with you so that you could be able to know all about Hunza. 

Other high peaks in the Hunza Valley’s environs soar higher than 7,000 meters. Rakaposhi, Distaghil Sar, Mamhil Sar, Passu Sar, Kanjut Sar, Yukshin Gardan Sar, Pumari Chhish, and Momhil Sar are a few of them.

Sports Activities in Altit, Hunza

Ice skating, ice hockey, and other winter sports are played in the frozen water reservoir of Altit, Hunza, every year during the Karakoram Winterlude event. 

Hunza has produced several international women athletes, whether competing in the Gilgit Baltistan Girls Football League, the Chipurson Cricket Tournament, or the Winter Games in Altit.

Read more at Discover Karimabad and Hunza 

Ghulkin in Gojal- Best for Ice Skating

The main winter sports events in GB: are the National Ice Hockey — Ice Skating Championship 2022, which kicked off on January 18th in the Ghulkin valley of Gojal, Hunza. The event was scheduled from 18th January to 23rd January 2022.

It involved teams of the Pakistan Army, the Pakistan Air Force, GB Scouts, KPK, Chitral, and many local teams from Hunza, Gilgit, Ghizer, and Nagar. A few of the games that were played in this 6-day long gala were Ice Skit Polo, Ice Hockey, and Ice Curling.

Hussainabad in Skardu

It is one beautiful village right in the middle of Skardu that presents a thrilling experience: skating during the winter. Huge mountains present towering structures with an incredibly scenic landscape; this peaceful village forms an ideal platform for this winter activity.

The low temperatures make sure that during winter months, local lakes freeze solid and, therefore, are smooth and safe to skate. This means a peaceful setting with beautiful surroundings, ideal for any age.

Of course, this is not much popular area in the world of ice skating, but in Hussainabad’s very own means of appreciating natural beauty around the region, this becomes a very competitive and rewarding winter activity.

Naltar in Gilgit

Naltar is a breathtaking valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, which stands famous for its matchless natural beauty and other outdoor sports. Surrounded by towering mountains, lush forests, and glittery clear lakes, Naltar presents skiing, hiking, fishing, and ice-skating activities.

Naltar is not a destination; it’s a journey to the beauty of nature. “It is my privilege to tell the people special stories of Naltar and let them be part of its magic,” commented Habib, a tourist guide from Gilgit.

The locals here are very famous for their reception. The valley also holds some village places. Naltar provides breathtaking sceneries, it is a place that the lover of nature and adventure cannot afford to miss.

        Read more at Best Places to Visit in NALTAR Valley

Ice skating in Khalthi Lake, Ghizer

Khalti Lake, located in Gilgit Baltistan’s Ghizer region, is one of the most popular tourist destinations due to its beautiful lakes, meadows, streams, mountains, and trout fish. So is best for ice skating.

Ghizer, the land of Havildar Lalak Jan, the recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider award, is home to many popular tourist destinations, such as Gupis Fort, Shandur Pass, Darkot Pass, Phandar Lake, Shandur Lake, Qarumbar Lake, and Handarap Lake. 

The well-liked Khalti Lake is encircled by little villages and mountains and is well-known for its gorgeous blue waters. Visitors can stay and dine in the neighbouring towns of Gupis, Yasin, Ghakuch, and Phander.

Read More: Frozen Lakes in Gilgit Baltistan-A Guide to Winter Travel

Ice skating- Guidelines for you

Ice skating is quite fun, but while just looking for fun, don’t risk your safety.  Whenever you get your hands on a chance to perform ice skating, you must be aware of safety measures to avoid any injury.  With that said, be prepared by keeping the following tips in mind for on-ice safety:

  • Recommended speed

The right speed is important to avoid accidents and maintain control while skating.

  • Suggested direction

Skate in an anti-clockwise direction unless otherwise advised.

  • Equipment

Above all, wear a helmet, especially at the beginning, and let the skates fit correctly. Another very important thing is to wear gloves.

  • Steer clear

During Open Public Skating, there is no spinning, jumping, or weaving through other Skaters.

  • Keep Distance

Always keep sufficient distance from other people while on the ice.

  • No gum chewing

Chewing gum while on ice should also be avoided to eliminate any possibility of falling.

  • Fast Recovery

It shall turn as soon as possible if it should fall to prevent injury.

  • Beverages

Check beforehand with the rink to see if it is their policy to allow water bottles on the ice. This is almost always allowed in most venues, but of course, one must always respect their wishes.

How does Ice skating affect the Economy of Gilgit Baltistan?

As a source of recreation, ice skating can offer economic benefits in Gilgit-Baltistan as:

Tourism Boost

Ice skating can be one of the major sources of tourism enhancement in Gilgit Baltistan. Visitors who take part in this activity are most likely to spend money on accommodation, food, transportation, and other services. Increased tourism revenues would have a multiplier effect on local businesses and communities.

Employment Generation

The development of the tourism industry in the area because of ice skating will, therefore, also open jobs in various industries such as hotels and food, transportation, and retail. Skating-related businesses that rent out equipment, provide coaching, etc., and manage skating events will also contribute to generating jobs.

Infrastructure Development

Development in ice rinks and related facilities will nurture a favourable stimulus in the regional economic cycle. More investments in transport and accommodation facilities will improve accessibility in these skating destinations, hence boosting tourism. 

Local Entrepreneurship

Local ice-skating businesses include schools of ice skating, equipment rental service providers, and event organizers.

This game will eventually provide the locals with a diversified income source.

Brand Recognition

The sport of ice skating can give Gilgit-Baltistan a ‘brand identity’ promotion as a destination for winter sports and outdoor activities. A positive image can further attract investments in tourism and related industries. In the long run, ice skating can revitalize the economy of Gilgit-Baltistan through tourism, bringing job opportunities and infrastructure development to support tourism, enterprise development at the local level, and rebranding the area.

    Read more at Gilgit Baltistan Cherries

Are you ready to go ice skating in Gilgit Baltistan?

The ice skating of Gilgit-Baltistan is absolutely thrilling and quite different, perfectly combining the thrill associated with winter sports and breathtaking natural surroundings. From the frozen lakes of Naltar to the scenic valleys of Hunza, there is surely a lot of variety for all sorts of ice-skating enthusiasts.

It will increase its importance for local tourism in the future as well while the area is developing winter sports infrastructure and as more tourists begin to arrive there.

Your views regarding ice skating in Gilgit-Baltistan are highly appreciated. Have you tried this sport ever?

Questions to be Answered on Gilgit Baltistan Ice Skating

What’s special when you go on ice skating?

Ice skating is a fantastic way to increase your heart rate because it provides an aerobic workout. Moreover, the sliding effect increases the range of joint motion!

In which country does ice skating have its roots?

Studies say ice skating originated around 4,000 years ago in Southern Finland. 

What is the principle behind ice skating?

The standard explanation, known as “pressure melting,” posits that the pressure of the skate lowers the melting temperature of the surface layer of ice, and that’s it.

What is Gilgit-Baltistan famous for?

Gilgit Baltistan is generally famous for its enchantingly beautiful environment. It is a renowned tourism hub that has always been a mountaineer’s, trekker’s, and nature lover’s dream place.

What is the fruit of Gilgit?

The cherry from Gilgit Baltistan has a versatile taste, attracting several consumers due to its sweetness and sour taste, being juicy, and being highly valued in nutritional facts.

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