Winter is coming! Well, it’s already here and I’m a little late to the party but bear with me. For me, the best thing about winter, besides eating chalgozay (pine nuts) in front of a gas heater, would obviously have to be Skiing in Pakistan. I would prefer it to attending a million weddings like I will be doing this year.
Throughout this article, I will be sharing with you all the information you need to plan your next skiing adventure in Pakistan. So pack your bags, grab your skis, and get ready to hit the slopes in one of the world’s most unexpected and exciting skiing destinations.
Geographic Location of Pakistan
Pakistan, located in South Asia, is bordered by Afghanistan to the west, Iran to the southwest, India to the east, and China to the north.
The country’s diverse topography is extremely popular for hiking but though lesser known, the mountains also offer a variety of skiing opportunities, from the high peaks of the Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountain ranges to the lesser-known slopes in the northern regions.
Ski Resorts in Pakistan
There are three big ski resorts in Pakistan and here’s my amateur opinion about them. Each has its pros and cons, and I would jump at the chance to go to any of these amazing places again.
Rattu
Skiing in Rattu is a truly unique and exhilarating experience. Nestled in the Astor district of Gilgit-Baltistan, Rattu offers a remote and picturesque setting for skiing enthusiasts. Rattu High Altitude Army School was originally built for training troops in high altitude and mountain warfare, while they still do trainings there, it has also become a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the thrill of winter sports in Pakistan.
With its snow-covered slopes and vast ski area, resort offers various ski runs that cater to different difficulty levels, ensuring that visitors can find the perfect slope to match their skills. In addition to skiing, Rattu also offers other snow activities and sports such as snow tubing, skating, and snowboarding. For those who prefer a more serene atmosphere, the resort’s location in the remote Astore Valley provides a peaceful and tranquil setting for enjoying the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
To reach Rattu Ski Resort, visitors can fly into Gilgit Airport from Islamabad International Airport and then travel by road. The journey takes around 3-4 hours on a Jeepable Route, allowing travelers to experience the stunning views and enchanting backdrops of the region along the way.
I first went to Rattu in 2014 for a mountaineering course. This is the place I have been to thrice, the place where I learnt how to ski, and also the place where I experienced snowfall for the first time in my life. Naturally, there’s a soft corner in my heart for Rattu.
Naltar
Naltar Ski Resort is another hidden gem in Pakistan, offering a unique skiing experience in the beautiful Naltar Valley. This ski resort is located in the Gilgit region and is known for its pristine slopes and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Naltar Ski Resort is a popular destination for both beginners and experienced skiers, with a variety of slopes catering to different skill levels. The resort is less crowded compared to other ski resorts in Pakistan, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors. There are also many beautiful hiking trails around the area if you want to extend your ski trip to add other activities.
To reach Naltar Ski Resort, travelers can fly into Gilgit Airport from Islamabad International Airport and then travel by road to Naltar Valley. The journey takes around 2-3 hours by jeep, but the scenic views along the way make the trip worthwhile.
It is said that every child in Naltar knows how to ski and you have to see it to believe it – or experience having your butt kicked by a three year old on skis to believe it. I had been trying to go to Naltar for the longest time. My grandfather, who served in the navy, would tell me stories about this beautiful valley. Every time I planned to go, the trip was canceled due to different reasons. However, when I finally made it there, it truly lived up to the hype.
Malam Jabba
Skiing in Malam Jabba is a popular winter sport activity that attracts both national and international tourists. Located in the Swat valley in Pakistan, Malam Jabba is known for its excellent skiing opportunities due to its high altitude of 9,199 feet. The ski resort in Malam Jabba offers a range of snow activities and sports, including skiing on the snow-laden peak, snow tubing, and ice skating. Additionally, the presence of a five-star hotel being constructed near the ski resort provides visitors with the option to stay overnight and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
The skiing season in Malam Jabba typically starts in January and ends in March, with ample snowfall making the skiing track functional during these months. The resort is easily accessible via road from Islamabad, with a 6-hour drive to reach the destination.
Malam Jabba ski resort is a hill station, nearly 40 km from Saidu Sharif, Swat in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Malam Jabba was low on my list. It’s more commercial than the other two places. While the other two are army and airforce operated, this is open to the public. You might have heard the tragedy about Malam Jabba ski resort. The resort was burned down by religious extremists because – yup, you guessed it – skiing is ‘haraam’ (sinful)! But since that incident in 2005, the ski resort has come a long way.
|
Place |
Accessibility |
Ski Slopes |
Chairlifts |
Accommodation |
Other activities |
|
Rattu Ski Resort |
Army operated Permission required |
No of slopes: 3 Night skiing: Available |
Lifts on all slopes. Whether it works or not is a risk you will have to take |
Army mess available for booking |
Mountaineering course, Australian rappelling, rock climbing |
|
Naltar Ski Resort |
Air Force operated Permission require |
No of slopes: 2 Night skiing: Not available |
The biggest slope has a chairlift, which is the highest chairlift in Pakistan |
Air Force mess available if you have ‘connections’. You can also stay in guesthouses in Naltar valley |
Ice skating |
|
Malam Jabba |
Open to the public |
No of slopes: 2 Night skiing: Not available |
Chairlift for the biggest slope |
PC opened up their hotel again in 2021 right close to the ski slopes, other accommodation options available in the area |
Snow tubing |
The slopes in Pakistan are suitable for skiers of all levels, from beginner to advanced. The ski resorts offer ski lessons, equipment rental, and experienced guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable skiing experience.
Ski Season in Pakistan
The ski season in Pakistan varies depending on location, but generally runs from November to February, offering a few months of pristine snow-covered slopes for skiing enthusiasts to enjoy.
The weather conditions during this time are ideal for skiing, characterized by cold temperatures and abundant snowfall. The ski resorts in Pakistan are located in the northern mountainous regions, which receive heavy snowfall during the winter season. If you are planning to hit the slopes in Pakistan, it’s best to check the weather forecast before you go. While the winter season is generally reliable for skiing, unexpected weather changes can occur. Furthermore, special events and festivals may also affect ski resort availability and accommodation.
Cost of skiing in Pakistan
The cost of skiing can vary based on the chosen resort and the type of ski equipment required. However, I can offer you an average estimate.
Skiing cost: The cost of a one-day ski pass is about $25 USD. Ski equipment rental is also available at the resort for about $15 USD per day.Accommodation: You can expect to pay $25 per night for accommodation. Transport: A roundtrip by air from Islamabad to Gilgit/Skardu will cost you $100. If you choose to go by road on public transport, it will be $25 both waysFood: The price of one meal can range anywhere from $3 to $10.
Overall, the cost of skiing in Pakistan is very affordable. If you are looking for a winter getaway, consider skiing in Pakistan!
Happy skiing! 🙂
Skiing in Pakistan – FAQ
What skiing facilities and services are available at these ski resorts?
These ski resorts offer ski equipment rental, accommodation, and dining options.
Can I take ski lessons in Pakistan?
Yes, ski lessons are available at all three ski resorts in Pakistan.
What is the weather like during the ski season in Pakistan?
The weather during the ski season in Pakistan is usually cold with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C.
Is skiing popular in Pakistan?
Skiing is not as popular in Pakistan as it is in some other countries with more established ski cultures and infrastructure.
Where is the largest Ski Resort in Pakistan?
The Malam Jabba Ski Resort is considered the largest ski resort in Pakistan.
Can I combine skiing with other cultural experiences in Pakistan?
While the options in the northern areas will be limited due to cold weather, you could combine your trip with one of the bigger cities like Lahore and Karachi in the south for a more cultural experience.