Culture of Gilgit Baltistan — Hunza Culture, Skardu Traditions & Mountain Heritage

Gilgit Baltistan (GB), located in the northernmost part of Pakistan, is one of the most culturally diverse and historically rich regions in South Asia. Surrounded by the mighty Karakoram, Himalayan, and Hindu Kush mountains, the people of Gilgit Baltistan have preserved centuries-old traditions, unique languages, colorful festivals, and vibrant dance forms.

From the legendary Hunza culture to the mystical traditions of Skardu and Baltistan, GB’s culture is a blend of Tibetan, Central Asian, Persian, and South Asian influences.

⭐ What Is the Culture of Gilgit Baltistan?

Gilgit Baltistan’s culture is shaped by:

• its mountainous geography

• trade routes of the ancient Silk Road

• diverse ethnic groups

• traditional farming communities

• local crafts and music

• deep hospitality and peaceful lifestyle

Major Ethnic Groups

• Shina (Gilgit)

• Burusho (Hunza, Nagar)

• Wakhi (Upper Hunza, Gojal)

• Balti (Skardu & Baltistan)

• Khowar (Ghizer)

Each group has its own language, dress, food, dance, music, and celebrations.

Hunza Culture — Peaceful, Educated & Ancient

The Hunza Valley is world-famous for its:

• hospitality

• longevity of its people

• rich traditions

• eco-friendly lifestyle

Hunzakuts (the people of Hunza) belong mainly to the Burusho and Wakhi communities.

💠 Hunza Language

• Burushaski (a language isolate)

• Wakhi (Eastern Iranian language)

💠 Hunza Traditional Dress

• For men: Woolen cap (Hunza cap), embroidered waistcoat, shalwar kameez

• For women: Colorful frocks, embroidered caps, beaded jewelry

💠 Hunza Food

• Gyal (buckwheat chapati)

• Chapshuro

• Diram Phitti

• Apricot oil dishes

• Yak dairy

Hunza cuisine is healthy, organic, and simple.

Hunza Dance — The Iconic Sword Dance

One of the most famous cultural elements of Hunza is its traditional dance.

🔥 Types of Hunza Dances

• Sword Dance (Paiva): Men dance holding traditional swords to celebrate victory or festivals.

• Eagle Dance: Symbolic dance representing bravery.

• Wakhi Dance: A softer, circular group dance performed in Gojal.

The dance is performed during:

• weddings

• harvest festivals

• Ginani festival

• New Year celebration (Nawroz in Upper Hunza)

Skardu Culture — Tibetan & Balti Heritage

Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, has a culture deeply influenced by Tibetan traditions, as Baltistan was historically called Little Tibet.

💠 Balti Language

The Balti language is a Tibetan dialect known for its poetic and musical richness.

💠 Skardu Traditional Dress

• Thick woolen robes

• Balti cap with feather

• Handwoven shawls (pattu)

• Jewelry with turquoise stones

💠 Skardu Food

• Skardu-style Mamto (dumplings)

• Balay soup

• Buckwheat roti

• Tsampa (roasted barley flour)

• Apricot-based dishes

Skardu cuisine is hearty and perfect for the cold mountainous climate.

Folk Music & Dance of Gilgit Baltistan

Music in GB uses traditional instruments like:

• Surnai

• Damal

• Dadang (drum)

• Rabab

• Flute

Famous Folk Dances

🏔️ 1. Old Man Dance (Ginani Dance) – Hunza

Performed with rhythmic steps during harvest celebrations.

🏔️ 2. Balti Sword Dance – Skardu

A heroic dance symbolizing courage and unity.

🏔️ 3. Chaap Dance – Gilgit

Popular group dance during weddings and festivals.

🏔️ 4. Sufi Dance (Dhamaal) – Baltistan

Performed at shrines and spiritual gatherings.

Festivals of Gilgit Baltistan

🎉 1. Jashn-e-Navroz

New Year celebration (particularly in Hunza & Skardu)

🎉 2. Ginani Festival — Hunza

Harvest festival with music, dance, and traditional dishes.

🎉 3. Shandoor Polo Festival — Ghizer

World’s highest polo ground; a symbol of GB’s cultural pride.

🎉 4. Babusar & Khunjerab Festivals

Celebrate music, food, yak riding, and mountain arts.

Traditional Crafts of Gilgit Baltistan

• Handwoven carpets

• Woolen shawls

• Stone jewelry

• Wooden carvings

• Handmade caps

• Apricot products

Women artisans play an important role in preserving local crafts.

Religious & Spiritual Heritage

GB has a rich spiritual history with influences from:

• Buddhism

• Islam

• Sufism

• Ancient animistic beliefs

Important sites:

• Kargah Buddha (Gilgit)

• Buddha Rock (Skardu)

• Altit Fort & Baltit Fort (Hunza)

• Shigar Fort & Khaplu Fort (Skardu)

Lifestyle & Values in Gilgit Baltistan

🌿 Key Cultural Traits:

• Hospitality

• Respect for elders

• Strong community bonds

• Simplicity

• Love for nature

• Peaceful coexistence

The people of GB are known for their kindness and warm welcome to travelers.

⭐ Conclusion

The culture of Gilgit Baltistan is one of the richest and most diverse in Pakistan. From the Hunza culture and famous sword dance to the Tibetan-influenced Skardu traditions, every valley has its own identity, language, dress, and music. This region is a treasure of history, hospitality, and timeless mountain heritage.