The 4th Annual Khunjrab Wildlife Festival concluded on 10 February 2026 with record attendance, drawing 2,400 visitors to Sost and the surrounding national park areas over three days. Organised by KVO in partnership with the Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Department, the festival has grown into one of Pakistan's premier nature and culture events.
Highlights of the Festival
This year's festival featured a national wildlife photography competition that received over 800 submissions, guided wildlife walks at dawn and dusk, documentary film screenings under the open sky, and a traditional music and dance showcase representing the Wakhi and Burusho cultures of Upper Gojal. A dedicated children's programme introduced school groups from Hunza and Gilgit to local ecology and conservation.
Photography Competition Winners
The photography competition was won by Hunza-based photographer Zubair Hussain, whose image of a Marco Polo sheep silhouetted against the Khunjrab Pass at sunset took the top prize. Second place went to international visitor Clara Mendez from Spain for her portrait series of Wakhi women weavers. All winning photographs will be displayed in a touring exhibition across three cities in Pakistan.
Looking Ahead
KVO has announced that the 5th Annual Khunjrab Wildlife Festival will take place in February 2027 with an expanded programme including an international conservation symposium and the launch of a new bird-watching trail in the Khunjerav valley. Organisations interested in partnering with the 2027 festival are invited to contact KVO at info@kvo.org.pk.