GILGIT: All is set for the fourth edition of the Sarfaranga cold desert jeep rally beginning from Friday (tomorrow), with opening events already kicked off in Shigar and Skardu on Wednesday.

More than 100 local and international professional jeep drivers and 30 bikers will participate in the event, which is a collection of multiple local and international sports competitions, cultural nights and musical shows, along with a tent village to showcase products made by local entrepreneurs.

Some highlights include Zakh (raft) competition, sword dance, tent pegging, wheelchair race, musical bands, performance by paragliders and motor gliders, and a 73km-long jeep rally.

The event — being held in Sarfaranga, the world’s highest cold desert situated 7,500 feet above sea level — is being organised by the Gilgit-Baltistan government after two years. A 73km-long track has been established in the desert.

The opening events on Wednesday included a freestyle polo competition at Amacha polo ground in Shigar and a football tournament held at MC Ground in Skardu.

Several local people and tourists participated in the events.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2022