Hunza Valley Climate Pakistan Ice Hockey Climate Change Impact Winter Sports Pakistan Global Warming Effects — Children and locals play ice hockey on Hunza Valley’s natural rink, now threatened by warmer winters and unstable ice.

Hunza Valley warming threatens Pakistan’s traditional ice hockey.

Rising temperatures in Hunza Valley threaten winter ice hockey, disrupting local traditions and challenging winter sports enthusiasts.

By Fahad On Feb 28, 2026

HUNZA, Pakistan – (Web Desk) – Aleena Gul used to watch the pool near her home in Hunza Valley freeze completely every winter, turning it into a makeshift ice hockey rink. This year, it barely froze.

“There’s a big difference between 2018 and now,” she said. “Winter used to start in November, but it’s January and the ice still isn’t ready.”

The warmer winters are affecting their small but growing ice hockey tradition. Locals once relied on consistent cold and snow to form natural rinks. But studies show the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is seeing shorter winters, fewer cold spells, and less snowfall. Hunza’s winter precipitation has dropped about 30 percent since the late 2010s, and temperatures are two to three degrees higher.

For people here, this is a real challenge. Their winter tourism and community tournaments depend entirely on natural ice. When Aleena’s pool didn’t freeze, organizers scrambled to move matches almost two hours away.

“I expected better ice, but the rink was rough and many players fell,” said Yahya Karim. Only one of the three first-day matches could go ahead.

Volunteers like Naseer Uddin had spent a week preparing the arena. “Then the sun came out and spoiled the ice, so we had to switch venues suddenly,” he said.

Residents say the winters are changing fast. “We notice a big shift in snowfall and freezing temperatures,” said Sadiq Saleem, local community leader.

The girls’ match eventually went ahead, with Aleena’s team winning. But with ice conditions becoming unpredictable, everyone wonders how long this tradition can last.

Climate change is a growing concern for Pakistan. Even though the country contributes less than 1 percent of global emissions, it’s highly vulnerable to rising temperatures. Authorities have warned of increased risks from glacial floods as snow and glaciers melt faster.

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For now, the players make do with whatever winter brings—but as temperatures rise, even a backyard rink is no longer guaranteed.