Contest || Are You Ready For Winters!

Yes, I like winters. There is magic at such times because something calls people together-coziness with the family, warming drinks, and outdoor adventures. Winter brings refreshing change into the routine to warm up gatherings and celebrations.

Winter temperatures differ significantly in various regions in my country. Temperatures in northern areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, often get very low and freeze badly. They frequently have snowfall in such mountains with temperatures going down to -10°C. Such regions abound with winter sports enthusiasts visiting for skiing and snowboarding.

Wintering months are relatively mild in southern parts of the country, such as Karachi and the coastal regions. Temperatures vary from 10°C to 20°C, so it is cool and nice for outdoor activities.

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People in Pakistan wear a wide variety of warm and cozy clothing styles during the winter months, which range from tradition to comfort. Woolen sweaters, shawls, and jackets are worn everywhere, which keep them warm on the very cold days. Sweaters are more common with coats, scarves, and gloves in urban areas where layers are more frequent when the temperature drops.

Traditional clothing also contributes largely, mainly in the countryside. Pashmina or khaddar shawls that are quite stylish and practical at the same time cover many people. In areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, men wear woolen caps and thick woolen chitrali hats, while women may carry a thicker dupatta or chadar to cover heads and shoulders.

For extreme cold, mainly in northern Pakistan, it is the quilts that are used or thermal garments. The number of options for winter dresses in Pakistan is a mirror of a diversified climate as well and provides both a traditional way and modern looks to be warm and feel comfortable in.

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Pakistan does have a plethora of savory hot and nutritious specialties that arrive with winter. Among them is one winter delicacy, nihari- long-cooked, slow-cooked beef or mutton stew often consumed with naan and loaded full of spices. The tradition of this form of cooking goes on as a kind of warming up for breakfast; especially at cold mornings during the seasons in Lahore and Karachi cities.

Other winter delights include gajar ka halwa, a sweet dessert made from grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee, topped with nuts. This is comfort food and is prepared in most households, especially when there are family gatherings. Other popular items include sajji, roasted meat, and makai ki roti with sarson ka saag, the traditional Punjabi meal that is warm and full of nutrients.

People like to enjoy themselves with kashmiri chai, this pretty pink tea, due to its unique flavor; from green tea leaves and from milk and spices to decorate with crushed almonds and pistachios. Kahwa infused green tea with saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon is as a popular drink, especially among residents of northern regions. Time-tested foods are a good comfort and, actually something to look forward to as winter approaches.

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I maintain my skincare and health when it is very cold because I want my skin and body to be in the best healthy and comfortable state. I switch to a lot wetter, moisturizing products like moisturizing lotions and oils since their consistency thickens when temperatures are harsher. I will apply lip balm consistently while wearing sunscreen because some degree of ultraviolet rays will always pass through your skin during this kind of weather. Exfoliation always cleans the dry dead part of the skin. Removing the dry dead epidermis lets more moisterizers get into your skin.

I maintain my health by keeping myself warm and hydrated. Drinking lots of water, herbal teas, and soups keep me hydrated and boost my immunity. Also, trying to consume seasonal foods such as oranges, leafy greens, and nuts with high vitamin content keep me feeling warm and energetic. Light stretching or indoor exercise is always good to keep active during the cold months of the year.

Yes, the one winter destination I would love to visit in Pakistan would be Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan. Winter is breathtakingly beautiful in Skardu for its mountains are covered in snow, its lakes freeze, and the valleys get quiet; it makes for a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Its natural beauty cannot be found anywhere else in the world and turns into a winter wonderland the moment it gets covered in snow.

For me, Skardu is a special mix of adventure and serenity. Viewing frozen lakes such as Shangrila and Sheosar and the towering peaks of the Karakoram range, which included K2, is breathtaking sight. There are fewer tourists at this time, which brings a personal touch to that raw, unspoiled beauty for visitors.

It's a very memorable place because of the local culture and warm hospitality. It's best to visit in the winter to know the local way of life in the winter.