The Shandur Polo Festival: “The Game of Kings” Perched at an staggering altitude of 3,700 meters (12,200 feet), the Shandur Pass hosts the world’s highest polo ground. This is not the refined polo seen in international clubs; this is freestyle mountain polo, played as it has been for centuries—without a referee and with very few rules.
The Rivalry: The festival is centered around the legendary matches between the traditional rivals of Chitral and Gilgit.
The Atmosphere: Thousands of spectators from across the Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges camp out in a colorful tent village. The air is thick with the sound of folk music, drums, and the thundering hooves of sturdy mountain ponies.
The Experience: Beyond the sport, visitors witness paragliding, traditional dances, and a spectacular display of local hospitality against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and the deep blue Shandur Lake.
After breakfast transfer to Islamabad airport for inland flight to Skardu. It will take around 60 minutes’ flight over the Himalayan and Karakorum mountains and you will see countless peaks including the 9th height’s mountain Nanga Parbat 8125m. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Pardos and drive towards Gahkuch. Along the way we will visit the Kargah Buddha from the 7th century AD carved Buddha. Overnight in hotel.
Approx flight: 1 hrs
Approx Drive: 6 hrs
Morning, we will drive to Shandoor via Phander. We will make picturesque stops along the way. Upon arrival we will visit the Shandur Lake beside the world highest polo ground. Overnight in Camps.
Approx Drive: 5hrs
Elevation gain: 1901 m
Morning, after breakfast, we will visit the one of the interesting sports (Polo). We will witness the Polo match being played in the world highest polo ground. With its audience cheering for their teams, with pride and a courage to win the game. After that we will be free to explore Shandur and visit its surrounding. Overnight in Camps.
After breakfast, we will drive to Chitral one of the old historical kingdoms in the north of Pakistan. Upon arrival to Chitral we will explore Chitral town. We will visit the Chitral Fort the capital of ancient kingdom of Chitral, and will visit the Shahi Mosque of Chitral which is in the premises of the fort. Overnight in hotel.
Approx Drive: 5 – 6 hrs
Elevation loss: 2300 m
Morning, we will drive to Kalash, the valley of the Spirit believers. We will we be cross via Ayun located in the heart of Hindu Kush Mountain range. From there we will continue to the hear of Kalash valley known as Bumburet, where you will witness and experience the true diversity of Pakistan’s cultural vastness. Overnight in Guest House.
Approx Drive: 2-3 hrs
Elevation gain: 788 m
Early Morning, we will drive towards Islamabad, it will be a long drive. However, we will make multiple stops for leg stretching and pictures. We will have our lunch en-route. Upon arrival we will transfer you to hotel, for overnight rest.
Approx Drive: 9 hrs
Elevation loss: 1748 m
Since there are no hotels at the pass (altitude: 3,700m / 12,000ft), the main question is about the “Camping Village.”
A major past concern was the No Objection Certificate (NOC). But no NOC is not required.
While it’s July, the high altitude means days can be sunny and hot while nights are freezing. Foreigners frequently ask what kind of “layers” or sleeping bags are necessary.
Tourists are often fascinated by the “freestyle” nature of the game. They ask if there are really no referees (there aren’t) and how long the matches last (usually two 30-minute halves).
Beyond polo, they ask about the cultural side: the folk music, traditional dances (like the sword dance), and paragliding or trout fishing in Shandur Lake.
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