Shandur Polo Festival - A Unique Polo Festival of Chitral Valley

The Shandur Polo Festival is an annual sporting event held in July at the Shandur Pass in Chitral District. The Shandur Polo Festival is a highly anticipated event that brings together thousands of local and international visitors to enjoy the exhilarating polo matches played on the highest polo ground in the world. With its cultural entertainment, traditional food, and exciting competition, the festival has become a renowned sporting event to attend.

About the Shandur Polo Festival

The Shandur Polo Festival is an annual event held since 1936 that brings together people from all over Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan. Held in the first week of July every year, the 3-day festival features polo games combined with other forms of entertainment such as music and dancing. The event is organized by the Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, offering an exciting opportunity for locals and tourists alike.

Free-styled mountain polo is an amazing sport that has been a tradition in the area for decades. The match between the local teams of Chitral and Gilgit is always exciting and intense, as there are no umpires to regulate the game. The only rule for this unique form of polo is that there are no rules! This makes for a thrilling spectator event, as players use their creativity and skill to succeed. Spectators can expect to witness fast-paced and adventure games with surprising plays, making this a great event for everyone!

Thus, the game is fast-paced, and often cringe-worthy, especially since many players end up with several injuries including broken bones and dislocated shoulders. That doesn’t stop them from playing the game, though. It’s a trip to the medic for a quick patch-up, and they’re back on their horses, ready to beat their opponents.

The Shandur Polo Festival is an exciting event that brings in visitors from all over the world to witness thrilling polo matches at one of the highest polo grounds in the world. Getting there is an adventure in itself, but the views and the exhilaration of watching the game make it all worth it. Once the festival ends, the journey out of the mountains is just as thrilling, making the experience unforgettable.

Location & Dates for the Festival

The Shandur Polo Festival is an annual event that takes place in the Chitral District of Pakistan. It is held at the world's highest elevation polo ground, the Shandur Top, located at over 12,000 feet. The festival runs from July 7th to 9th and is full of festivities and cultural activities. If you plan to attend the festival, it is recommended that you arrive on July 6th to ensure you don't miss out on any of the fun.

What to do at the Shandur Polo Festival?

The Shandur Polo Festival is an event like no other, uniquely combining local culture and sports. Enjoy the beautiful music and dance performances while witnessing high-stakes polo matches at the highest polo ground in the world – a truly remarkable experience.

Shandur Pass is a popular event for celebrating music, dancing, and joy. The festival brings together the local communities from the Kalash Valley in Chitral District to celebrate their culture and traditions. During the festival, you can expect to see traditional Kalash costumes, hear traditional music, and witness vibrant tribal dances. You can find vendors selling local specialties such as hats, jewelry, and other items. Visitors can experience the beauty of the surrounding mountains, streams, and valleys while they contribute to this epic festival.

Visitors to Shandur Pass can take part in many exciting activities. Trekking and hiking are popular among those who want to explore the stunning scenery of snow-capped mountains, blossoming fields, and lush meadows. Fishing for trout at the nearby Shandur Lake is another popular activity, as is rafting. Other activities such as horse riding, archery, and paragliding are also available for visitors to enjoy.

How to get there?

The Shandur Pass lies almost midway between Gilgit & Chitral on a jeep road, traveling on which is adventurous, to say the least. The distance from either side is 170 km. One can get to Gilgit & Chitral by Pakistan International’s daily F27 Fokker planes from Islamabad. There are two daily flights, subject to good weather conditions. Visitors planning to go by air must expect an adjustment of a minimum of 2 days in their itineraries just in case the weather does not permit flights to operate.

Access to Gilgit by road from Islamabad on the Karakoram Highway (The Silk Route). Visitors can stop at Besham for an overnight stay along the Indus River.

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Where to stay for the Shandur Polo Festival?

At the annual Shandur Polo Festival, Shandur Pass becomes a vibrant camping village that welcomes local and foreign tourists. Visitors can enjoy three days of spectacular landscapes and exciting cultural activities. Delicious local food, traditional crafts, and souvenirs are also available at the various stalls around the area. Camping at Shandur Pass is an amazing experience that will leave guests with lasting memories.

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