- Shandur Polo Festival: Where Tradition Meets the Heights of Glory
- Shandur, a stunning plateau at 12,210 ft above sea level, is renowned as the world’s highest polo ground. Known as the “Game of Kings,” polo has been a symbol of pride for Chitral and Gilgit since the 18th century. Originally played in Phandar and Gilgit, the game shifted to Shandur in the 19th century, where it became not just a royal pursuit but a beloved tradition for locals as well.
- The first recorded match on Shandur’s “Mass Junali” (Moony Polo Ground) was in 1914, named for its nighttime matches played under moonlight, a favorite of the Mehtar of Chitral. By 1936, the Shandur Polo Tournament had become an annual event, initiated by Colonel E.H. Cobb, a British polo enthusiast. The event has since evolved into the iconic Shandur Polo Festival, attracting global attention for its free-style polo matches, vibrant folk music, and cultural festivities.
- Held every July, this festival is a celebration of Pakistan’s rich heritage, where the breathtaking landscapes of Shandur, its crystal-clear lakes, and the exhilarating polo matches come together to create a truly unforgettable experience. From its roots as a local competition to its recognition in 1984 as an official festival, the Shandur Polo Festival has become a global attraction—bringing together sports, culture, and nature in a majestic blend.
- Join us at Shandur, where the spirit of polo and the beauty of nature soar to new heights.
Included/Excluded
- Private Transport
- Hotel Accommodation
- Professional Licensed Guide
- Toll, Parking, Museum & National park entrance taxes
- Airfare (International flight)
- Pakistani visa fee
- Personal expenses
- Personal travel insurance
Tour Plan
Day 1
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport ➔ Meet, assist & transfer to hotel for breakfast ➔ Drive to Swat Valley ➔ Night stay in hotel
| Days | Program | Major Attractions | Mode of Travel | Travel
Time |
| Day. 01 |
|
|
Van
Van |
1 hr
4-5 hrs |
Day 2
Early morning departure for Chitral via Lawari Pass (3118 m) ➔ Night stay in hotel
| Days | Program | Major Attractions | Mode of Travel | Travel
Time |
| Day. 02 |
|
|
Van | 10 hrs |
Day 3
Departure for Mastuj ➔ Meals and overnight stay in hotel
| Days | Program | Major Attractions | Mode of Travel | Travel
Time |
| Day. 03 |
|
|
Van/Jeep | 5- 6 hrs |
Day 4
Drive to Shandur Polo Ground ➔ Meals and overnight stay in tent
| Days | Program | Major Attractions | Mode of Travel | Travel
Time |
| Day. 04 |
|
|
Van/Jeep | 4-5hrs |
Day 5
Full day enjoying the "Game of Kings" at Shandur Pass ➔ Meals and overnight stay in tent
| Days | Program | Major Attractions | Mode of Travel | Travel
Time |
| Day. 05 |
|
|
Walk | 1-2 hrs |
Day 6
Departure for Gupis ➔ Lunch at Khalti Lake ➔ Meals and overnight stay in hotel
| Days | Program | Major Attractions | Mode of Travel | Travel
Time |
| Day. 06 |
|
|
Van/Jeep | 5-6 hrs |
Day 7
Departure for Hunza ➔ Visit Kargah Buddha Hanzal Stupa ➔ Lunch at Gilgit ➔ Meals and overnight stay in hotel
| Days | Program | Major Attractions | Mode of Travel | Travel
Time |
| Day. 07 |
|
|
Van/ Jeep | 6 -7 hrs |
Day 8
Explore the surrounding areas of Karimabad town ➔ Lunch at Altit Fort ➔ Drive to Duikar for sunset ➔ Meals and overnight stay in hotel
| Days | Program | Major Attractions | Mode of Travel | Travel
Time |
| Day. 08 |
|
|
Jeep
Walk |
1 -2 hrs
4- 5 hrs |
Day 9
Drive to Khunjerab Pass, the border of Pakistan and China (4733 m) ➔ Lunch at Sost or take away pack lunch ➔ Meals and overnight stay in hotel at Passu
| Days | Program | Major Attractions | Mode of Travel | Travel
Time |
| Day. 09 |
|
|
Van/Jeep | 7-8 hrs |
Day 10
Departure for Chilas ➔ Lunch at Gilgit ➔ Meals and overnight stay in hotel
| Days | Program | Major Attractions | Mode of Travel | Travel
Time |
| Day. 10 |
|
|
Van | 7-8 hrs |
Day 11
Drive to Islamabad ➔ Lunch at Besham ➔ Meals and overnight stay in hotel
| Days | Program | Major Attractions | Mode of Travel | Travel
Time |
| Day. 11 |
|
|
Van/Jeep | 10 hrs |
Day 12
Islamabad & Rawalpindi (the Twin Cities) ➔ Farewell dinner ➔ Evening drive to the airport ➔ Fly back to your home destinations ➔ Dream your journey
| Days | Program | Major Attractions | Mode of Travel | Travel
Time |
| Day. 12 |
|
|
Van | 1 day |
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Passu Adventures (SMC- Private) Limited
- Passu Gojal Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
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