Shandur Polo Festival
Experience free style Polo on the Roof of the World
Overview
Located at an altitude of 3700 meters/12,200 feet above sea level, Shandur Pass is a high mountain pass that connects Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan regions. It is often referred to as the “Roof of the World” due to its high altitude and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The pass is also known for its annual polo festival that takes place in July, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Shandur invites visitors to experience a traditional polo tournament between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit in July every year.
The festival includes folk music, dancing and a camping village. The first Polo tournament took place at Shandur Pass in 1936. A British political agent major Cobb, who was fond of playing polo under a full moon, had polo ground near Shandur named, “Moony Polo Ground”. The trip includes a visit to Hunza, Ghizer, Chitral and Kailash valleys. The trip has been destined combining cultural experiences, visit of enchanting valleys & free style polo tournament.
Vista Tour Facts
Tour Name: Shandur Polo Festival
Tour Code: ATP-SPF-01
Tour Duration: 13 days/12 nights
Route: Islamabad-Gilgit-Hunza-Phander-Shandur Pass-Chitral-Kailash Valley-Islamabad.
Best time: Late June to Early July. Please confirm dates by contacting us.
Tour Grade: Easy
Visa Category: Tourist Visit Visa
Gallery
Itinerary
Arrival in Islamabad, transfer to hotel. City tour of Islamabad.
Key Attractions:
Shah Faisal Mosque – the largest mosque in Pakistan
Lok Virsa (Folk Heritage) Museum
Pakistan National Monument
Daman-e-Koh (Islamabad View Point)
Golra Sharif Rail Museum or Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum
External view of Parliament House, President House, Prime Minister House & the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Islamabad-Gilgit: 1 hour’ flight
Gilgit – Karimabad Hunza: 104 kms/2 hours’ drive
A morning flight to Gilgit. Upon arrival, drive to Karimabad Hunza. After lunch half day sightseeing.
Key Attractions:
Rakaposhi View Point Ghulmet
Baltit Fort
Karimabad Bazaar
walk along Barbar Water Channel.
Full day for exploring the central Hunza and Nagar valley.
Key Attractions:
Hopar Nagar Valley
Stop at Ultar & Lady Finger Viewpoint
Altit Fort
Altit Cluster/Altit Village
Sunset from the Eagle’s Nest View Point in Duiker.
Karimabad-Atta Abad Lake: 30km/40 minutes’ drive
Atta Abad Lake-Gilgit: 135 km/2.30 hours’ drive
Drive to Atta Abad Lake. Visit Gulmit, Hussaini Bridge, and Passu. After lunch, drive back to Gilgit for overnight stay.
Key Attractions:
Ganish Cluster-the oldest settlement in Hunza
Dong Rock Inscriptions
Atta Abad Lake
Gulmit Village
Hussaini Bridge
Passu Cones/Passu Cathedrals.
Gilgit-Phander: 165 kms/7 hours’ drive
Drive from Gilgit to Phander visiting Kargah Buddha on the way.
Key Attractions:
Kargah Buddha
Drive along Ghizer river, view the beautiful villages along the road.
Phander–Shandur Pass: 50 kms/3 hours’ drive
Drive to Shandur Pass. Overnight in camps.
Key Attractions:
Phander Lake
Shandur Pass-the highest polo ground in the world.
Enjoy polo matches.
Experience the Shandur Polo Festival at Shandur “The roof of the world”. Enjoy free style Polo tournament, Music, dances and short hikes around.
Day 9. Shandur Pass–ChitralShandur- Chitral: 150 kms/7 hours’ drive
Drive to Chitral via Mastuj. Upon arrival in Chitral visit Chitral Fort and Shahi Masjid (Royal Mosque).
Day 10. Chitral–KailashChitral – Bumburet Kailash: 22 kms/1 hour’s drive
Transfer to Bumburet via Rambur. Visit Kailash Museum, traditional house to explore the way of life and Sacred places.
Day 11. Kailash–Mingora SwatBumburet Kailash–Mingora Swat: 246 kms/7 hours’ drive
Drive from Kailash to Swat via Lawari Tunnel. Upon arrival, visit the Swat Museum.
Key Attractions:
Swat Museum-showcasing collections of Gandhara Art.
Swat–Islamabad: 235 kms/4 hours’ drive
Drive from Swat to Islamabad visiting Barikot Archaeological site on the way.
Day 13. Departure from IslamabadTransfer to the Islamabad International Airport for home bound flight.