Shandur Polo Festival
The Shandur Polo Festival, which takes place during 2023-24, is a fascinating celebration observed by the tribes residing in the northern regions of Pakistan, namely Gilgit and Chitral. Annually, tribes from Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral convene at the breathtaking Shandur Pass during the summer season. The pass boasts a picturesque polo ground where a distinctive and unrestrained form of polo is played by various regional teams.
Notably, the Shandur polo ground stands as the highest polo ground globally, nestled at an elevation of 3,700 meters. This ground is situated in proximity to Shandur Lake, adding to the allure of the festival. The event offers a remarkable cultural immersion experience amidst the stunning Hindukush mountain ranges.
Shandur Polo Festival
Overview
The Shandur Polo Festival is a centuries-old and spirited polo event held at Shandur Polo Ground since 1936, set at the Shandur Pass bordering Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Every July’s first week, the festival unites the tribes of Gilgit and Chitral for a thrilling three-day celebration.
Imagine Karakorum Tours has been organizing Shandur Polo Festival Tours and other adventures in Pakistan for many years, featuring 8-10 day itineraries on a full-board basis. The tour commences in Islamabad, offering a mountain-view flight to Chitral and exploration of local culture.
The journey continues with a visit to Rumbur in the Kalash Valley, where unique Hindu traditions are observed. A drive to Shandur at an altitude of over 3,743 meters unveils the world’s highest polo ground. The freestyle polo matches and cultural festivities take center stage.
The tour then descends from Shandur, traveling along the Phandur River to reach Gilgit, the administrative capital of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The return journey follows the Karakoram Highway, with a night in Naran.Ultimately, the tour concludes in Islamabad, offering a comprehensive experience of Pakistan’s diverse culture and landscapes.
Imagine Karakorum Tours welcomes solo travelers during the first week of July, while private groups can choose their preferred travel dates.
Cost & Date (Shandur Polo Festival) 14 days
The best times to explore the enchanting regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral are during the summer and autumn seasons. The specific dates for the Shandur Polo Festival are determined by the provincial governments of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and they traditionally fall in the month of July. To ensure an exceptional experience at the Shandur Polo Festival, we meticulously select our tour dates.
Please find the start and end dates in the table below, which represent your arrival and departure from Pakistan. We offer at least one guaranteed departure for the Shandur Polo Festival. Here are the dates and costs for this extraordinary event
| S/Date | E/Date | Price (USD) | Availability | Min Person | Registration |
| 04-Jul-024 | 17-Jul-024 | $2000 | Available | 2 | BOOK NOW |
| 04-Jul-025 | 17-Jul-025 | $2000 | Available | 2 | BOOK NOW |
| S/Date | E/Date | Price (USD) | Availability | Min Person | Registration |
The Shandur Polo Festival offers an all-inclusive holiday package, with specified tour dates and prices for the Islamabad-to-Islamabad itinerary. These rates and dates apply exclusively to our fixed departure holidays. You can join these departures and connect with fellow solo travelers who share your enthusiasm for the Shandur Polo Festival. We also provide options for single hotel rooms and tent supplements at a minimal additional cost, although single hotel room rates may vary based on room availability and other factors.
For private groups, you have the flexibility to select dates that align with your travel plans. We offer discounts for groups, couples, and families, so we encourage you to reach out to us before making your reservation. Our holiday packages encompass all aspects of your journey, including domestic flights, accommodations, meals, transportation, and knowledgeable guides. We’ve thought of everything to ensure you have a stress-free and enjoyable vacation.
Please note that the Shandur Polo Festival tour costs and dates are specific to the Islamabad-to-Islamabad itinerary. Most international flights arrive at Islamabad Airport in the morning, while return flights depart from Islamabad International Airport on the last day of the itinerary.
For Booking: Private Groups Click Here
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Highlights
– Experience the vibrant summer polo festival of the Chitral and Gilgit tribes
– Join in the celebration and dance to the rhythms of indigenous music
– savor the rich flavors of Pakistani cuisine
– Engage with local community members and listen to their captivating stories
– Marvel at the breathtaking vistas of numerous peaks, including Tirich Mir (7,708m) in the Hindukush Range and Nanga Parbat (8,126m) in the Himalaya Range
– Take in the mesmerizing beauty of rivers like Kunar, Chitral, Gilgit, Indus, and their tributaries, as well as glistening streams
– Traverse scenic mountain passes like Malakand Pass, Lowari Pass (3,118 m) or Lowari Tunnel (10.4 kms), Shandur Pass (4,173m), and Babusar Pass (3,700m)
– Explore the picturesque valleys of Pakistan, including Dir, Chitral, Yasin, Punial, Naran, and Kaghan
– Admire the serene beauty of lakes, including Shandur, Phandar, Khalti, and Lulusar
– Visit historic forts like Malakand, Nagar, and Chitral, as well as impressive mosques like the Shahi Masjid
– Discover the significance of landmarks like Churchil Picket and Malakand
– Delight in sightseeing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, two dynamic cities with a rich cultural heritage
– Forge new friendships and create lasting memories
– Enjoy discounted rates for an enriching cultural travel experience
For more details please contact us..
Mail : info@imaginekarakorumtours.com
WhatsApp : +92 0344 6253054
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