Polo Festival Tour to the Shandur Pass
A tour that flies to Gilgit, drives by jeep to Phander Lake and on to the Shandur Pass for several days of polo, dancing and music, returning through Chitral and Gilgit.
About the Polo Festival Tour
Historically, the game goes back many centuries when the local Mehtars, Mirs, and Rajas were patrons of polo, and it was played not only for pleasure but also for celebratory and commemorative occasions. The Mehtar of Chitral would send a message to his relatives, the Rajas of Ghizar, Yasin, and Ishkuman, and word would travel far down the valleys to Punial Gilgit and Chilas, where the challenge would be taken up. But despite being dubbed ‘the game of kings,’ in Gilgit-Baltistan, it is not an elitist sport, often played in the village square on sorry nags or even on bicycles. ” It is the local obsession along with music & dancing on Shandur. In recent years, the event has become a legend – the dramatic landscape, the local color, and the presence of international celebrities. Still, above all, the passion with which the age-old rivals play the game makes the Shandur Polo Festival an unforgettable occasion. A sizeable tented village and bazaar is set up with thousands of people camping out.
Introduction as published on the Cultural Tours page.
Key facts
- Duration
- 13 days
- Starts and ends
- International Airport, Islamabad
Who it suits
The programme introduction traces polo in Gilgit-Baltistan back many centuries and describes it as a village sport rather than an elitist one. It suits travellers who want to see a mountain festival in its own setting.
- Days 6 to 9 are spent at Shandur for the festival.
- The published plan reaches Islamabad from Gilgit on day 12 and ends with the return on day 13.
- The festival date is not given in the programme; confirm the year's dates with the team.
- Inclusions are not itemised for this programme; ask the team what the price covers.
The Shandur Polo Festival
The Shandur Pass, high between Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, is the setting for a mountain polo festival in which teams from the surrounding valleys play on a high-altitude ground. The programme places several days at the pass for the games, music and dancing, and describes polo here as a village sport rather than an elitist one.
- Days 6 to 9 of the published plan are spent at Shandur for the festival.
- The festival date is not fixed in the programme; confirm the year dates with the team.
Getting there and the route
The tour flies to Gilgit, then travels by jeep to Phander Lake and on to the Shandur Pass, returning through Chitral and Gilgit. The approach road climbs to the pass at over 3,700 m, so the journey is as much part of the experience as the festival itself.
- The published plan reaches Islamabad from Gilgit on day 12 and ends with the return on day 13.
- Roads near the pass can be rough and weather-affected; expect the schedule to stay flexible.
Accommodation, weather and practicalities
Accommodation around the festival is basic and busy, and the pass is cold even in summer, with strong sun and the possibility of rain or snow. Bring warm layers, a hat and sun protection, and be ready for simple facilities. Inclusions are not itemised for this programme, so ask the team what the price covers before you book.
- At over 3,700 m the pass is high; keep the first days unhurried while you adjust.
- Carry layers for cold nights and bright, exposed days at the festival ground.
The polo and the people who play it
Shandur polo is played in a rough, free-flowing style with few of the formalities of modern polo, and the teams come from the valleys around the pass rather than clubs. The games are only part of what happens: music, dancing and the gathering of the surrounding communities fill the days around them.
- The programme describes polo at Shandur as a village sport, not an elitist one.
- The festival ground sits beside the lake and below the surrounding ridges, so the setting is part of the experience.
Respectful conduct at the festival
The festival is a large, lively public event, but it is still a local occasion rather than a show staged for visitors. Keep to the public areas, be considerate in crowds, and ask before taking close-up photographs of players and families. Dressing in layers that keep you comfortable and modest in a conservative setting is the practical choice.
- Follow the guide on where to sit and stand during the games.
- Be patient with simple facilities and big crowds; both are part of the event.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival Islamabad. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon twin city tour.
Day 2
Fly to Gilgit.
Day 3
Sightseeing of Gilgit.
Day 4
Gilgit-Phander Jeep to Phander Lake.
Day 5
Phander-Shandur Jeep to Shandur Pass.
Day 6-9
Shandur participated in the thrilling polo games, dancing and singing festival.
Day 10-11
Chitral-Gilgit Back to Gilgit.
Day 12
Gilgit-Islamabad.
Day 13: Return
Included and not included
As listed in the programme's service details; confirm the current inclusions when you plan your dates.
Places on this route
Destination guides for the places this itinerary passes through:
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