Discover the Magic of the Shandur Polo Festival with Adventure Travel Pakistan

Deep in the heart of Pakistan’s northern mountains lies an extraordinary event that combines adventure, culture, sport, and celebration — the Shandur Polo Festival. Held every summer at the highest polo ground in the world, this thrilling event brings together players, locals, and travelers from across Pakistan and beyond.

At Adventure Travel Pakistan, we believe the Shandur Polo Festival is not just a sporting spectacle — it’s a journey into the soul of Pakistan’s mountain culture. Let’s explore what makes this festival one of the country’s most remarkable and unforgettable experiences.

What Is the Shandur Polo Festival?

The Shandur Polo Festival is an annual sports and cultural event held at Shandur Pass, located between Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Ghizer District in Gilgit-Baltistan. Rising about 3,700 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level, Shandur Pass hosts the world’s highest polo ground, where each year, teams from Chitral and Gilgit face off in a legendary rivalry that’s been going strong for decades.

The festival takes place over three days, usually in early July, when the snow has melted, and the meadows bloom with wildflowers. Visitors camp on the plateau, watch thrilling polo matches, and immerse themselves in the unique culture of Pakistan’s northern highlands.

For travelers seeking authentic adventure, vibrant traditions, and jaw-dropping scenery, the Shandur Polo Festival is truly one-of-a-kind — and Adventure Travel Pakistan is your trusted guide to experiencing it all.

The Rich History of the Shandur Polo Festival

The story of the Shandur Polo Festival begins in the early 20th century, when the British colonial officer Major Evelyn Hey Cobb, who governed the region, encouraged polo matches between the people of Gilgit and Chitral. His love for the game — and admiration for the local players’ skill and courage — led to the creation of a polo ground at Shandur Top in the 1930s.

Since then, the festival has grown into a celebrated event, attracting thousands of spectators, government officials, and international tourists.

The Shandur Polo Festival has become more than just a competition. It symbolizes unity, sportsmanship, and cultural pride among the mountain communities of northern Pakistan.

At Adventure Travel Pakistan, we see it as a living bridge between regions, generations, and traditions — a vibrant reminder of how sport can bring people together, even in the most remote corners of the world.

The Location: The Roof of the World

Shandur Top, also known as the “Roof of the World,” sits at the meeting point of two of Pakistan’s most breathtaking regions — Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan. The plateau is surrounded by the Hindu Kush and Karakoram mountain ranges, with panoramic views of snowcapped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and lush green meadows.

The journey to Shandur is as rewarding as the destination. Travelers pass through scenic valleys like Phander, Gupis, and Laspur, encountering serene blue lakes and traditional villages along the way.

For those traveling with Adventure Travel Pakistan, every moment of the journey is carefully planned — from comfortable transport in rugged 4x4s to guided sightseeing stops that let you truly absorb the region’s beauty.

By the time you reach Shandur, you’ll already feel like you’ve stepped into another world — one where nature, culture, and adventure merge seamlessly.

The Game of Kings: Polo at Its Purest

The version of polo played at the Shandur Polo Festival is not the formal, rule-bound sport played in clubs. Here, the game is wild, raw, and utterly captivating. It’s known as “freestyle polo” — played without referees, with few rules, and an intense passion that mirrors the mountain spirit of the players.

Each team typically fields six players, and matches can last up to an hour. The thundering hooves, the clash of mallets, and the roar of the crowd create an atmosphere unlike anything else in the sporting world.

The main event is the showdown between Team Chitral and Team Gilgit, whose rivalry has become legendary. Every goal is celebrated with cheers that echo through the mountains.

At Adventure Travel Pakistan, we always remind our travelers: what you witness at Shandur isn’t just a game — it’s a living tradition passed down for generations, a test of courage, skill, and pride that defines the very spirit of northern Pakistan.

More Than Just Polo: A Cultural Celebration

While polo is the centerpiece, the Shandur Polo Festival is equally known for its cultural celebrations. The festival transforms the remote Shandur plateau into a colorful village of tents, music, and dance.

Evenings come alive with folk performances, traditional Chitrali and Gilgiti music, and local cuisine that introduces visitors to mountain flavors. The locals wear their traditional woolen caps and embroidered shawls, and you’ll often find groups performing the energetic Attan dance around bonfires under star-filled skies.

Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy paragliding shows, horse riding, trekking, and photography in the surrounding landscape.

At Adventure Travel Pakistan, we curate experiences that go beyond watching the festival — we make sure you participate in the culture, connect with locals, and understand the traditions that make this event so special.

When Does the Shandur Polo Festival Take Place?

The Shandur Polo Festival is held annually in early July, usually from the 7th to the 9th, depending on weather conditions and road accessibility. The region remains snowbound for most of the year, so summer is the only time when travelers can safely reach Shandur Top.

The event is organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan governments in collaboration with local communities. Over the years, it has become one of Pakistan’s most anticipated festivals, drawing both local and foreign tourists.

For travelers booking through Adventure Travel Pakistan, we provide detailed itineraries and logistics so that your trip aligns perfectly with the festival dates, ensuring you don’t miss any of the highlights.

How to Reach the Shandur Polo Festival

Reaching Shandur is a true adventure, and getting there is half the fun. The route you take depends on where you start:

From Gilgit: A 200-kilometer journey through Phander Valley and Gupis, taking approximately 6–8 hours by jeep.
From Chitral: A 150-kilometer drive through Laspur Valley, taking around 7 hours.

Both routes offer breathtaking scenery, mountain passes, lakes, and glimpses into local village life. Roads can be challenging, especially after rain, so experienced drivers and sturdy vehicles are a must — something Adventure Travel Pakistan provides in all our guided tours.

We recommend travelers spend a night acclimatizing in Phander or Mastuj before ascending to Shandur to avoid altitude sickness and to make the most of the journey.

What to Expect at the Festival

When you arrive at the Shandur Polo Festival, prepare yourself for three days of excitement, cultural immersion, and adventure. Here’s what a typical day looks like:

Morning: Early matches between local teams and warm-up games.
Afternoon: Main event matches featuring Chitral and Gilgit’s top players.
Evening: Cultural performances, food stalls, and bonfires under the stars.

Most travelers stay in campsites or temporary tent villages set up near the polo ground. Facilities are basic but comfortable, and the views — surrounded by mountains and clear blue skies — are simply breathtaking.

At night, temperatures can drop significantly, so Adventure Travel Pakistan provides high-quality tents, sleeping bags, and warm meals to keep you comfortable throughout your stay.

Essential Travel Tips for the Shandur Polo Festival

To make your Shandur Polo Festival experience smooth and enjoyable, keep these tips in mind:

Pack for all conditions: Days can be sunny and warm, but nights are cold. Bring warm clothes, gloves, and a hat.
Stay hydrated: The high altitude can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water.
Respect local customs: Always ask before photographing people and dress modestly.
Bring essentials: Power banks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a first-aid kit are must-haves.
Leave no trace: Shandur is a pristine environment. Help protect it by avoiding littering.
Book early: The festival draws huge crowds, so secure your transport and accommodation well in advance with Adventure Travel Pakistan.

A Sample Itinerary with Adventure Travel Pakistan

Here’s what a five-day Shandur Polo Festival tour looks like with Adventure Travel Pakistan:

Day 1: Depart from Islamabad, travel to Chitral via the scenic Lowari Tunnel, and rest overnight.
Day 2: Drive to Shandur Top, passing through Laspur Valley. Set up camp and enjoy the evening bonfire.
Day 3: Attend the opening ceremony and first polo matches. Explore Shandur Lake and surrounding meadows.
Day 4: Watch the semi-finals and finals, followed by the closing ceremony and cultural night.
Day 5: Return to Chitral or Gilgit with scenic stops along the way.

Every trip includes expert guides, comfortable transport, meals, and camping arrangements so you can focus entirely on soaking in the experience.

Why Travel with Adventure Travel Pakistan

With decades of experience in adventure tourism, Adventure Travel Pakistan is one of the country’s most trusted travel brands. Here’s why travelers choose us for the Shandur Polo Festival and beyond:

Local Expertise: Our guides are locals who know the terrain, language, and culture.
Safety First: We provide fully equipped 4x4 vehicles, satellite communication, and first-aid facilities.
Authentic Experiences: We don’t just take you to the festival — we help you live it.
Eco-Friendly Practices: We promote sustainable travel to preserve the environment.
Custom Packages: Whether you’re a solo traveler, family, or photographer, we tailor tours to your needs.

At Adventure Travel Pakistan, we go beyond sightseeing — we craft experiences that stay with you for a lifetime.

Experience the Spirit of the Shandur Polo Festival

The Shandur Polo Festival is more than a high-altitude sports event — it’s a symbol of courage, friendship, and the wild beauty of Pakistan’s mountains. Standing among cheering crowds, watching horses gallop across the world’s highest polo field, you’ll understand why this festival captures hearts year after year.

If you crave adventure, authenticity, and the kind of travel story you’ll tell for a lifetime, this is your calling.

Let Adventure Travel Pakistan take you there — to the “Roof of the World,” where polo meets paradise, and every heartbeat echoes with the rhythm of hooves and drums.