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The Shandur Polo Festival
π Overview
The Shandur Polo Festival is held every year at the Shandur Pass, known as the βRoof of the Worldβ, at an altitude of ~3,700 meters. This iconic festival brings together teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan to play freestyle polo in its purest form, surrounded by stunning Karakoram and Hindu Kush landscapes.
This experience is not just about poloβit is a cultural and nomadic immersion. Visitors witness traditional games, local music, dance, and community celebrations, while camping in high-altitude pastures. The journey to Shandur itself takes travelers through some of Pakistanβs most remote valleys, alpine meadows, and high passes, making it perfect for adventurous, slow-travel seekers.
βThe Nomadic Polo Experienceβ emphasizes freedom, exploration, and authentic interaction with local communities, capturing the true essence of nomadic life in northern Pakistan.
π§ Trip Facts β Shandur Polo Festival
Duration: 14 Days
Route: Islamabad β Gilgit β Hunza β Gupis β Shandur Base β Shandur Polo Festival β Mastuj β Chitral β Kalash Valley β Swat β Islamabad
Trip Style: Nomadic, cultural immersion, high-altitude adventure
Festival Timing: July (annually, exact dates vary)
Difficulty Level: Moderate β high-altitude travel, mountain roads, camping
Transportation
Motor Bikes/jeep recommended
Some rough, mountainous roads; 4x4 advised for Shandur route
Trekking limited to short hikes around Shandur
Accommodation
Guesthouses in Islamabad, Gilgit, Hunza, Chitral
Nomadic-style camping at Shandur Pass
Homestays optional in Hunza or Mastuj
Altitude & Terrain
Shandur Pass: ~3,700 m
Roads: Mountainous, river valleys, rough alpine tracks
Terrain includes high meadows, rivers, and remote villages
Weather
Summer: Mild days, cold nights at high altitude
Possible rain, fog, or hail at Shandur
Layered clothing required
Gear Essentials
Warm layers, waterproof jacket, trekking shoes
Sleeping bag for camping
Sun protection: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
Portable power bank and flashlight
Connectivity
Limited mobile signal at Shandur
Wi-Fi/internet only available in Gilgit, Hunza, Chitral
Food & Water
Local food at guesthouses
Packed snacks during travel and festival days
Nomadic / Cultural Tips
Respect local customs, especially during festival
Photography permission may be required
Engage with locals, music, and dances for full experience
Travel light and embrace camping lifestyle
ποΈ Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 β Islamabad β Gilgit
Travel: Flight or 12β14 hr road trip via Karakoram Highway (KKH)
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Gilgit
Activity: Rest after long journey, evening walk in Gilgit Bazaar
Day 2 β Explore Gilgit β Hunza (Karimabad)
Travel: 2β3 hrs via KKH
Explore: Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Karimabad Bazaar
Optional short hike to Eagleβs Nest viewpoint
Stay: Homestay / guesthouse in Hunza
Day 3 β Hunza Exploration & Gupis Travel
Morning: Explore Passu Cones, Hussaini Suspension Bridge, Attabad Lake
Afternoon: Travel to Gupis (~6 hrs)
Stay: Guesthouse in Gupis
Day 4 β Gupis β Shandur Base Camp
Travel: 5β6 hrs over rugged mountain roads
Arrival at Shandur valley (camping area)
Prepare camping gear for festival days
Stay: Nomadic-style camp
Day 5 β Shandur Polo Festival Day 1
Witness freestyle polo matches between Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan teams
Experience local music, dances, and cultural festivities
Evening: Campfire and interaction with locals
Stay: Shandur Camp
Day 6 β Shandur Polo Festival Day 2
Enjoy second day of polo matches, local games, and celebration
Optional short hike in alpine meadows around Shandur
Stay: Shandur Camp
Day 7 β Shandur Base β Mastuj
Travel: 5β6 hrs downhill to Mastuj
Explore Mastuj village, local markets
Stay: Guesthouse / homestay
Day 8 β Mastuj β Chitral
Travel: 3β4 hrs
Explore Chitral Bazaar, Chitral Fort, Shahi Mosque
Stay: Guesthouse in Chitral
Day 9 β Chitral β Kalash Valley (Bumburet/Rumbur)
Travel: 2β3 hrs
Explore Kalash culture, traditional music, dances, and villages
Stay: Homestay with Kalash community
Day 10 β Kalash Cultural Immersion
Full day in Kalash Valley
Participate in local rituals, learn traditional crafts, explore alpine landscapes
Stay: Kalash Homestay
Day 11 β Kalash β Dir β Swat
Travel: 8β10 hrs
Scenic drive through mountain passes and valleys
Overnight stay: Guesthouse in Swat
Day 12 β Swat Exploration
Visit Mingora, Saidu Sharif, Swat Museum
Optional short hike to Malam Jabba or nearby valleys
Stay: Swat Guesthouse
Day 13 β Swat β Islamabad
Travel: 6β7 hrs
Arrival in Islamabad, evening free
Stay: Hotel in Islamabad
Day 14 β Islamabad Sightseeing
Visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa Museum, and Rawal Lake
Prepare for rest of the journey or departure
Stay: Islamabad
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