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Shandur Polo Festival Tour

The World's Highest Polo Ground — Chitral vs Gilgit at 3,734m

From

￥90,720

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12 Days

Duration

3,734m

Max Elevation

2–16 pax

Group Size

Shandur Pass (Chitral/Ghizer border)

Region

4.8(134 reviews)

About This Tour

Every July since 1936, the teams of Chitral and Gilgit have met on the Shandur Pass at 3,734m for one of the most extraordinary sporting events on Earth — traditional freestyle polo, played at high altitude on an open plateau with the Hindu Kush and Karakoram as grandstand. Thousands gather: tribesmen from both sides, musicians playing the surnai and dhol, dancing, camping under the stars, and the electric atmosphere of a centuries-old rivalry. This is not a polished sporting event — it is a living piece of Pakistani mountain culture, raw and authentic, exactly as it has always been. The tour combines the festival with the spectacular Shandur Pass traverse (Chitral to Gilgit), Kalash Valley culture, Phander Lake, and the best of both sides of the Hindu Kush.

Tour Highlights

Shandur Polo Festival — July 8–10, 2026 — world's highest polo ground

Traditional freestyle polo: Chitral vs Gilgit — an ancient rivalry

Folk music, dancing, and camping culture on the Shandur plateau

Chitral → Shandur → Gilgit traverse — one of Pakistan's greatest journeys

Kalash Valley visit — pre-Islamic culture with unique festivals and dress

Phander Lake and Valley — one of northern Pakistan's most beautiful valleys

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Islamabad → Chitral

🏠 Hotel Chitral🍽️ Dinner

Drive via Lowari Tunnel. Arrive Chitral.

Chitral — Fort, Mosque & Bazaar

🏠 Hotel Chitral🍽️ All meals

Chitral Fort, Shahi Mosque, old bazaar. Evening preparation for festival journey.

Kalash Valley — Bumburet

🏠 Hotel Chitral🍽️ All meals

Jeep to Bumburet Kalash Valley. Full day with Kalash people.

Chitral → Mastuj

🏠 Guesthouse Mastuj🍽️ All meals

Drive north to Mastuj via the upper Chitral River valley.

Mastuj → Shandur Base Camp

🏠 Camp / Guesthouse Shandur🍽️ All meals

Drive and trek approach to Shandur plateau. Festival atmosphere building.

Shandur Festival Day 1 — Arrival & Atmosphere

🏠 Camp Shandur🍽️ All meals

Full day at Shandur. Arrive at the polo ground. Music, dancing, food, and the gathering of thousands.

Shandur Festival Day 2 — Main Match Day

🏠 Camp Shandur🍽️ All meals

The main polo match: Chitral vs Gilgit. Freestyle rules. Electric atmosphere. Traditional dress and culture all around.

Shandur Festival Day 3 + Descent

🏠 Guesthouse Teru🍽️ All meals

Final festival events. Begin descent towards Ghizer.

Phander Valley

🏠 Guesthouse Phander🍽️ All meals

Arrive Phander — stunning turquoise lake. Boat ride. Village walk.

Phander → Gupis → Gahkuch

🏠 Guesthouse Gahkuch🍽️ All meals

Continue down Ghizer Valley. Historic sites.

Gahkuch → Gilgit

🏠 Hotel Gilgit🍽️ All meals

Arrive Gilgit — gateway to Hunza and Karakoram.

Gilgit Fly or Drive to Islamabad

🏠 Hotel Islamabad🍽️ Breakfast

Fly (45min) or drive (8hrs) back to Islamabad.

Included

All transport Islamabad–Chitral–Shandur–Gilgit
Licensed cultural guide
All hotel and guesthouse accommodation
All meals
Shandur Festival entry
Kalash Valley jeep visit
Phander Lake boat ride

Not Included

International airfares
Pakistan visa
Festival camping option (upgrade available)
Travel insurance
Tips

Best Season

Summer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I camp at Shandur for the festival?

Yes — we offer a festival camping upgrade. You sleep in proper sleeping tents on the Shandur plateau for 2 nights during the festival. This is the authentic way to experience Shandur — waking at 3,734m with the polo ground outside your tent. Add PKR 25,000 per person for the camping upgrade.

4 people booked this trip this month

Price Calculator

PKR 168,000/ person

$600 USD · 4–5 persons

Group Size

Transport

Toyota Hiace / Coaster. Comfortable, most popular.

Hotels · 9 nights

3-star hotels & clean guesthouses. En-suite bathrooms.

Base · 4–5 personsPKR 168,000

Total per personPKR 168,000

Includes guide, all meals, permits & accommodation.
Custom quote → info@wonderland-tours.com