Pakistan's Premier Inbound Adventure Tourism Company
The World's Highest Polo Ground β Chitral vs Gilgit at 3,734m
From
RsΒ 168,000
12 Days
Duration
3,734m
Max Elevation
2β16 pax
Group Size
Shandur Pass (Chitral/Ghizer border)
Region
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 β 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 β 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.
Shandur Polo Festival β July 8β10, 2026 β world's highest polo ground
Traditional freestyle polo: Chitral vs Gilgit β an ancient rivalry
Folk music, dancing, and camping culture on the Shandur plateau
Chitral β Shandur β Gilgit traverse β one of Pakistan's greatest journeys
Kalash Valley visit β pre-Islamic culture with unique festivals and dress
Phander Lake and Valley β one of northern Pakistan's most beautiful valleys
Islamabad β Chitral
Drive via Lowari Tunnel. Arrive Chitral.
Chitral β Fort, Mosque & Bazaar
Chitral Fort, Shahi Mosque, old bazaar. Evening preparation for festival journey.
Kalash Valley β Bumburet
Jeep to Bumburet Kalash Valley. Full day with Kalash people.
Chitral β Mastuj
Drive north to Mastuj via the upper Chitral River valley.
Mastuj β Shandur Base Camp
Drive and trek approach to Shandur plateau. Festival atmosphere building.
Shandur Festival Day 1 β Arrival & Atmosphere
Full day at Shandur. Arrive at the polo ground. Music, dancing, food, and the gathering of thousands.
Shandur Festival Day 2 β Main Match Day
The main polo match: Chitral vs Gilgit. Freestyle rules. Electric atmosphere. Traditional dress and culture all around.
Shandur Festival Day 3 + Descent
Final festival events. Begin descent towards Ghizer.
Phander Valley
Arrive Phander β stunning turquoise lake. Boat ride. Village walk.
Phander β Gupis β Gahkuch
Continue down Ghizer Valley. Historic sites.
Gahkuch β Gilgit
Arrive Gilgit β gateway to Hunza and Karakoram.
Gilgit Fly or Drive to Islamabad
Fly (45min) or drive (8hrs) back to Islamabad.
Can I camp at Shandur for the festival?
Yes β 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 β 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
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$600 USD Β· 4β5 persons
Toyota Hiace / Coaster. Comfortable, most popular.
3-star hotels & clean guesthouses. En-suite bathrooms.
Includes guide, all meals, permits & accommodation.
Custom quote β info@wonderland-tours.com
π³ Flexible Payment Plan
Full refund if cancelled 60+ days before departure.
Travel Insurance β Mandatory for Expeditions
Comprehensive cover including helicopter evacuation to 6,000m required for K2, Gondogoro La, and all expedition routes.
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