Shandur Pass & Phander Valley Traverse
The World's Highest Polo Ground — Chitral to Gilgit Across the Roof of the World
From
¥3,250
10 Days
Duration
3,734m
Max Elevation
2–20 pax
Group Size
Chitral District (KPK) → Ghizer District (Gilgit-Baltistan)
Region
Overview
Shandur Pass at 3,734m on the Chitral–Gilgit border is one of Pakistan's most iconic locations — the site of the world's highest polo ground, where every July the traditional teams of Chitral and Gilgit meet for the famous Shandur Polo Festival. The route from Chitral to Gilgit via Shandur is one of the great mountain journeys in Pakistan — passing through remote villages, alpine plateaus, the extraordinarily beautiful Phander Valley and its lake, and eventually descending to the Gilgit valley. The Phander Valley is a highlight — a long turquoise lake reflecting the peaks above, pine forests on the slopes, and traditional Gilgiti villages along the shore. The traverse combines driving on rough mountain roads with trekking the high sections around the pass and into the hidden valleys along the way.
Trip Highlights
Shandur Pass (3,734m) — world's highest polo ground, legendary festival site
Phander Valley & Phander Lake — one of Pakistan's most beautiful valleys
Shandur Polo Festival (July) — optional timing for the greatest show in Pakistan
Laspur Valley — hidden, rarely visited Chitrali valley en route
Mastuj village and Reshun — historic stopovers on the Great Game route
Gilgit arrival — gateway to the Karakoram, Hunza, and beyond
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1Islamabad → Chitral
🏠 Hotel Chitral🍽️ Dinner
Islamabad → Chitral
Drive 8–9hrs via Lowari Tunnel. Arrive Chitral.
2Chitral Exploration
🏠 Hotel Chitral🍽️ All meals
Chitral Exploration
Chitral Fort, old bazaar, Shahi Mosque. Optional Kalash Valley afternoon visit.
3Chitral → Mastuj (2,300m)
🏠 Guesthouse Mastuj🍽️ All meals
Chitral → Mastuj (2,300m)
Drive 3hrs north along the Chitral River via Drosh and Buni. Mastuj — historic fort and confluence of valleys.
4Mastuj → Laspur Valley → Shandur Base Camp
🏠 Camp Shandur Base🍽️ All meals📏 12km
Mastuj → Laspur Valley → Shandur Base Camp
Detour into the hidden Laspur Valley. Trek through meadows. Camp below the Shandur plateau.
5Shandur Pass (3,734m) — Polo Ground & Traverse
🏠 Camp Teru🍽️ All meals📏 18km⛰️ 3,734m
Shandur Pass (3,734m) — Polo Ground & Traverse
Trek to the pass summit — the high plateau and polo ground. Cross into Ghizer / Gilgit-Baltistan. Dramatic 360° panorama. Descend towards Teru.
6Teru → Phander Village & Lake
🏠 Guesthouse Phander🍽️ All meals
Teru → Phander Village & Lake
Drive/trek along the Ghizer River. Arrive Phander — turquoise lake, pine forests, extraordinary beauty.
7Phander Valley Day — Lake Walk & Villages
🏠 Guesthouse Phander🍽️ All meals📏 12km
Phander Valley Day — Lake Walk & Villages
Full day exploring Phander Lake and surrounding villages. Boat ride on the lake. Birding (Brown Bear territory nearby).
8Phander → Gupis → Gahkuch
🏠 Guesthouse Gahkuch🍽️ All meals
Phander → Gupis → Gahkuch
Continue down the Ghizer Valley. Gupis Fort ruins. Gahkuch — colorful market town.
9Gahkuch → Gilgit City
🏠 Hotel Gilgit🍽️ All meals
Gahkuch → Gilgit City
Final drive to Gilgit — gateway to the Karakoram. Arrive and explore Gilgit bazaar.
10Gilgit → Onward (Hunza, Skardu, or Islamabad)
🏠 Hotel Islamabad or Hunza🍽️ Breakfast
Gilgit → Onward (Hunza, Skardu, or Islamabad)
Optional extension to Hunza (2hrs) or Skardu (4hrs), or fly/drive to Islamabad.
What's Included
- All transport Islamabad–Chitral–Shandur–Gilgit (private vehicle/jeep)
- Licensed guide throughout
- All hotel and guesthouse accommodation
- All meals
- Shandur Pass entry fees
- Phander Lake boat ride
Not Included
- International airfares
- Pakistan visa
- Personal gear
- Travel insurance
- Polo festival tickets (if applicable)
- Tips
⚠️ Requirements & Prerequisites
- •Moderate fitness
- •Road journey tolerance — some rough mountain roads
- •No trekking experience required
Best Season
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Shandur Polo Festival?
The Shandur Polo Festival is held annually in early to mid-July (usually 7–9 July, though dates vary). It is one of the greatest cultural events in Pakistan — thousands gather on the plateau for the Chitral vs Gilgit match, with music, dancing, and feasting. We strongly recommend timing your Shandur trek with the festival — book early as accommodation fills up months in advance.
Is this a one-way trek?
Yes — this traverse goes from Chitral to Gilgit. You fly or drive to Chitral from Islamabad at the start, and return from Gilgit at the end. This is one of the great point-to-point mountain journeys in Pakistan.
4 people booked this trip this month
Price Calculator
$446 USD · 4–5 persons
Toyota Hiace / Coaster. Comfortable, most popular.
3-star hotels & clean guesthouses. En-suite bathrooms.
Includes guide, all meals, permits & accommodation.
Custom quote → info@wonderland-tours.com
Payment Methods
30% deposit to confirm. Balance due 30 days before departure.
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