Trip Introduction

Shandur Polo Festival is one of the most awaiting and popular tourism events in Pakistan. Large number of foreign and domestic tourists visits Shandur to witness the wildest polo festival played in the world. Shandur polo ground is the highest polo ground on earth (3743m) above sea level located amidst Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral District of KPK. Shandur is a flat plateau and is also a border between the province of KPK and Gilgit-Baltistan. The polo ground is approximately 155 kms away from the Chitral Town and about 200 kms from Gilgit City. The first time polo was played at Shandur Polo ground in 1936, since then it has become the greatest polo ground of entire North Region. The beautiful polo ground of Shandur turns into a city of tents each year between 7 and 9 July due to Shandur Polo Festival. Now activities like paragliding, folk music and dances are also held along with polo, making it even more enjoyable for tourists.

This polo ground attracts many tourists from around the world. Matches are played between different teams of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral but the final match is a contest between Gilgit Team and Chitral Team. These teams have been rivals in this game since centuries. The other attractions near Shandur Polo ground are Shandur Lake, Chitral town, Kalash Valley, Langar and Phandar Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Cost Included

• Transport during the trip (as per the itinerary)
• Hotel rooms on twin sharing basis
• Jeep for Off-road
• Entry Tickets and Toll taxes as per the itinerary
• Driver’s expense
• Meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Things Not Included:

• International Airfare
• Visa Charges
• Travel & Medical Insurance
• Any personal expenses
• Any emergency expenses
• Refreshments
• Any other Sightseeing
• Extra Day or Night Expense
• Photography
• Service not mentioned

Day 1: Our tour guide welcomes you at New Islamabad International Airport in Islamabad. Transfer to the hotel, In the evening sightseeing in Islamabad, Night stay in Islamabad.

Day 2: Fly to Chitral in PIA ATR flight. The flight is subject to weather and availability. If the flight operate, the rest of the day will be used for rest and sightseeing in Chitral town.

In case of no flight, we start our journey towards the Chitral Valley by road (9 t0 10 hrs). We will pass through Mardan, Malakand, Bathkhela, Dir and enter Chitral through Lowari Tunnel. In Chitral district we will pass through Nagar Fort and Ayun Valley to reach Chitral town, Night stay in Chitral.

Day 3: Breakfast in hotel. Departure for Kalash valley, go around with our tour guide to experience the Kalasha’s lifestyle and culture. Visit centuries old graveyard and enjoy the beauty of Bumburat. Return to Chitral and visit centuries old Shahi Masjid, Shahi Qilla and chitral Bazar. Stay in Chitral

Day 4: Day excursion to Ayun Valley, 12 km south of the town of Chitral. It is located on the Chitral River at its confluence with the Bumburet River. Mountains surround the village. Night Stay in Chitral.

Day 5: Breakfast in hotel. Drive towards the Shandur Polo Ground for Shandur polo festival. It will be 5-6 hrs drive from Chitral Town. You will pass through Booni, Mastuj, Laspur and ascends towards the Shandur Top. At Shandur Polo ground, you can watch the polo matches, dance and interact with locals, tourists. You will experience one of the most amazing bonfires in your on Shandur Pass. Night Stay in tents at Shandur Pass.

Day 6: This day you will experience and enjoy the final match of Shandur polo festival between Gilgit and Chitral. You will see the enthusiasm and heat of final match between traditional rivals. The Polo tournament has some added attractions for the visitors; trout fishing at the nearby streams and lakes and a festival of folk dances and music of the Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
Night Stay in tents at Shandur Pass

Day 7: Drive back to Chitral town through Ayun. In the evening explore the Chitral Town. Night stay in Chitral,

Day 8: Fly to Islamabad or drive back in case of no flights, Sightseeing of Islamabad in the afternoon. In case of travelling by road (9 to 10 hrs), group will use the same route, Night stay in Islamabad.

Day 9: Transfer to the airport for international flights back home.