Shandur Polo Festival - Adventure Tours Pakistan

Experience free style Polo on the Roof of the World

Located at an altitude of 3700 meters/12,200 feet above sea level, Shandur Pass is a high mountain pass that connects Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan regions. It is often referred to as the “Roof of the World” due to its high altitude and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The pass is also known for its annual polo festival that takes place in July, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Shandur invites visitors to experience a traditional polo tournament between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit in July every year. The festival includes folk music, dancing and a camping village. The first Polo tournament took place at Shandur Pass in 1936. A British political agent major Cobb, who was fond of playing polo under a full moon, had polo ground near Shandur named, “Moony Polo Ground”. The trip includes a visit to Hunza, Ghizer, Chitral and Kailash valleys. The trip has been destined combining cultural experiences, visit of enchanting valleys & free style polo tournament.

Trip Highlights

Trip Code:	ATP-SPF-01
Ideal trip duration:	12 nights/ 13 days (9 hotel nights & 3 camping nights)
Festival dates:	June 28 to 30, 2024 every year (please re-confirm dates)
Maximum Elevation:	3734 meters
Route:	Islamabad- Gilgit-Hunza-Phander-Shandur Pass-Chitral-Kailash Valley- Islamabad.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Days	Visiting Location	Overnight
01	Islamabad	Arrival at the Islamabad International Airport, transfer to hotel. City tour of Islamabad. KEY ATTRACTIONS Shah Faisal Mosque – the largest mosque in Pakistan Lok Virsa (Folk Heritage) Museum Pakistan National Monument Daman-e-Koh (Islamabad View Point) Golra Sharif Rail Museum or Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum External view of Parliament House, President House, Prime Minister House & Supreme Court of Pakistan
02	Islamabad-Gilgit-Karimabad	Islamabad-Gilgit: 1 hour’ flight Gilgit – Karimabad Hunza: 104 kms/2 hours’ drive A morning flight to Gilgit. Upon arrival drive to Karimabad Hunza. After lunch half day sightseeing. KEY ATTRACTIONS Rakaposhi View Point Ghulmet Baltit Fort Karimabad Bazaar Walk Along Barbar Water Channel
03	Central Hunza	Full day for exploring the unique culture of central Hunza & Nagar. KEY ATTRACTIONS Hoper Nagar Valley Stop at Ultar & Lady Finger View Point Optional Walk to Barpu Glacier Altit Fort Altit Cluster/Altit Village Sunset from the Eagle’s Nest View Point in Duiker
04	Karimabad-Upper Hunza-Gilgit	Karimabad-Atta Abad Lake: 30km/40 minutes’ drive Atta Abad Lake-Gilgit: 135 km/2.30 hrs drive Drive to Atta Abad Lake. Visit Gulmit, Hussaini Bridge, & Passu. After lunch drive back to Gilgit for overnight stay. Visit Kargah Buddha in the late afternoon. KEY ATTRACTIONS Ganish Cluster- the oldest settlement in Hunza Dong Rock Inscriptions Atta Abad Lake Gulmit Village Hussaini Bridge Passu Cones/Passu Cathedrals Kargah Buddha Gilgit (Time Permitting)
05	Gilgit-Phandar	Gilgit-Phandar: 165 kms/7 hours’ drive Drive from Gilgit to Phandar visiting Kargah Buddha on the way. KEY ATTRACTIONS Kargah Buddha Drive to along Ghizer river Beautiful villages along the road
06	Phandar-Mastuj	Phandar – Shandur Pass: 50 kms/3 hours’ drive Drive to Shandur Pass. Overnight in camps KEY ATTRACTIONS Phander Lake Shandur Pass- the highest polo ground in the world
07-08	Shandur Pass/ Shandur Polo Festival	Experience Shandur Polo Festival at Shandur “The roof of the world”. KEY ATTRACTIONS Polo tournament Music & dancing Short hikes around
09	Shandur Pass-Chitral	Shandur- Chitral: 150 kms/7 hours’ drive Drive to Chitral via Mastuj. KEY ATTRACTIONS Chitral Fort Shahi Masjid (Royal Mosque)
10	Chitral-Kailash	Chitral – Bumburet Kailash: 22 kms/1 hour’s drive In the morning visit Chitral Gol National Park. After lunch drive to Bumburet via Rambur. KEY ATTRACTIONS Kailash Museum Traditional House to explore the way of life Sacred places
11	Kailash-Mingora Swat	Bumburet Kailash – Mingora Swat: 246 kms/7 hours’ drive Drive from Kailash to Swat. Upon arrival visit Swat Museum. KEY ATTRACTIONS Swat Museum-showcasing collections of Gandhara Art
12	Mingora Swat-Islamabad	Swat- Islamabad: 230 kms/4 hours’ drive Drive to Islamabad visiting Ghandhara sites on the way. KEY ATTRACTIONS The Buddhist sacred Area of Butkara Barikot Archaeological site
13	Departure From Islamabad	Transfer to the Islamabad International Airport for home bound flight.

WILL BE UPDATED SOON

     Excellent  
     Based on 45 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Connect Tours pakistan 
 September 20, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
       
   JOAN SUMMER 
 July 25, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have collaborated with ATP for many years, with them providing services for  large mountaineering expeditions to specialized trekking groups and also for tourism groups.  Their staff is experienced and professional.  They work with you to provide solutions to whatever issues may arise, often caused by road closures or sensitive cultural situations.
  
 
       
   JAMAL UDDIN 
 April 10, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We visited spantik last year with this company, and it was a great experience with Adventure Tours pakistan. The trip was incredible, from day one and the staff were very professional. I have some great memories that I want to share.
  
 
       
   Muhammad Junaid 
 January 19, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adventure Tours Pakistan is a one wonderful Travel company in Pakistan, Cooperative staff... Everythings is Good🚩
  
 
       
   Pavel Gospodinov 
 July 27, 2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We used the services of ADVENTURE TOURS PAKISTAN (ATP) for our tour from Lahore to Gilgit-Baltistan and Hunza Valley in July 2022. We were a group of 8 people. Right from the beginning, during the preparation period, Naiknam, the owner/manager of the company, and Abida were very prompt with our queries, very precise in preparing the documents and provided accurate and useful information. Pakistan may be a difficult country for organising activities and that is why I really appreciate the efforts, professionalism and accuracy of ADVENTURE TOURS PAKISTAN team. For ourselves, everything was professionally organised. Our tour guide Amir was very professional. He managed to arrange an alternative transport due to the closure of KKH, was always ready to help or give advice. His knowledge of the places is amazing, which we really appreciated. We liked the hotels selected by ADVENTURE TOURS PAKISTAN - good quality and nice staff. The tour was challenging for our travellers, but thanks to the professionalism of ADVENTURE TOURS PAKISTAN it became a very good and interesting adventure without any logistical or other problems. We really appreciate all the efforts and help. Based on our personal experience, I can recommend the services of ADVENTURE TOURS PAKISTAN. Thank you very much!
  
 
       
   Muhammad Asif 
 June 12, 2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
       
   Qamar Mahmood 
 August 3, 2021
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I personally have travelled to close to 50 countries but this was my first trip to the Northern areas of Pakistan.
We had a great experience with ATP. I did two trips back-to-back with family (10 members) and then onwards on my own for a two-week trip to Northern areas of Pakistan. Areas covered. Naran, Gilgit, Hunza, Astore, Domail, Desosai, Skardu, Gupis, Phander, Shandur, Chitral, and Kailash.
Excellent service and very responsive. Everyone in the family very happy with their service. The driver was always on time as we'd leave very early at 7 am daily. For the family trip we stayed at 7 different places in 10 days. We hired a grand cabin van and then also jeeps (prados) where the van couldn't go. Both were great. One day our van driver was not well, we called an said to have a back-up plan and they agreed to it. We didn't need it but was good to know that they were responsive.
The van was very comfortable and so was the Prado jeep.
Overall, great service. Fully recommend.
  
 
       
   Umer Ali Shah 
 April 10, 2021
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.

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