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.