Passion for Polo will be the highest on the world’s highest Polo ground.
Shandur invites the visitors to experience a traditional polo tournament between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit during the 2nd week of July. The Tournament is held on Shandur Pass, the highest Polo ground in the world at 3700m. The festival will also include folk music and dancing and camping villages set up.
SHANDUR POLO TOURNAMENT
The first time a polo tournament took place at the Shandur Pass, was in 1936. A British Agent Major Cobb, who was fond of playing polo under a full moon, had the polo ground near Shandur, named, “Moony Polo Ground”.
The most exciting polo tournament of the entire Northern Pakistan, is played on the top of Shandur Pass, around 3700m above sea level. It is a place unique and exotic in itself, surrounded by the some of most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. The event makes the annual rivalry between the polo teams of Gilgit and Chitral. The polo tournament has added some attractions for the visitors: trout fishing at the nearby streams and lake and a festival of folk dances and music of the Northern Areas.
FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Active Tours Pakistan advises to all valued clients to be there one day in advance to enjoy the wild/free style polo tournament. Activities of Shandur includes dances and music performances by different groups, trout fishing, mountaineering, trekking, hiking and of course horse riding, crystal clear lakes, snow covered mountains, alpine flowers and vast stretches of green grass, are added attractions.
HOW TO REACH THERE
The Shandur Pass lies almost midway between Gilgit & Chitral on a jeep-road, traveling on which, is adventurous to say the least. The distance from either side is 170km. One can get to Gilgit & Chitral by Pakistan International’s daily F27 Fokker planes from Islamabad. There are daily two flights, subject to good weather conditioned. Visitors planning to go by air must expect adjustment of minimum 2 days in their itineraries just in case the weather does not permit flights to operate.
Access to Gilgit by road from Islamabad, on the Karakorum Highway (The Silk Route) visitors can stop at half way for overnight stay along the might Indus, at Besham.
