Shandor Polo Festival Tour
About this tour
Annually each Year Shandor Polo festival held at SHANDOUR the world highest altitude POLO ground . Shandor polo festival is an amazing festival celebrated by the tribes of Gilgit and Chitral in the northern areas of Pakistan. The tribes from the regions of Gilt-Baltistan and Chitral meet at the Shandur pass every summer. The pass has a beautiful polo ground where a unique wild free-style polo is played between different teams of the region. Shandur polo ground is considered to be the highest polo ground in the world at 3,700meter. The polo ground is adjacent to Shandur lake. The festival provides an amazing cultural experience in the Hindukush mountain ranges. this tour can be arranged accordingly your available holidays but with fixed departures in July 1st ,2nd ,3rd 4th or 5th to 10th of July every year.Maxi 14 days Mini 7 days
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan to Islamabad Hotel, Islamabad, Pakistan
On this day our guide will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel. After some relaxation, we will start by exploring Islamabad in the afternoon. We will visit Faisal Mosque, the famous landmark of the city and then continue to drive towards the highest view point of Islamabad (Pir Sohawa/Daman e Koh). We will also explore SuperMarket and after a taste of traditional food we will call it a day after having a scoop of ice cream from a famous ice cream shop. and drop to hotel
Day 2: Ismaila, Pakistan to Chitrāl, Pakistan
Today we will start the journey to Chitral via newly built Swat Motorway. We will travel through the Lowari Tunnel which is about 10.4 kms long that connects Dir and Chitral. We will reach Ayun this day. Ayun is the closest villages to Kalasha Tribes and also a beautiful valley to experience and explore the place. Our stay will be in the Ayun Fort that has beautiful biological gardens and its location offers a bird's eye view of the valley and river. We will spend the night at the Ayun Fort.
Day 3: Chitrāl, Pakistan to Bumburet, Chitrāl, Pakistan
On this day we will drive from Ayun to Bumburet Valley, which is one of the major settlements of Kalasha People in Pakistan. After arrival in Bumburet, we will visit the local museum. The Kalasha Graveyard and the Town Centre. We will dance on Kalasha beats, do photography and interact with the Kalasha Tribe and experience this unique culture firsthand. Later we will travel to Chitral and stay at night in Pamir Hotel alongside the Chitral River.
Day 4: Chitrāl, Pakistan to Chitrali Bazzar, Peshawar, Pakistan
Today we will explore Chitral Town. We will visit Chitral Fort the capital of ancient kingdom of Chitral. The region was ruled from this fort. Later we will visit Shahi Mosque of Chitral which is in the premises of the fort. We will then travel to Birmoglasht which is on the mountain top. It offers a bird's eye view of the valley as well as we might have a sighting of Markhor that are indigenous to this region. We will have lunch at Birmoglasht on this day. If there is an ongoing polo match in Chitral Town we will visit the polo ground and experience the thrilling polo event. Later we will explore Chitral Bazar. We will have dinner in the hotel.
Day 5: Chitrāl, Pakistan to Mastuj, Pakistan
On this day we will travel from Chitral Town to Mastuj. Mastuj is main village of Yarkhud Valley that borders Gilgit-Baltistan on one side and Afghanistan on the other. We will travel passing many villages of Chitral along the river gorge. Once we arrive in Mastuj we will take a walk around the village, meet and greet local village and community. We will stay in Mastuj for the following night.
Day 6: Mastuj, Pakistan to Shandur Polo Ground, Shandur
On this day, we will travel from Mastuj to Shadur. On the way we will pass through many villages of Chitral and ascend towards the Shandur Pass. Upon arrival at Shandur we will camp at the highest polo ground in the world. We will watch matches between different teams of Gilgit and Chitral. Later at night we will attend bonfire. We will dance and celebrate the polo festival. We will stay in camps for the night
Day 7: Shandur Polo Ground, Shandur
On this day we will experience the final match played between the teams of Gilgit and Chitral. This title match will be the main attraction of the festivals as audience will be supporting their teams with full zeal and enthusiasm. After the presentation of the final match, we will start our journey towards Gupis and make stops on the way on the beautiful Phandar Lake. We will stay at PTDC Khalti for then night.
Day 8: Chitrāl, Pakistan to Khalti Lake, Gupis
On this day we will travel from Khalti to Gilgit. Gilgit is the capital city of Gilgit-Baltistan Region. Upon arrival we will check in to hotel and have some rest. After lunch we will go to visit Kargah Nala and the famous Buddha Carving. Later we will go to explore the Gilgit Bazaar and will taste the “Mantu” (Dumplings).
Day 9: Khalti Lake, Gupis to Rakaposhi View Point, Gulmit
This day will be different and exciting as we will be travelling to Gilgit Nagar and Hunza now. Let me tell you that this day is a full package that offers beautiful scenery, glaciers, high rising mountains, lakes, culture, heritage, an international border and the 8th wonder of the world that is called the Karakoram Highway. As we start our journey on the Karakoram Highway, we will see the old silk route used for trade which was made centuries ago. We will make a stop at Rakaposhi View Point enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and feel the breeze coming from the Mother of Mist. As we travel ahead towards Hunza we will have a view of magnificent peaks from the window seat and as we arrive in Karimabad. The view of Rakaposhi will stun every nature lover as this ultra-visible peak will glance over your head. We will visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort this day and also explore Karimabad Market and later we will visit the famous Eagle’s Nest View Point to experience the sunset over the mighty peaks.
Day 10: Hunza, Hunza Nagar to Khunjerab National Park, Pakistan
On this day we will travel to Northern Hunza, we will do boating in the Attabad Lake. The pristine glacial water and the color of the lake with the barren mountains will leave you stunned. We will continue travelling further passing through many villages of Upper Hunza and enter Khunjerab National Park at Deh. We will experience the amazing journey on the Karakoram Highway. On our return we will stay at Passu.
Day 11: Sost to Passu Cones Viewpoint, Hunza Nagar
On this day we will start our day by walking around the Passu Village. We will experience people working in the field we will also visit a local house to experience the architecture and way of living of the Wakhi Community of Pakistan. We will visit Borith Lake another alpine lake with beautiful colors. We will also take a walk on the Hussaini Suspension Bridge to experience the thrill of the mountains. We will further travel to Hopper Valley and get stunned with its beauty. We will hike to Bualtar Glacier. On this night we will enjoy dances and music of people of Hunza.
Day 12: Hunza, Hunza Nagar to Besham City, Pakistan
The guests will depart to Besham or Naran (depending on weather and other variables) from Hunza. If we take the road to Besham, we drive through Chilas and Dassu travelling along Indus river on Karakoram Highway. However, we will try to return to Islamabad via Naran road/Babusar Pass (4,173m). This will give our guests the opportunity to explore additional locations. Our guests will spend the night in Naran or Besham.
Day 13: Besham City, Pakistan to Islamabad, Pakistan
On this day we will travel to Islamabad from Islamabad. On our way we will visit Taxila Museum and ancient Buddhist sites from Gandhara Civilization. We will then continue to Islamabad which is on a distance of 45 minutes from Taxila and have our farewell dinner at Monal Restaurant
Day 14: Islamabad, Pakistan to Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan
Everything good thing has to come to an end. This is the day when we finally bid farewell to our guests and fellow members. The tour ends this day.
What's included
implementation of Covid SOPs/Guidelines & Complimentary Safety Pack (sanitizer, 1 mask & glove per day) Licensed professional guide (government requirement) Airport transfer on first and last day in Islamabad All domestic road transfers All hotel accommodation (twin sharing rooms) All camping accommodation (twin sharing dome tents) All hotel meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) All trekking meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) All camping site fees Trekking logistics (tents, non-personal equipment and tools) Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc) Porters
Travel Insurance (recommendations only) Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents will be offered) International airfare Personal equipment (warm clothes, hiking boots, etc) Tips for guides, porters, staff, etc Miscellaneous (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenir,
What to know
International Polo event King of games and game of kings
Route & locations
Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan to Islamabad Hotel, Islamabad, Pakistan