The shandur polo festival is a festival (event) celebrated from 7 to 9 July every year in Shandur Pass, located in Gilgit Baltistan (Pakistan). Polo is celebrated every year, and it has been a traditional sport for a long time.
At 12,500 feet above sea level, the event lasts for one week, beginning in July. The festivities begin with a polo match between the Gilgit and Chitral teams. Then, there are more polo matches with teams from other places. People play these games on a large, open field, and many come to watch. Local visitors and foreigners come to enjoy this festival. In addition to polo, the festival features traditional cuisine, dance, and music. In addition to local cuisine, guests can enjoy performances by local artists.
Guide to Stunning Shandur Polo Festival
1. Historical Background
The Shandur Polo Festival is one of the oldest and most exciting polo festivals in the world. Notably, it has been held at the Shandur Polo Ground since 1936. The ground is located at Shandur Pass, which sits on the border between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.
Every year, in the first week of July, the tribes of Gilgit and Chitral come together for a three-day festival. People from all over the world gather at the Shandur Polo Ground to watch these teams compete fiercely in polo matches. It’s a thrilling event where rival teams battle to win at the shandur polo festival.
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2. Activities in Shandur Polo Festival
Polo Matches
Opening Match
The festival starts with a classic polo game between teams from Chitral and Gilgit. This match is very exciting and gets everyone ready for the rest of the festival.
Subsequent Matches
After the first game, teams from various areas play against each other. Moreover, these games, which showcase the players’ abilities and tactics, go on throughout the festival.
Final Match
The festival ends with a final match that decides the champion team. This game is usually the most exciting and attracts the biggest crowd.
Cultural Performances
Traditional Music
Local musicians use instruments like the sitar, rabab, and dhol to perform traditional songs. But music brings people together and highlights the area’s rich musical history.
Folk Dances
Dance performances are an essential component of the festival. Local dance groups perform traditional dances, such as the Chitrali dance, renowned for its smooth movements and delicate footwork.
Cultural Shows
A range of cultural events are organized to show the unique customs and cultures of the area. These shows usually include storytelling, poetry readings, and traditional costumes.
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Camping
Many people like to stay at festival sites and enjoy the unique experience of living in camps. Moreover, the festival organizer provides people with basic camping facilities.
Trekking and Hiking
One of the most beautiful experiences is to see the natural scenery around Shandur Pass by hiking and trekking. Guided hikes are often offered for those who want to explore.
Horse Riding
Sessions are organized for people interested in horse riding. By mounting the horses used in polo matches, guests can take part in the local customs of transportation.
Collaboration and Social interaction
- The festival brings everyone together, creating a place where people from different cultures can meet and connect.
- You can socialize with them and learn about their way of life and culture.
3. Distance of Shandur Polo Festival from Major Cities
Here is an overview of the distance guide for Shandur Polo Festival from major cities with average travel time.
| City | Estimated travel time | Distance in km |
| Islamabad | 12-14 hours | 577 (through Lowari Tunnel0 |
| Gilgit | 6 hours | 232 |
| Peshawar | 16-18 hours | 785 |
| Chitral Town | 4-5 hours | 158 |
| Lahore | 24-28 hours | 1225 |
| Quetta | 28-32 hours | 1420 |
| Karachi | 42-48 hours | 2180 |
The approximate lengths of the distances may vary based on your path. Travel times are just guesses and can vary a lot due to road conditions, traffic, and weather. Therefore, prepare for possible delays, especially during the monsoon season (July-September), due to mountain crossings and weather issues.
4. How to reach Shandur Polo Festival
| Transportation mode | Distance (From Gilgit) | Travel Time | Estimated Fare |
| By Car (Rental) | 232 km | 6-8 hours | 10,000-15,000 (per day and fuel cost included) |
| By Car (Private) | 232 km | 6-8 hours | 30,000-40,000 |
| Bus | 232 km | – | – |
| Jeep/Taxi | 232 km | 8-10 hours | 2,000-3,000 (per head) |
| By Air | – | – | 30,000-40,000 |
5. Food Options at Shandur Polo Festival
- Balay (noodle soup with goat meat)
- Chap Shoro (Hunza pie)
- Traditional bread
- Meat dishes (grilled or roasted)
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Local snacks and beverages
6. Accommodation Options
| Accommodation Type | Prices (per night) |
| PTDC Motel Mastuj | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Local Guesthouses (Mastuj or nearby villages) | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Camping | It varies depending on the equipment |
| Luxury Tents (offered by some tour operators) | Information is not available |
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People May Ask
1. Where is the Shandur Polo Festival celebrated?
Every year, people celebrate the Shandur Polo Festival in Shandur Pass, located in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan.
2. How high is Shandur?
It is 12500 feet above sea level.
3. What are the outdoor activities at Shandur Polo Festival?
The outdoor activities offered are camping, trekking, horse riding, and paragliding.
4. Which game is played in the Shandur festival?
Polo matches are played in the Shandur Polo Festival.
5. Why is the Shandur Polo Festival famous?
Shandur Polo Festival is famous for polo matches, Cultural dances, and musical shows.
Bottom lines
The shandur polo festival is one of Pakistan’s top events, held every July at the Shandur Polo Ground in the beautiful Shandur Pass. It lets tourists experience Pakistani culture and highlights the country’s rich heritage. The festival features exciting polo matches, cultural performances, and local foods from different parts of Pakistan. With a history dating back to the early 1900s, the festival has become a symbol of preserving culture and bringing people together.
