Shandur Polo Festival: Highest Polo Ground in the World

In this blog you will learn about the Shandur Polo Festival, a July event at the world’s highest polo field in Shandur Pass, Pakistan.

It is more than a heart-stopping game of polo between Gilgit and Chitral—it’s a seven-day cultural celebration of music, food, tradition, and fun.

The visitors get to experience folk dances, camping near Shandur Lake, and panoramic views of the Hindukush peaks.

The festival was initiated as a symbol of brotherhood and still fosters peace, brotherhood, and tourism. It provides adventure, cultural diversity, and natural scenery, making it an experience of a lifetime for tourists all over the world.

The Shandur Polo Festival is a highly unique festival in Pakistan. It takes place annually in July at Shandur Pass.

The pass is the world’s highest polo ground, with an altitude of more than 12,000 feet. The activity is thrilling, vibrant, and full of energy.

Individuals from across Pakistan, and even foreign visitors, flock to witness it. It is not merely about polo, but also about culture, music, cuisine, and camaraderie.

The Shandur Polo Festival is a week-long annual festival in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan that showcases traditional, freestyle polo on the world’s highest polo field at Shandur Pass.

The festival is a celebration of the distinctive culture of Chitral and Gilgit tribes, wherein tourists flock to experience its “no-holds-barred” matches, folk dance, music, and camping environment. 

It is observed every July, wherein the atmosphere is one of peace and brotherhood,

bringing out the scenic beauty of the Hindukush mountains, showcasing the uniqueness of the cultural and sporting experience.

• Polo matches are contested between Chitral and Gilgit teams.
  
• Traditional songs, dances, and food are enjoyed by the people.
  
• Travelers overnight in the starry night sky along Shandur Lake.
  
• The festival creates peace and harmony between the two areas.
  

This makes the Shandur Polo Festival a simple sporting event but a real cultural meet-up.

How did the Shandur Polo Festival start?

The tale of the Shandur Polo Festival dates several years back. Polo itself is referred to as the “game of kings,” and has been played here for centuries. Previously,

polo was not only a game but also a means of demonstrating strength and abilities by the leaders.

With time, the inhabitants of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral began playing polo in Shandur Pass’s high valleys.

The natural ground there became popular since it was broad, flat, and encircled by mountains.

The festival took off officially when local leaders resolved to turn polo matches into an annual event at Shandur.

They wanted to unite people and celebrate unity. Ever since, the tradition has expanded larger annually.

• Polo originally arrived in this region from Central Asia centuries ago.
  
• Shandur was selected because it provided the ideal natural field.
  
• The tournament became a symbol of friendship between Chitral and Gilgit.
  
• It is now one of Pakistan’s most popular festivals.
  

This history makes the festival more than a mere game—it is a meeting of culture and tradition.

Why is Shandur Pass referred to as the roof of the world?

The Shandur Pass is also referred to as the “roof of the world” due to its elevation. The pass is over 12,000 feet high, and thus the air there is cool, crisp, and thin.

The pass is bordered by the towering Hindukush mountains, which are stunningly beautiful. The region abounds with picturesque locations, green pastures, and the magnificent Shandur Lake,

whose waters are crystal clear. This environment makes the polo festival like magic, with tourists being in the midst of natural marvels.

The height of Shandur also makes it special. There is no other polo ground on this elevation in the world. That is why it has been named as the world’s highest polo ground.

• The pass links Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
  
• Summers are nice, but winters are extremely cold and snowy.
  
• Shandur Lake glitters like a mirror beside the polo ground.
  
• Travelers tend to camp close to the lake to watch the stars.
  

Being at Shandur feels like being on top of the world, where the sky meets the earth.

What are the main highlights of the festival?

The Shandur Polo Festival is filled with action. The highlight is, naturally, the polo matches between Chitral and Gilgit teams.

These matches are electrifying, with the players galloping their horses at a high speed and displaying wonderful skill.

The last match between the two best teams is the high point of the festival.But polo is just one of the highlights. The festival is a cultural event as well.

Guests experience traditional music, vibrant dances, and food and handicraft stalls that sell local cuisine and wares.

Tourists and families come to witness the performances, savor sumptuous feasts, and learn about local crafts.

• Polo matches: high-intensity, quick-paced, and full of action.
  
• Music and dance: folk traditions are performed by local artists.
  
• Handicraft stalls: everything is handcrafted and exhibits local culture.
  
• Food stalls: offer delicious local food.
  

This combination of sports and culture makes the festival unforgettable.

What can visitors do aside from watching polo?

Tourists to the Shandur Polo Festival get to enjoy much more than polo. The natural landscape of Shandur is ideal for adventure and thrill.

A lot of people prefer camping around Shandur Lake and spending their nights with the starry sky above.

The fresh mountain air and serene environment make camping such a great experience.Adventure seekers also have plenty of things to do.

Hiking in the surrounding mountains, fishing in the lake, and capturing the beauty of the landscape through photography are some of my favorite activities.

Meeting friendly locals and learning about their culture is also an opportunity during the festival.

• Camps near Shandur Lake.
  
• Trekking and hiking in surrounding mountains.
  
• Fishing in crystal clear waters of mountains.
  
• Stargazing and wildlife photography.
  
• Interacting with locals and hospitality experience.
  

Therefore, the festival is not just about sports—it is also about appreciating nature’s beauty.

How to plan your trip to the Shandur Polo Festival?

The ideal time to visit the Shandur Polo Festival is early July when it happens.

It is pleasant at this time. Sunny days, but not extremely hot, and cool nights, sometimes even cold. The mountains of Shandur are green, and the lake is serene and lovely.

Since the region is extremely high, the weather changes rapidly.

Travelers must always be ready for rain or cold winds. That is why bringing warm clothing is extremely essential.

• Dates of festival: typically in the first or second week of July.
  
• Weather: sun clear days, cold nights, sudden rain likely.
  
• Summer: It is the only season to visit Shandur easily.
  
• Winter: It freezes the pass completely with snow.
  

Therefore, July is the ideal month to organize your visit to this incredible festival.

How do you travel to the Shandur Polo Festival?

It is an adventure unto itself to reach the Shandur Polo Festival. The festival takes place at Shandur Pass, lying between Gilgit and Chitral.

The routes are rough and mountainous, but the scenery is breathtaking. Tourists often travel in jeeps or buses, as ordinary cars are not able to cope with the routes.

For those beginning from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, the trip may last two or three days.

You may first go to Gilgit or Chitral and then proceed towards Shandur. Small flights are also an option to go to Gilgit or Chitral, but weather conditions do usually delay flights.

• Road trips: jeep or bus from Gilgit or Chitral.
  
• From Islamabad: drive to Gilgit or Chitral, proceed to Shandur.
  
• Flights: possible but subject to clear weather.
  
• Journey: long, yet full of scenery that takes one’s breath away.
  

Getting to Shandur is not easy, but the destination makes it worthwhile to travel every mile.

Why is the festival culturally important?

The Shandur Polo Festival is not merely a sports festival—it is a festival of peace and harmony.

For years now, Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan have been competing against each other in polo, but this festival unites them as friends.

The games might be challenging, but the attitude is always brotherhood-oriented and respectful.

The festival also boosts tourism in Pakistan. Thousands of people visit every year, benefiting local economies and exposing the rest of the world to the beauty of this area.

Foreign tourists also visit, making it an internationally renowned event.

• Gilgit-Chitral peace symbol.
  
• A symbol of Pakistan’s culture and tourism.
  
• A unique high-altitude festival known throughout the world.
  
• Fosters friendship and cohesion among individuals.
  

This cultural significance turns the festival into something so much more than a game.

What are some tips that travellers can remember?

Visiting the Shandur Polo Festival requires some preparation. Due to the location being high and far-off, tourists must prepare accordingly.

Having the right things packed can make the journey simple and enjoyable.The altitude is high, so nights can be cold even in July.

One should carry warm clothing, sleeping bags, and blankets. One also needs food and water since there are few shops around the pass.

Being respectful to local culture and the environment ensures that the place remains clean and welcoming to everyone.

• Bring warm clothing and sleeping bags.
  
• Bring food, water, and a first aid kit.
  
• Go in groups for security.
  
• Drink plenty of fluids at high altitude.
  
• Be sensitive to local culture and traditions.
  

With these tips, tourists can have fun at the festival with no hassle.

Why should you visit the Shandur Polo Festival?

All travellers should attempt to visit the Shandur Polo Festival once in their lifetime. It is a festival like no other in the world.

You will witness thrilling polo matches, watch cultural performances, and view the mind-blowing beauty of the Hindukush mountains.

Camping under the night sky close to Shandur Lake is an experience that will remain etched in your memory.

The festival provides a blend of adventure, culture, and tranquility.

It is not merely a question of watching a game but of being a part of something larger—a celebration of life, oneness, and nature.

• Unique: polo on the world’s highest terrain.
  
• Cultural: music, dance, cuisine, and handicrafts.
  
• Natural: beautiful lakes, mountains, and starry skies.
  
• Memorable: a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
  

That is why the Shandur Polo Festival is referred to as the festival at the top of the world.

Conclusion

The Shandur Polo Festival is not just about a game, it is about life, culture, and people’s spirit who reside in the mountains.

When you are seated at the roof of the world, at over 12,000 feet, and you watch horses galloping freely on the green terrain, time seems to stand still. 

The thud of polo sticks, the crowd’s cheers and the beat of local drums bring the entire valley to life. It is a time when people become friends and nature is part of the festivities.

This festival is also a peace bridge between Chitral and Gilgit. It demonstrates that despite differences, people can unite for brotherhood, joy, and respect.

Travelers who visit here carry memories of beaming smiles, humble food, and the charm of blue skies. It is not a trip, says many, but an experience of lifetime which remains etched in the heart forever.

If you wish to witness culture, adventure, and beauty simultaneously, then this festival is for you.

The Shandur Polo Festival is actually a present of Pakistan to the world, and it awaits you every July on the highest polo ground on the planet.

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