Shandoor Polo Festival Tour
Altitude
3,700m
Duration
10-15 Days
Best Season
N/A
Overview
Located at approximately 3,700m in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Shandur Polo Festival is renowned as the 'highest polo ground in the world.' The week-long festival features exciting polo matches between the Chitral and Gilgit teams, along with performances of traditional music, dance, and local cuisine. Visitors experience the region’s unique cultural heritage while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The festival is best attended in July, with accommodations and travel arrangements recommended in advance due to its popularity.
Highlights
Islamabad and Rawalpindi Exploration
Welcome to Pakistan. Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, we embark on a comprehensive city tour of the twin cities. Highlights include the iconic Faisal Mosque, Shakar Parian, the Pakistan Monument, Damen-e-Koh, and the Lok Virsa Museum. We will also explore the vibrant history of Rawalpindi through its traditional Raja Bazaar. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Islamabad to Swat via Taxila
We depart for the Swat Valley, a drive of approximately 4-5 hours. En route, we stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Taxila to explore the museum and ancient archaeological sites including Jaulian, Mohra Moradu, and Sirkap. Upon arrival in Swat, we transfer to the hotel followed by an afternoon of local sightseeing. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Drive from Swat to Chitral
Today's journey takes us 254 km toward Chitral. After settling in, we spend the afternoon visiting the architectural landmarks of the region, including the Shahi Mosque, the Chitral Museum, and the historic Chitral Fort, followed by a walk through Chitral town. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Excursion to the Kalash Valleys
We take a 60 km drive to Bumburet to immerse ourselves in the unique culture of the Kalash people. The day includes visits to the Rumbur, Bumburet, and Birir valleys to witness their distinct traditions and architecture. We return to Chitral in the evening. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Chitral to Shandur Pass (The Roof of the World)
We drive 157 km (approx. 6-7 hours) to reach the Shandur Pass at an elevation of 3,700 meters. Often called the 'Roof of the World,' this plateau offers a stunning landscape crossed by small streams. We cross the boundary between the Ghizer and Chitral districts to set up our overnight camp. Accommodation: Tents. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Shandur Polo Festival matches
Today is dedicated to the thrilling spectacle of the Shandur Polo Festival. We witness fiercely contested polo matches played at a frenetic pace in a vibrant, festive atmosphere. The title match is the main attraction, with enthusiastic crowds supporting their teams at the world's highest polo ground. Accommodation: Tents/Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Shandur Pass to Phander and Gahkuch
We begin our descent from the pass, driving 50 km to the scenic Phander Valley. After a lakeside lunch, we continue our 104 km journey to Gahkuch, the administrative center of the Ghizer District. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Drive from Gahkuch to Karimabad
A 176 km drive takes us into the heart of the Hunza Valley. The route offers numerous opportunities for photography and refreshments as we travel toward Karimabad, surrounded by some of the world's highest peaks. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Baltit and Altit Forts & Duiker Valley
The morning is spent at the historic Baltit Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre recently restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. In the afternoon, we visit the ancient Altit Fort and ascend to Duiker Valley for a panoramic view of the Karakoram range. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Duiker to Passu and Gulmit Exploration
We take a short drive to Passu, stopping at the turquoise Attabad Lake along the way. After checking in, we explore the upper Hunza region, including Borith Lake, Gulkin and Gulmit villages, the Passu Glacier, and the famous Hussaini Suspension Bridge. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Excursion to Khunjerab Pass
A full-day excursion takes us to the Khunjerab Pass at 4,733 meters, the highest paved international border crossing in the world. We travel through small mountain villages to reach the Chinese border before returning to Karimabad in the evening. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Drive from Karimabad to Naran
We begin our journey south toward Naran, covering 355 km via the Babusar Pass (4,173m). En route, we stop at the unique junction point where three of the world’s greatest mountain ranges meet: the Karakoram, the Himalaya, and the Hindukush. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Return to Islamabad via Taxila
Our 279 km return drive to Islamabad includes a final visit to the Taxila Museum and its surrounding historical sites to appreciate the deep archaeological roots of the region. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
International Departure
After breakfast, we provide a final transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your return flight home. Meals: Breakfast.
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