Tour Overview
Shandur Polo Festival is one of the wildest and oldest polo festival play in the world. Shandur Festival take place every summer on the world highest polo ground Shandur. Shandur polo ground is located amidst Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan in the North West and Chitral District. It is a common shared pass between these regions. Shandur is a flat plateau and is also a border between the province of Khyber Pakhtonkhowa and Gilgit-Baltistan. First time polo was played in Shandur was In 1936. Ever since it has become the greatest polo ground of entire North Region of Pakistan. Shandur polo ground is approximately 155 kms away from the Chitral Town and about 200 kms from Gilgit City. Shandur Festival is incredibly different from any other game festivals around the world. The elevation of this great polo ground is about 3,743 m above the sea level. The birth of this ground is also an incredible story of local wisdom. Shandur polo festival attracts many tourists from around the world. Matches are played between different teams of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral but the final match is a contest between Gilgit Team and Chitral Team. These teams have been rivals in this game since centuries. It is also a very incredible moment to experience a horse charging on the roof of the world. The other attractions near Shandur Polo ground are Shandur Lake, Langar and Phandar Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan. We have linked Shandur Polo Festival with a well-planned Trek in the Hindukusch mountain range.
Tour Plans
Day – 1 ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD:
Most of the international flights arrives at Islamabad International Airport in the mornings. Your Guide will meet and greet you at the airport, then you will be transfer to the hotel. Rest of the days is free to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about the Kalash festival Tour. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, A purpose-built City in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan.
Day – 2 SPECTACULAR FLIGHT TO CHITRAL, 1 HOUR:
After Breakfast you will leave the purpose-built Capital City Islamabad behind and drive to the airport to take a spectacular mountain flight to Chitral (subject to weather). It is an hour flight with a spectacular mountains view. After check in to the hotel we will spent the day visiting local Bazar and historical places.
In case of flight cancellation, we start our journey by road. We will pass through Mardan, Malakand, Bathkhela, Dir then enter Chitral through Lowari Tunnel. . Night will be spent in Chitral.
After Breakfast you will leave the purpose-built Capital City Islamabad behind and drive to the airport to take a spectacular mountain flight to Chitral (subject to weather). It is an hour flight with a spectacular mountains view. After check in to the hotel we will spent the day visiting local Bazar and historical places.
In case of flight cancellation, we start our journey by road. We will pass through Mardan, Malakand, Bathkhela, Dir then enter Chitral through Lowari Tunnel. . Night will be spent in Chitral.
Day – 3 Bumburet – Kalasha Valley:
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 DRIVE TO CHITRAL TOWN:
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 Drive to Mastuj
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 Departure to 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 Enjoy Shandur Festival :
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 Drive to Khalti :
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). We will relax and stay at Gilgit for the night before we start the journey to the “Land of Legends” – Hunza.
Day 9 – Drive to Hunza
This day will be different and exciting as we will be travelling to Hunza now. Let me tell you that Hunza 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 – Khunjerab National Park
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 – Explore Passu
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 – Drive towards Naran
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 – Departure for Islamabad
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– Fly out
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.
Tour Highlights
- Experience the picturesque Chitral & Kailash Valleys of Pakistan.
- Stunning wild and remote scenery of Shandur.
- Meet and explore the Kailash valley and its people.
- Fantastic mountain vistas.
- world’s Highest Polo field.
- Really authentic travel Experience
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Professional Culture Guide (Government requirement)
- Airport transfers for international flights.
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- Accommodation as described
- All meals
- All permit fees, road tax etc
WHATS’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel insurance
- Pakistan Visa Fee
- Tips for local guides and support staff
- Miscellaneous expenses11
- Souvenirs etc
PLEASE NOTE: an airport departure tax of Rs1500 is sometimes payable
Tour Details
| Package | Standard |
| Price | $ 1,900 per person |
| Discount | for Groups min 10 PAX |
| Hotel | 3 Star |
| Days | 15 |
| Nights | 14 |
| Insurance | Not Included |
| Medical | First Aid Medical available |
| Five Star Packages Availability | Yes |
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