Shandur Polo Festival – A Celebration at the Roof of the World
Introduction and Background
High up in the northern mountains of Pakistan lies a place where adventure, tradition, and culture come together every summer — the Shandur Polo Festival. Pakistan is home to the world’s three greatest mountain ranges — the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindukush. The northern strip of this region, stretching from west to east, is often known as the “Roof of the World.” At the heart of this lofty landscape sits Shandur Pass, a vast plateau shared by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, where the world’s highest polo ground is located at an elevation of about 3,800 meters above sea level.
The Shandur Polo Festival has been celebrated here every year in the first week of July. It’s a three-day event that brings together the people of Gilgit and Chitral in a friendly but fiercely competitive polo tournament. The festival was first held in 1936, and since 1986 it has been organized under official government supervision. What started as a regional sporting event has grown into one of the most anticipated cultural festivals in Pakistan.
Polo and Its Deep Roots in Gilgit
The Gilgit region is known as the birthplace of polo in Pakistan. Locals proudly describe polo as “the sport of kings and the king of sports.” For centuries, polo has been an essential part of the region’s identity. Unlike the modern version of polo with defined rules, in Gilgit and Chitral the game is played in its purest traditional form — freestyle polo, with no referee and very few restrictions. The spirit of the game here reflects the local philosophy: “There are no rules in life for two things — war and polo.”
When matches begin, the energy of the crowd rises with every goal. The sense of pride and excitement among the spectators is something that words can barely capture.
The Atmosphere of the Festival
During the Shandur Polo Festival, the entire plateau turns into a tented city filled with music, colors, and celebration. Traditional songs echo through the air, including the famous Shandur anthem, which people sing and dance to in traditional style. Women wear beautiful regional attire and colorful headgear, while men wear the iconic Gilgiti cap with feathers and waistcoats.
Before the matches start, groups of locals perform circle dances on songs like “Ae Waadi e Shandur” and “Chitral Gilgit Zindabad.” Some dancers even hold swords as they move rhythmically to the beat of drums — a scene that beautifully reflects the cultural bond between the two valleys.
Polo Matches and Cultural Nights
Over the course of three days, seven matches are played in total. The first day usually features three matches followed by a cultural night filled with music and performances. Artists from both Chitral and Gilgit showcase their local songs and dances, and visitors from all over Pakistan and abroad join in the celebration. The excitement and enthusiasm remain high throughout.
The third day marks the final match between the Gilgit and Chitral teams — the most awaited moment of the festival. For locals, this rivalry is friendly yet deeply emotional. The final game is the highlight of the entire event, with thousands of spectators cheering passionately for their side.
Victory and Celebration
When the final whistle blows and a team is crowned champion, the celebration knows no bounds. The winning team is carried on shoulders as drums beat and people dance in joy. Traditional music from both regions fills the air. Among the most popular performances is the traditional sword dance, which symbolizes bravery and victory. The Shandur Polo Festival ends with the same energy it began — full of laughter, music, and a deep sense of togetherness.
Shandur Lake and Surroundings
A visit to the festival is incomplete without stopping by the Shandur Lake, located right beside the polo ground. Its calm, clear blue waters reflect the surrounding mountains and add to the beauty of the landscape. Interestingly, the lake stretches on both sides of the ground, creating a picture-perfect view that stays in every visitor’s memory.
Shandur Bazaar – A Cultural Marketplace
During the festival, a temporary bazaar is set up near the polo ground. It’s a lively market where locals and visitors can find everything from food to souvenirs. Stalls serve dishes from all over Pakistan — Jalebi, Pulao, Biryani, Lahori Kulchas, crispy Rotis, and Chapli Kebabs from Peshawar. There are also stalls selling traditional shawls, caps, and handmade crafts. The Shandur Bazaar feels like a mini version of Pakistan, where visitors can experience the country’s diverse flavors and colors in one place.
Weather and Travel Tips
The weather during the Shandur Polo Festival is generally pleasant, with clear skies and a crisp breeze. Daytime temperatures hover around 30–35°C, but because the pass sits at 3,800 meters, nights can turn quite cold, sometimes dropping below 5–10°C. Even snow can fall unexpectedly.
Visitors should come prepared with warm clothes, a tent, sleeping bags, sunscreen, and extra layers. Basic food and other essentials are available at the bazaar, but carrying personal items is always a good idea.
Travel Itinerary for Shandur Polo Festival
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Foreign tourists arrive at Islamabad International Airport, while locals travel by road or air. After a rest, participants attend a briefing session by their tour organizers.
Day 2: Flight to Chitral
After breakfast, travelers take a one-hour flight to Chitral. The aerial view of valleys and snow-covered peaks makes this short journey unforgettable. If the flight is canceled due to weather, the trip continues by road through Mardan, Batkhela, Malakand, and the Lowari Tunnel, with a night stay at the PTDC Hotel.
Day 3: Exploring Rumbur Valley
From Chitral, visitors travel two hours to reach Rumbur, one of the ancient Kalasha villages. This small community, known for its unique traditions, offers a glimpse into a culture that has existed for centuries. Guests stay overnight in camps or local guesthouses.
Day 4: Journey to Shandur
The next morning, the group departs for Shandur. The 186 km route takes around six hours, with a lunch stop at Mastuj. On the way, travelers pass through scenic spots like Tirich Mir, Boni Zong, and Yarkhun Valley. By afternoon, they arrive at the festival site and settle into camps.
Days 5–6: Festival Days
Visitors spend these days enjoying the festival, watching polo matches, exploring the bazaar, and mingling with locals.
Day 7: Shandur to Gilgit
After the festival ends, the group travels 230 km to Gilgit, a journey of about six hours.
Day 8: Gilgit to Naran
From Gilgit, travelers head to Naran, covering another 230 km in about five hours. The scenic drive passes through lush valleys and rivers.
Day 9: Naran to Islamabad
On the final day, the journey back to Islamabad covers 280 km in approximately five hours, marking the end of an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
The Shandur Polo Festival is much more than just a sports event — it’s a celebration of culture, courage, and unity among the mountain communities of northern Pakistan. Every summer, this high-altitude ground becomes a meeting point for locals, travelers, and adventure lovers from across the world.
From the thrilling polo matches to the warmth of the people, from the peaceful lake to the cultural bazaar, every part of Shandur tells a story worth experiencing. For anyone who loves nature, tradition, and adventure, a trip to the Shandur Polo Festival is truly one to remember.