Each June/July, the stunning Shandur Pass, which sits at an altitude of 3,700 m (12,139 ft) hosts the legendary Shandur Polo Festival, one of the most thrilling and unique sporting events in Pakistan. This three-day celebration brings together adrenaline-pumping polo, music, dancing, and a breathtaking backdrop that feels like it was made for adventure lovers.
Origins & History
Polo’s roots can be traced back to Central Asia in the 6th century BC, originally used as a training game for cavalry units. But the story of Shandur Polo Festival began in the 1930s, when Major Evelyn Hey Cobb, a British political agent, collaborated with local leaders, including Raja Ali Sher Khan of Skardu and Niat Qabool Hayat Kakakhel of Chitral, to construct a polo ground on the Shandur Pass. The ground was named “Mas Junali” (meaning moonlit polo ground in Khowar language), and the first match was played under the stars in 1936.
The tournament began informally, but by the early 1980s, it became a full-fledged cultural and sporting event, with government support and growing attention from both local and international travelers.
The Venue
Nestled between Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, the Shandur Pass is the highest polo ground in the world! Surrounded by the rugged HinduKush mountains, the setting alone is enough to make your jaw drop.
The polo field is more compact than standard ones. It is about 200 meters long and 56 meters wide with stone walls instead of boards. And yes, it’s played in thin mountain air.
The Polo Format
Now, this isn’t your fancy, rule-heavy international polo. This is freestyle mountain polo. It’s fierce, fast, and absolutely exhilarating. Players ride with basic gear, using unstrapped wooden mallets, and yes, it can get wild. Horses charge, dust flies, and the crowd goes wild. Injuries? Not uncommon. Glory? Oh yes!
Teams from Chitral and Gilgit face off in multiple categories (A, B, C, D), with matches lasting an hour, broken into two halves. Local pride is on the line which makes it more than just a sport.
Things to Do
But polo is just one part of the experience! The Shandur Polo Festival is also a celebration of culture, food, and nature. Between matches, you’ll find:
- Traditional folk music and dancing
- Campfires under the stars
- Handicrafts, wool shawls, and embroidered treasures
- Delicious local food like chapshuro, kebabs, tea, etc.
The nearby Shandur Lake is perfect for a calm moment or a photo op, and some years have even included activities like paragliding, trout fishing, and more.
Visiting Shandur: Practical Details
- Location: Shandur Pass, between Gilgit and Chitral
- Dates: June-July – it’s best to arrive a day early
- Getting There:
- From Gilgit: approx. 213 km
- From Chitral: approx. 147 km
- You’ll need a 4×4 vehicle or jeep.
- Accommodation: Camping is the way to go! Bring your own gear or book in advance with a guided group
- Weather:
- Daytime can be sunny and warm (~30°C)
- Nights drop to around 5–10°C, so pack warm layers
- Connectivity: Limited to zero cell service.
- What to Bring:
- Warm clothing, sleeping bag, sunblock, reusable water bottle, snacks, cash (no ATMs!), and a curious spirit