Shandur Polo Festival Tour

  • Sindh and Peshawar
  • 0 booked
  • Duration: 9 Days
  • Language: English
  • Tour type: Adventure Tour
  • Transport: Lastest Model Cars
  • Accommodation: Hotels & Camping
  • Meals: Breakfasts, Lunch, Dinner
  • Group size: Unlimits
The Shandur Polo Festival is a world-famous cultural and sporting event held every July at the breathtaking Shandur Pass, the highest polo ground in the world at 3,700 meters above sea level. Located between Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, this iconic festival showcases traditional freestyle polo matches between the rival teams of Gilgit and Chitral. Recognized as one of Pakistan’s top tourist attractions, the Shandur Polo Festival combines adventure tourism, mountain tourism, and cultural heritage. Visitors experience thrilling polo matches without umpires, vibrant folk music, traditional Khowar and Shina dances, camping under the stars, and spectacular views of the Hindu Kush mountains....

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Hightlight tour

Itinerary

1

Islamabad

Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be warmly received by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the capital city of Pakistan. Islamabad is known for its organized layout, greenery and backdrop of the Margalla Hills, offering a calm and welcoming introduction to your journey.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a light orientation drive through the city. Key landmarks such as the iconic Faisal Mosque, one of the largest mosques in South Asia and the scenic viewpoint at Daman-e-Koh provide a glimpse into the city’s architectural beauty and natural setting.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Pakistani cuisine. Your guide will provide a briefing about the upcoming journey to Gilgit-Baltistan and the Shandur Polo Festival, including travel logistics and altitude considerations.

2

Islamabad Flight - Gilgit - Gupis Valley

After an early breakfast, transfer to Islamabad Airport for your scheduled flight to Gilgit. The flight itself is one of the most spectacular in the region, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges, including Nanga Parbat on clear days.

Upon arrival at Gilgit Airport, you will begin your overland journey toward Gupis Valley. The drive follows the Gilgit River through dramatic gorges and fertile valleys, gradually revealing the unspoiled landscapes of Ghizer District.

En route, you will pass through Phander Valley, renowned for its crystal clear lake and lush greenery. A short stop will be arranged for photography and refreshments, allowing you to appreciate the serenity of this alpine environment.

By late afternoon, you will arrive in Gupis, a peaceful valley surrounded by rolling hills and snow fed streams. After check-in at your Hotel, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and relax in the calm atmosphere of rural Gilgit-Baltistan.

3

Gupis to Shandur Pass (The Roof of the World)

Following breakfast, depart for the scenic mountain drive toward Shandur Pass. The road winds through highland pastures, glacial streams and dramatic mountain terrain, offering panoramic views that become increasingly alpine as you gain elevation.

You will reach Shandur Pass at an elevation of about 3,700 meters (12,139 feet). Known as the “Roof of the World,” Shandur is home to the highest polo ground on Earth and the venue of the legendary Shandur Polo Festival.

Upon arrival, check in to your pre-arranged tented camp or mountain lodge near the polo ground. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the plateau, walk around the lake or simply absorb the vast open landscapes and crisp mountain air.

As evening falls, enjoy dinner at camp under a sky illuminated with countless stars, a true high-altitude wilderness experience

4

Shandur Polo Festival: Opening Day

Today is the first full day of the Shandur Polo Festival, a centuries-old tradition that brings together players, spectators and cultures in one celebratory event. After breakfast in camp, make your way to the polo field where teams representing Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral compete in fast paced, rugged polo matches. Unlike traditional polo, Shandur games are long, intense and played with tremendous spirit, a spectacle beloved by locals and international visitors alike.

Between matches, enjoy a picnic lunch on the grassy plateau, immerse yourself in traditional music and engage with locals who gather to celebrate their heritage. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by colorful cultural performances, folk dances and the exchange of smiles across language and landscape.

Return to camp in late afternoon for dinner and optional social time around the fire, sharing stories with fellow travelers and locals. Overnight in Shandur.

5

Shandur Polo Festival: Final Matches and Festive Highlights

Day five brings the climax of the festival. Following breakfast, return to the polo grounds to witness the main series of matches and ceremonial activities. The energy on the field is electrifying as top teams vie for pride and prizes and the crowd’s cheers echo across the sweeping plateau.

Midday, enjoy cultural showcases that might include traditional folk music, local sports demonstrations and community celebrations. This is your opportunity to go beyond spectating engage with local players, photograph the colorful attire and timeless rituals and absorb the full cultural context of this remarkable highland tradition.

As the day’s festivities draw to a close, return to your camp for a final dinner at Shandur, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of sport, culture and natural beauty.

6

Shandur to Gupis: Return through the Valleys

After breakfast at your camp, you begin the return journey to Gupis, retracing the mountain route with fresh perspectives and bucket-list memories. The descent offers new angles on the hills and valleys you first crossed on your way up. Stop for photography and refreshments as desired.

Arrive in Gupis by late afternoon and check in to your hotel for rest and dinner. This evening is relaxed a chance to unwind amid peaceful valley surroundings and share favorite moments from the festival.

7

Gupis to Gilgit: Valley Drive & Mountain Vistas

On day seven, you depart Gupis after breakfast for the scenic drive back to Gilgit. Today’s journey is predominantly a valley drive, with panoramic mountain vistas and riverside views. Enjoy stops along the way for photos, refreshments and short walks especially where the river meets sheer rock walls or forests open to wide horizons.

Upon arriving in Gilgit, check in to your hotel. In the evening, consider a short leisurely exploration of the bazaar or a cultural café. Dinner can be arranged at a local restaurant where you may sample regional specialties one final time.

8

Fly Back to Islamabad & Islamabad City Tour

After breakfast, transfer to Gilgit Airport for your return flight to Islamabad. The aerial views once again treat you to snow-draped peaks and deep green valleys etched with meandering rivers.

Upon arrival in Islamabad, we begin our Islamabad City Tour, offering a contrast between serene mountain landscapes and Pakistan’s modern capital. Visit iconic sites including Faisal Mosque a breathtaking architectural marvel set against Margalla Hills, Daman-e-Koh viewpoint for panoramic views of the city and Lok Virsa Museum to appreciate traditional arts and cultural diversity. A stop at Shah Faisal Avenue and Centaurus Mall may also be included for leisure and shopping.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Pakistani cuisine at a signature restaurant. After dinner, return to your hotel in Islamabad for rest.

9

Departure from Islamabad

Your adventure concludes on day nine after breakfast. You will be transferred to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight or final departure home. As you depart, carry with you memories of dramatic landscapes, cultural encounters, and the timeless excitement of Shandur Polo Festival — a journey unique in experience and authentic in emotion.

Service include in this price:

  • Rooms: Single/Twin Share room for 8 nights
  • Tent & Sleeping Bag at Shandur
  • Cook & Kitchen crew
  • Islamabad – Gilgit round Ticket
  • Transportation for all land tour
  • English speaking tour Guide
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Entrance ticket in fort/museum
  • Airport transfers

Service not include in this price:

  • Any kind of insurance
  • Personal shopping
  • Beverages
  • International
  • Visa fee
  • Gratitude/Tip for Guide/Driver

Additional Information

What to bring

  • Clothing: Pack according to the weather (warm layers for cold areas, breathable clothes for hot regions).
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots if needed.
  • Accessories: Hats, sunglasses, and a raincoat or umbrella if necessary.
  • Health & Safety: Sunscreen, insect repellent, basic first aid kit, and any personal medications.
  • Travel Documents: Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, and printed/digital copies of important documents.
  • Cash & Payment: Local currency and an international credit/debit card.

Know before you go

  • Local Culture & Etiquette: Research customs, traditions, and local laws to avoid unintentional offenses.
  • Weather Forecast: Check the climate conditions to pack accordingly.
  • Health Precautions: Vaccinations, altitude sickness awareness, and any travel restrictions.
  • Connectivity: SIM card options or portable Wi-Fi for staying connected.
  • Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency numbers, including local authorities and your country’s embassy.
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  SIM & Internet Package   × $ 7

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