Experience
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Experience · Ghizer
Shandur Polo Festival
Watch freestyle mountain polo between Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral teams on the Shandur Pass, often called the world's highest polo ground.
- Duration
- 3 days
- Season
- June–July
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Photo: Ijlalahmed · CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
High on the Shandur Pass, at around 3,700 metres, teams from Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral meet each summer for a multi-day polo festival. The game is played in its fast, freestyle mountain form, and the crowds, music and camps around the ground make it a major regional event.
The experience centres on watching the matches from the stands, with time to explore the camps and enjoy the open setting of the pass. Travelling from Gilgit through the Ghizer valley, the route itself is part of the journey.
- Freestyle polo on one of the world's highest grounds
- Rivalry between Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral teams
- Festival atmosphere with music and camps
- Drive through the Ghizer valley to the pass
Itinerary
Day 1
Gilgit to Shandur
Long drive through Ghizer to the festival area.
Overnight: Camp near Shandur
Day 2
Festival day
Matches, music and time around the ground.
Overnight: Camp near Shandur
Day 3
Final and return
Final match, then the drive back towards Ghizer or Gilgit.
Practical information
- Themes
- Culture, Photography
- Suitable for
- Culture travellers, Photographers, Filmmakers, Explorers, Private groups
What’s included
Included
- Sample concept: transport from Gilgit
- Sample concept: camping near the festival ground
- Sample concept: meals at camp
- Sample concept: local guide
Not included
- Accommodation in Gilgit before and after
- Personal purchases
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
What to bring
Essential
- Warm layers and a down jacket for cold nights at altitude
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Sleeping bag suited to near-freezing nights
- Water bottle and purification
- Sturdy shoes
- Personal medication, including for altitude if prescribed
Optional and useful
- Telephoto lens for the matches
- Folding seat or cushion for the stands
- Dust scarf or buff
- Power bank
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- Festival dates vary year to year and are set by the authorities; recent editions moved from early July to June.
- The venue is high: allow time to acclimatise and expect cold nights.
- Camping availability and festival arrangements to be confirmed each year.
Etiquette
- Dress modestly; crowds are large and mostly male.
- Ask before photographing people, especially women and families.
Route and region
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