8-Day Shandur Polo Festival Tour
8-Day Shandur Polo Festival Tour
About this tour
Starts in Islamabad
Pickup included from anywhere in Islamabad
8 days
For ages 16 to 60
Best suited for the specified ages
Guided in English
Led by experienced local guides
Cancellation options
Refund amount depends on when you cancel before the departure.
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Operated by
Chitral Travel Bureau
Details
Witness one of the world's most extraordinary sporting events — the Shandur Polo Festival, played at 3,700 metres above sea level on the highest polo ground on earth. This 8-day tour takes you from Is...
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Places covered
Highlights
Watch free-style polo on the world's highest polo ground at 3,700 metres
Experience the legendary Grand Finale between Chitral and Gilgit
Camp under the stars at Shandur Top in glamping tents
Scenic mountain drive through the famous Shandur Pass
Explore the ancient culture of the Kalash Valley
Enjoy live music, local food, and festival activities throughout
Travel in comfort with 4x4 vehicles and professional local guides
What's Included
Itinerary
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to your guesthouse. Rest and prepare for the journey ahead.
Set off on a scenic road journey from Islamabad to Chitral, winding through majestic mountain passes and valleys. Arrive in Chitral by evening and check in to your accommodation.
Travel from Chitral up to Shandur Pass, one of the most breathtaking high-altitude drives in Pakistan. The road climbs through open meadows and mountain scenery before arriving at Shandur Top, where you'll settle into your glamping tent for the night.
A full day at the festival. Watch polo matches played in free-style tradition on the world's highest polo ground, surrounded by the Shandur Plateau at 3,700 metres. Soak in the festival atmosphere — local music, food stalls, and thousands of spectators from across Pakistan and beyond. Sleep under the stars at Shandur Top.
The highlight of the festival — the Grand Finale between the Chitral and Gilgit polo teams, one of Pakistan's most celebrated sporting rivalries. After the match and closing ceremonies, travel back down to Chitral city for the night.
Drive to the Kalash Valley and spend the day with the indigenous Kalash community, one of the oldest and most distinct cultures in Pakistan. Explore the traditional villages, visit the local museum, and learn about their ancient customs and way of life.
Depart Chitral in the morning and make the long return journey to Islamabad through the mountain roads of northern Pakistan.
A flexible backup day built in to account for any delays on the mountain roads. If the tour has gone to schedule, use the day to explore Islamabad — Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh, or the local bazaars — before your departure.
Helpful answers
The festival is typically held in late June or during the first or second week of July. Exact dates are announced closer to the season. Contact us when booking to confirm the dates for your year of travel.
You'll stay in comfortable, furnished tents at Shandur Top. Nights at 3,700 metres can be cold even in summer, so warm bedding is provided — but we recommend packing an extra layer just in case.
Yes. Both tours are run by Chitral Travel Bureau, We are a experienced local operator based in Chitral with deep knowledge of the region.
Approximately 7–9 hours depending on road and weather conditions. The route passes through dramatic mountain scenery and the Lowari Tunnel.
Day 8 is a built-in backup day for any road or weather delays on the Chitral route. If everything runs to schedule, it's a free day to explore Islamabad before your departure.
What to know
- The Shandur Polo Festival takes place in late June or the first or second week of July
- Shandur Pass sits at 3,700m above sea level. Some travellers may experience mild altitude effects
- Nights at Shandur Top can be cold even in summer — pack warm layers regardless of the season
- Day 8 is a built-in backup day for weather or road delays, which are common on the Chitral route
- The Islamabad–Chitral road journey takes approximately 7–9 hours
- Travellers with severe altitude sensitivity
- Those uncomfortable with long road journeys or rough mountain terrain
- Travellers requiring hotel-standard accommodation throughout — Shandur nights are glamping tents
- Warm clothing
- Backpack
- Basic medicine
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