Shandur Polo Festival, Pakistan.

The Shandur Polo Festival is an extraordinary celebration that takes place over three days in a remote part of the world. The Shandur Festival brings together the Gilgit and Chitral tribes who reside in the northern regions of Pakistan. The two tribes hail from the Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions, and they meet at the Shandur pass every summer for the polo festival. 

The Shandur Pass is home to a gorgeous polo ground. It is there that unique free-style polo matches are played, between Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan teams. One of the unique aspects of the Shandur Polo Festival is the ground itself. 

The Shandur Polo Ground is at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level, making it the highest polo field above sea level in the world. The incredible polo ground sits next to the beautiful Shandur Lake, surrounded by snow-covered Hindukush mountains. It is a spectacular background to one of the world’s most unique sporting events. Travellers seeking to discover a one-of-a-kind cultural experience should not miss the Shandur Polo Festival.

The Shandur Polo Festival began in 1936 in an area surrounded by mountains, offering up some incredible views. The rivalry between the provinces of Gilgit and Chitral is fiery, and the Shandur polo matches are the highlight of the year between the two groups. Fans of Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan polo teams travel long distances to watch the polo match. The Shandur Pass is in a remote part of Pakistan, but due to the magnitude of the polo game, it brings people together to cheer on the teams.

What happens during a Shandur Polo Festival?

The Shandur Polo Festival is held for three days in July. The local government confirms the date for each year’s Shandur Festival, but the games take place in the second week of July. It is one of the biggest festivals held in all of Pakistan each year. Along with the unique style of polo that takes place during the festival, other activities occur. Folk music and dancing exhibitions take place, entertaining those in attendance. 

Fishing in the nearby streams and Shandur Lake are also popular events. Attendees stay in a large camp that is created each year for the festival. It resembles a small village with visitors spending much of their time watching polo, exploring the exhibits, and investigating the local cultures.

The tournament features teams with six members. There are up to four reserve players per team in case of bodily injury. The matches last around one hour and are divided into two periods. There is also halftime. The games are renowned for being “no-holds-barred” polo fixtures in which players get hurt. It is always a grudge match between the two rival provinces. During the polo matches, locals entertain fans with dances, songs, and more cultural performances.

Where is Shandur Pass located?

Shandur Pass is situated in a remote area of Pakistan between the Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This area is known as the Roof of the World due to its elevation. The elevation of the pass and the Shandur Polo Ground contribute to the tournament being the highest elevation polo games played in the world. 

The pass is between mountains with jagged soaring peaks. The Shandur pass is located in the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan and is populated by shepherds and their grazing herds of yaks. The area is very remote, and during parts of the year cannot be reached due to the weather. The Shandur Pass is in Upper Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It has a flat plateau and a gradual grade in the Hindukush mountains.

Why is polo a unique game in Pakistan?

The tournament features rival teams from the Gilgit and Chitral tribes. They are traditional rivals, which makes the intensity of the Shandur Polo Festival even more thrilling to watch. The polo matches take place for three days in July and draw large crowds from the two provinces. According to traditions, the polo game played by the teams at Shandur is considered the purest of all polo games in the world.

The region’s population has a strong passion for polo. It is considered the game of kings. The Shandur Polo Festival is well-known for the brutality between the teams during matches. Injuries to players are likely. The Shandur Polo Ground measures a length of 200 meters and a width of 56 meters. Compared to a traditional polo pitch, the ground is much smaller. 

The ground also features a six-meter-high stonewall surrounding it. It increases the dangers to horses and players. Due to the small size of the field, it often becomes crowded. Players typically do not wear helmets, and horses are also not bandaged. Besides, the mallets that players use do not have grips and straps.

Which country has the highest polo grounds in the world?

The Shandur Polo Ground is the highest polo playing field in the world. The ground is located 3,700 meters above sea level, while the Shandur Pass is 3,800 meters above sea level. Not only is the Shandur Festival field the highest in the world, but the road that takes you there is too.

The Karakorum Highway connects China and Pakistan and runs across the Karakoram Mountains range. It goes through the Khunjerab Pass and stands at an elevation of 4,693 meters above sea level.

The Karakorum Highway is 800 miles in length. It is a challenging climb for any vehicle, requiring experience and local knowledge. It possesses hairpin curves and deadly drop-offs. Those brave enough to experience it will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of K2 and Nanga Parbat. 

The Shandur Polo Festival is one of the unique sports and cultural events in the world. It brings together people from around the northern region of Pakistan for a three-day event unlike anything else. Travellers will not regret experiencing the Shandur Festival for its polo games and cultural activities.

Contact our travel advisors at info@trangoadventure.com if you would like to know more about the Shandur Polo Festival.