Shundoor Polo Festival

Where mountains meet, legends play

The Shundoor Polo Festival is an annual sporting and cultural event held at the Shandur Pass—the world’s highest polo ground at an elevation of 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) in Pakistan.Shandur Top, situated on the border between Chitral District (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Gilgit-Baltistan. Traditionally held annually in July (though dates can vary or shift slightly based on local scheduling and weather).Features a fierce, freestyle version of polo played between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan. Unlike standard polo, it has no umpires and virtually no rules, making it a rugged and fast-paced spectacle

Activities in Shundoor Polo Festival

The Main Event: The fierce rivalry matches between the Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan teams are the core activity.
The Freestyle Format: Played without a modern rulebook, referees, or chukker limits, the matches are fast, aggressive, and highly physical.
The Atmosphere: Thousands of spectators line the stone-walled field, banging drums, blowing traditional hornpipes, and cheering wildly for every goal scored.

Camping and the Tent City

Plateau Camping: Because there are no permanent hotels at 3,700 meters, a sprawling temporary tent city is erected on the pass.
Social Hubs: Visitors, players, and locals camp side-by-side, sharing large communal dining tents, barbecue pits, and late-night storytelling setups.

Folk Music and Regional Dances

Traditional Ensembles: Every evening, musicians play local instruments like the shehnai (oboe-like horn) and duff (frame drum).
Cultural Dances: Traditional dances are performed around large bonfires. Spectators and players join in for the energetic Sword Dance and regional folk dances representing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.

High-Altitude Adventure Sports

Paragliding: Professional and adventurous paragliders take off from nearby peaks, drifting over the polo matches and the lake.
Trekking and Hiking: The surrounding Hindu Kush mountains offer short day-hikes and scenic trails overlooking the festival grounds.
Rafting: Some years feature light rafting or boating activities on the pristine Shandur Lake right next to the polo ground.

Night Bazaars & Food Stalls

Local Cuisine: Open-air food stalls serve local mountain specialties, including skushik (traditional bread), mutton skewers, and hot green tea to combat the freezing alpine nights.
Handicraft Markets: Artisans from Chitral and Gilgit display embroidered shawls, traditional Chitrali woolen caps (pakols), and handmade gemstones.

if you are planning to attend the festival? Travel Routes Pakistan can design a guided tour to celebrate this festival among the mountains of Hindukush.

What is Included

Accommodation in 3 star hotels with breakfast
Tent Valley Camp
Air-conditioned transportation
English-speaking guide
Sightseeing tickets
Van/Grand Cabin
Dinner
Pick-up and drop-off services

Not Included

Tips for driver and guide
Services not specifically stated in the itinerary

Price Break-up (Number of Persons)

Destinations	Destination	Price Per Pax	Group Size	Group Size	Price Per Pax
Islamabad	Islamabad	€ 1600	01 – 03	4 – 6	€ 1400
Chitral/Bumburait		€ 1250	07 – 09	10-15	€ 1000
Shundoor	Islamabad

Day Shundoor Polo Festival Itinerary ( Six Night /Seven Days)

Day 1: Islamabad to Chitral

Morning: Depart from Islamabad early morning (by flight or road, depending on preference).
Afternoon: Arrive in Chitral, check into hotel or guesthouse.
Evening: Explore Chitral town, visit local bazaars, and prepare for next day’s trip to Bumburait.

Day 2: Chitral to Bumburait

Morning: Drive from Chitral to Bumburait valley (approx. 1.5-2 hours).
Spend the day exploring the scenic valleys, enjoy the natural beauty and local culture.
Evening: Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, overnight in Chitral

Day 3: Chitral to Shundoor, Start Festival Activities

Morning: Travel from Chitral to Shundoor Valley (approx. 9-10 hours).
Afternoon: Arrive at Shundoor, check-in at the festival camp.
Evening: Attend the opening ceremony of the Shundoor Polo Festival, enjoy traditional music and dance.

Day 4: Shundoor Polo Festival – Polo Matches & Activities

Morning & Afternoon: Watch and take part in the thrilling polo matches.
Optional activities: Horse riding around the valley, fishing in local streams.
Evening: Bonfire gathering with local folk music and dancing.

Day 5: Shundoor Polo Festival – Adventure & Celebration

Morning: Paragliding experience over the stunning Shundoor valley.
Afternoon: Participate in more polo matches or enjoy horse riding.
Evening: Festival celebrations continue with dancing, bonfire, and local cuisine.

Day 6: Shundoor Polo Festival – Final Matches & Cultural Activities