NOOR HIRA
The Shandur Polo Festival is a grand event that takes place annually in the picturesque Shandur Pass, located in the northern areas of Pakistan – Gilgit-Baltistan.
The history of the Shandur Polo Festival recounts the centuries-old tournament held between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan, showcasing this traditional game’s enduring legacy.
Shandur Polo Festival is believed to have been originated in the 8th century when the local Kalash people began to play polo as a way of demonstrating their skills in horsemanship and combat. The game quickly gained popularity and became an important part of the culture in the region.
The festival itself was formalized in 1936 by the British colonial government, and it has been held every year since then. During the festival, teams from Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan, and other neighboring areas compete against each other in a thrilling tournament.
The festival not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region but also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the adrenaline-pumping sport of polo in a breathtakingly beautiful setting.Shandur Polo Festival is a celebration of the traditional sport of polo, which is played on horseback and is known as the “sport of kings.” This Festival attracts thousands of spectators from all over
the world, who gather to witness the thrilling matches between teams from different regions. Shandur becomes a verdant paradise each summer when the snow melts, making it the perfect location for this exhilarating game.
Along with the Polo tournament, the Shandur Festival also features a number of cultural performances and exhibitions. These include traditional Kalash music and dance performances and a variety of arts and crafts displays. There are also a number of other activities, such as horse riding, archery, and camping. There also arranged a number of traditional food and souvenirs stalls.
Shandur Polo Ground is a remarkable and awe-inspiring location at an astounding altitude of almost 3,700 meters above sea level. The Ground is more than just a location; it’s an adventure that combines the excitement of polo with the attraction of high-altitude exploration. The height of the playingfield adds a level of intricacy to the game that requires tremendous physical prowess and tactical flexibility from the players.
When it comes to Security management at the Shandur Polo Festival, it is a paramount concern, given the event’s significant cultural and sporting importance. To ensure the safety and well-being of both participants and spectators, a comprehensive security plan is always carried out.
This security plan encompasses a combination of local law enforcement agencies, private security firms, and event organizers working in tandem to maintain order and mitigate potential risks. Measures include thorough bag checks at entry points, crowd control mechanisms, and the presence of uniformed security personnel throughout the festival grounds.
Every year in July, the three-day Shandur Polo Festival attracts visitors from all walks of life to this breathtaking site. Teams from adjacent areas, especially Chitral and Gilgit, are brought together for the festival to compete in a setting that embodies the blending of tradition and modernity.
Local artists demonstrate their skills, musicians fill the air with uplifting melodies, and artists perform age-old dances that reflect the region’s rich cultural past. It’s a complete experience that immerses guests in both the mystique of the Himalayas and the friendliness of the locals.
Traveling from Islamabad to the Shandur plateau is an engaging experience that passes through various heights, civilizations, and landscapes before arriving at the ‘Roof of the World’s’ spectacular magnificence.
When traveling north from Islamabad, the landscape changes from a busy downtown to rolling hills and then to the untamed splendor of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Karakoram Highway (KKH), frequently referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” passes through Abbottabad, a historic town.
Arrival at Gilgit represents a crucial turning point in the expedition. The thriving town is a cultural melting pot and a starting point for exploring the area’s untamed beauty. The road gets harder as you leave Gilgit, but every bend and curve rewards you with breathtaking views.
You finally reach the Shandur plateau after a trip that covers several miles and numerous breathtaking vistas. The expansive views, the size of the meadows, and the overwhelming sense of tranquility create an ethereal impression.
Domestic flights from Islamabad to Chitral and Gilgit provide breathtaking aerial views and are among the most spectacular flights, while road trips and experiences are unmatched.
Comfortable accommodations are available in Gilgit, Chitral, or the surrounding districts, while Shandur offers camping options for an exciting stay in the wilderness. The greatest time to go is during the summer when temperatures in June and July average between 15-20°C. Due to the high altitude, the weather gets worse at night.
A trip to Shandur offers an experience that is as outstanding as the destination itself, regardless of your interests in adventure, nature, sports, history, or cultural exploration.
