Shandur Polo Festival

The Shandur Polo Festival is a three-day annual celebration held at the legendary Shandur Pass, connecting Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Hindukush mountains, the festival celebrates the ancient and thrilling tradition of freestyle polo, played without rules.

Hosted at the Shandur Polo Ground—the highest polo ground in the world—the festival features intense matches between teams from Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Beyond polo, the event offers a vibrant mix of cultural activities, showcasing the rich heritage of the region through music, dance, and adventure sports.

Visitors can enjoy folk performances, traditional musical nights, paragliding displays, and a lively camping village, making it one of Pakistan’s most unique cultural festivals.

Significance

The Shandur Polo Festival is regarded as one of the oldest and wildest polo festivals in the world. It symbolizes unity and friendship between the tribes of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral and offers an unforgettable cultural experience amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Hindukush range.

Key Highlights

• Freestyle Polo Matches
• Traditional Musical Nights
• Cultural & Folk Performances
• Paragliding
• School Children Performances
• Camping Village & Local Festivities