All You Need To Know Before Going To Shandur Polo Festival

• Polo is an equestrian sport with its origin embedded in Central Asia dating back to 6th century BC.
• It became a Persian national game in the 6th century AD from where it spread to other regions.
• In China, in the year 910, death of a favorite relative in a game prompted Emperor Apao-Chi to order beheading of all players!
• English word ‘Polo” is in fact a Balti word meaning, “ball”.
• In ancient times, there was no limit to the number of players and no time limit. Whichever team scored nine goals first, became the winner.
• Today, there are six players to each side, but this is by no means a rule in local polo games. The game lasts for one hour with a ten-minute break.
• Gilgit, Chitral and Skardu have always played the game of polo closest to its original form. In the past, local Rajas, Mirs and Mehtars were the patrons of the game. At times, more than 50% of the annual budget of their principalities was spent on supporting the game.

Shandur Polo Festival

Shandur is the highest polo ground in the world. Shandur invites visitors to experience a traditional polo tournament between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit during the 2nd week of July every year. The festival gives an opportunity to experiecne the Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral Cultures.

Festival Information

You should reach Shandur one day ahead of the game as the routes get very croweded. Polo is a very thrilling game and will be a unique experience for all. Festival will includelocal musical performances and dances.

Apart from the festival, Shandur is a National Park with scenic beauty to enjoy and its offers opportunity for many other activities including exploring the area, horse riding. fishing and hiking.

Facilities

• A tent village is set up for tourists coming for the festival including wash room facilities.
• Restauraunts and food stalls are set up for the festival only.
• Many people travel to sell their crafts and souvenir.

How To Reach?

The Shandur Pass can be accessed via Chitral and or via Gilgit as it is a midpoint between both.

Things To Know

• Governement tent village is removed after the festivities and if you decide to stay back or explore other areas around Shandur then you should bring your own tents.
• Fill up your car with gas/petrol at the last Petrol Station.
• You must bring warm clothes as the weather is unpredictable and can get really cold even in mid summer.
• Bring your toilertries as they will not be avialable.
• Packed food including bottled water are available but sold for double the price. Bring you own snack and water if you dont want to pay extra.
• Washroom tents are often very dirty.
• Very few women and families choose to spend night at Shandur due to lack of facilities.
• Rather families stay in Phandar and Mastuj where Hotels are available and drive early to Shandur Polo Ground.