Experience the Excitement of the Shandur Top Polo Festival
Shandur Top is located in the district of Ghizer in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, approximately 197 km from the city of Gilgit (the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan) and 147 km from the Chitral District in KPK. At an elevation of 3,700 m (12,200 feet), Shandur Top is the highest polo ground in the world and is known as the "Roof of the World." The polo ground was not man-made, but rather formed naturally with a stunning and picturesque landscape. The lake near the polo ground and the lush green small ridges at the top give the area an otherworldly beauty.
Every year, a polo match is held at Shandur Top between native teams from Gilgit-Baltistan and guest teams from the Chitral District of KPK. Polo, known as the "game of kings" and the "king of games," is played from July 7th to July 9th each year. In addition to the polo match, cultural dances, tug of war, and other traditional games are also held. The event attracts hundreds of visitors from all over Pakistan and beyond, and the surrounding area becomes a tent city. From Shandur, visitors can also enjoy views of the beautiful and famous Rakaposhi peak in the Nagar Valley.
To reach Shandur Top, you can travel by jeep on the road between Chitral and Gilgit, which is approximately 170 km from either side. The journey is quite adventurous. You can also fly to Chitral or Gilgit with Pakistan International's daily F27 Fokker planes from Peshawar and Islamabad, with two flights daily (weather permitting). However, you should expect to need at least two extra days in your itinerary in case of inclement weather that disrupts flights.
You can access Chitral by road from either Peshawar or Islamabad. These routes join in the lower Swat valley near Chakdara, from where you can continue on to Chitral via the 3200 meter high Lowari Pass. The direct ride will take about 11 hours, but you can also stop overnight in Dir. From Dir, you can transfer to a 4x4 jeep for the remainder of the journey to Chitral and on to Shandur. Travelers coming from the Chitral side can also stay overnight in Mastuj, while those coming from the Gilgit side can stop in Gupis. Alternatively, if you are traveling by road from Islamabad on the Karakoram Highway (the Silk Route), you can stop for an overnight stay along the Indus river in Besham, which is halfway to your destination.
The first polo tournament at the Shandur Pass took place in 1936. It was organized by Major Cobb, a British Political Agent who enjoyed playing polo under a full moon. The polo ground near Shandur was named the 'Moony Polo Ground' in his honor.
The most exciting polo tournament in all of Northern Pakistan is held on Shandur Top, at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters above sea level. The area is known for its unique and exotic beauty, surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. The tournament is an annual event that marks the rivalry between the polo teams of Gilgit and Chitral. In addition to the polo matches, the event also features trout fishing at nearby streams and lakes, as well as a festival of folk dances and music from Northern Pakistan.
The highlight of the festival is the final match between the Gilgit and Chitral teams. The final match is a particularly colorful spectacle, with supporters from both sides traveling long distances from the remote parts of Chitral and Gilgit to watch the thrilling game. The event offers visitors a fascinating insight into the lifestyle, culture, and indigenous customs of the people of this region.
Polo is an equestrian sport with a long history dating back to 6th century BC in Central Asia. It was originally used as a training game for cavalry units such as the King's Guards or other elite troops. For the warlike tribesmen who played polo with up to 100 players on each side, it was like a miniature battle. The game became a national sport in Persia in the 6th century AD, and from there it spread to Arabia, Tibet, China, and Japan. In China, in the year 910, the death of a favorite relative in a game prompted Emperor Apaochi to order the beheading of all players.
Historically, polo, known as the "king of games," was played between small kingdoms, villages, and rival groups in the Gilgit Agency. From 1936 onwards, annual polo tournaments were held at Shandur (then part of the autonomous princely state of Kashmir) with the patronage of the British from neighboring India. The three-day Shandur Polo Festival has steadily grown in recent years into the large celebration of mountain polo that it is today.
How to Reach Shandur Pass:
You can access Chitral by road from either Peshawar or Islamabad. These routes join in the lower Swat valley near Chakdara, from where you can continue on to Chitral via the 3200 meter high Lowari Pass. The direct ride will take about 11 hours, but you can also stop overnight in Dir. From Dir, you can transfer to a 4x4 jeep for the remainder of the journey to Chitral and on to Shandur. Travelers coming from the Chitral side can also stay overnight in Mastuj, while those coming from the Gilgit side can stop in Gupis. Alternatively, if you are traveling by road from Islamabad on the Karakoram Highway (the Silk Route), you can stop for an overnight stay along the Indus river in Besham, which is halfway to your destination.
History of Shandur Top:
The first polo tournament at the Shandur Pass took place in 1936. It was organized by Major Cobb, a British Political Agent who enjoyed playing polo under a full moon. The polo ground near Shandur was named the 'Moony Polo Ground' in his honor.
The most exciting polo tournament in all of Northern Pakistan is held on Shandur Top, at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters above sea level. The area is known for its unique and exotic beauty, surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. The tournament is an annual event that marks the rivalry between the polo teams of Gilgit and Chitral. In addition to the polo matches, the event also features trout fishing at nearby streams and lakes, as well as a festival of folk dances and music from Northern Pakistan.
The highlight of the festival is the final match between the Gilgit and Chitral teams. The final match is a particularly colorful spectacle, with supporters from both sides traveling long distances from the remote parts of Chitral and Gilgit to watch the thrilling game. The event offers visitors a fascinating insight into the lifestyle, culture, and indigenous customs of the people of this region.
Polo is an equestrian sport with a long history dating back to 6th century BC in Central Asia. It was originally used as a training game for cavalry units such as the King's Guards or other elite troops. For the warlike tribesmen who played polo with up to 100 players on each side, it was like a miniature battle. The game became a national sport in Persia in the 6th century AD, and from there it spread to Arabia, Tibet, China, and Japan. In China, in the year 910, the death of a favorite relative in a game prompted Emperor Apaochi to order the beheading of all players.
Historically, polo, known as the "king of games," was played between small kingdoms, villages, and rival groups in the Gilgit Agency. From 1936 onwards, annual polo tournaments were held at Shandur (then part of the autonomous princely state of Kashmir) with the patronage of the British from neighboring India. The three-day Shandur Polo Festival has steadily grown in recent years into the large celebration of mountain polo that it is today.
Most Frequently Asked Questions about Shandur Top Polo Festival (FAQs):
Where is Shandur Top located?
Shandur Top is located in the district of Ghizer in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
What is the elevation of Shandur Top?
Shandur Top is situated at an elevation of 3,700 m (12,200 feet).
Why is Shandur Top famous?
Shandur Top is famous for being the highest polo ground in the world, and it is known as the "Roof of the World."
What other activities can be enjoyed at Shandur Top?
In addition to the polo matches, visitors to Shandur Top can also enjoy trout fishing at nearby streams and lakes, as well as a festival of folk dances and music from Northern Pakistan.
When is the Shandur Polo Festival held?
The Shandur Polo Festival is held annually from July 7th to July 9th.
How do I get to Shandur Top?
You can reach Shandur Top by jeep on the road between Chitral and Gilgit, which is approximately 170 km from either side. You can also fly to Chitral or Gilgit with Pakistan International's daily F27 Fokker planes from Peshawar and Islamabad, with two flights daily (weather permitting). Alternatively, you can travel by road from Islamabad on the Karakoram Highway (the Silk Route).
