Shandur Polo Tournament Festival

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Islamabad

Arrive in Islamabad at any time.

Days 2-3 Peshawar and Khyber Pass

In the bustling markets of Peshawar, you can find exotic spices and local delicacies. The Old City bazaar is a fascinating place to wander around. Make a day trip up the famous Khyber Pass on Afghanistan's doorstep.

Day 4 Dir

A narrow and thickly wooded valley has kept the charm of this town, the former seat of the Nawab of Dir.

Day 5 Kalash Valley

Isolated for centuries from outside influence the Kalash people are said to be descendants of Alexander the Great's army.

Day 6 Chitral

A sleepy overgrown village set in the heart of the Hindu Kush range offers endless trekking and climbing opportunities.

Days 7-8 Shandur Pass Polo Tournament

Join the thousands of Pakistanis who travel to the far north of the country for the world’s highest polo tournament, set at over 11,000 feet above sea level. Its not just the location that makes this event unique, the tournament also uses a set of rules that are over 800 years old making it very different from ‘modern’ polo matches. The festive atmosphere, cut-throat competition, and remote location certainly make this one of the world’s most entertaining polo tournaments!

Day 9 Khalti Lake

Formed from a flood in the late 1980s this picturesque lake of deep blue aquamarine is a great place for an overnight camping stop.

Day 10 Gilgit

With the largest marketplace for hundreds of kilometers and numerous polo fields there is usually a practice match on most afternoons to keep your attention.

Days 11-12 Hunza Valley - Karimabad

Clinging to the hills above the confluence of the Hunza and Nagar Rivers sits the village of Karimabad, home to the impressive Baltit fort. Walk around this beautiful village, chat with the locals, sip tea and shop for unique handicrafts or gemstones.

Day 13 Islamabad

Return by mountain flight back to Islamabad home to the opulent Shah Faisal, the largest mosque in Asia.