HIGHLIGHTS
-World’s Highest Polo Field
-Explore the Historical City of Chitral.
-Adventurous ride on 4*4 willy Jeeps along stunning views
-Meet and experience the pagan tribe of Kailash valley
-Scenic Shandur lake
-Stunning and wild scenery of Shandur.
-Explore Hunza Valley.
-Dance to the beats of local music
-Taste local cuisine
OVERVIEW
Shandur Polo festival is a Polo Tournament played between the rival teams of Gilgit and Chitral since 1936.These teams have been rivals since centuries.it is free style(no referee) among one of the wildest games played on the back of horse every in August on the world’s highest Polo field Shandur. It is located between Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral Distict on Shandur Pass. The Shandur Polo ground is about 3,743 m from the sea level; 150 km from Chitral town and 200 km from Gilgit City. Shandur Polofestival annually attracts thousands of tourist from across the globe and usually the Prime Minister of Pakistan graces the occasion as the chief guest of the event. It is an incredible moment to experience a horse charging to the local local drum beats amidst thousands of spectators supporting their team on the roof of the world.
We believe exploring the ancient pagan tribes of Hindukush in Kailash valley, adventure at Shandur Polo festival amidst wild mountains of Hindukush and remote scenery of Shandur will stay with you for a long time
For years Nomadic Tours has been organizing Shandur Polo Festival tours to adventure and Polo enthusiast from around the world. The itinerary may be longer or shorter (If you take local flights) depending upon the guest’s ability and preferences. The fixed dates of the Shandur Polo Festival 2020 are announced one month in ahead (the first week of July).The event takes place in the month of August. Please stay in touch as the dates get closes. We will be announcing the exact dates once confirmed by the authorities.
Any Queries about Shandur Festival 2020.Please reach us at info@nomadictours.pk
Day 01: Arrival at Islamabad International Airport.
Day 02: Drive to Chitral
On this day you will start an all-day road Journey toward Chitral City through the newly built Lowari Tunnel connecting Upper Dir and Chitral.The drive offers some spectacular views of mountain vistas and villages all along the drive .Frequent stops for Tea/Photography.Check in to hotel in Chitral City.
Day 03: Drive from Chitral to Bumburet, kailash
You will continue the road Journey after breakfast in Chitral.It’s a 2 hrs off-road drive along kailash river.On this day you will visit the Kailash Musuem,local settlements in Bumburet Valley. People of Kailash are believed to be the descendant of Alexander Army who have strong Caucasian features and are very welcoming. Drive back to Chitral city. Night stay in same hotel.
Day 04: Explore Chitral City.
Day 05: Drive to Shandur Pass (5-6 hrs)
On this day you will start off to an epic road journey on 4WD gradually ascending and passing through the valley of Mastuj,booni and laspur.You will reach Shandur pass and will have ample to time to relax and enjoy the stunning landcape.Frequenst sops for phots.You will stay in a Tourist tent village with restaurant facility and expect to meet a big crowd of locals and tourist from all over the world. Night stay in tent at the roof of world Shandur Pass.
Day 06: Shandur Polo Festival Day
Shandur Polo Festival would be in full swing and today is the final event of the festival.On this day you will experience a fierce competition of the final match between Chitral and Gilgit .Horses charging to cheers of thousands of spectators on the highest Polo Field is truly an incredible experience. There will be VIP moments usually the Prime minister of Pakistan is the Chief Guest of event.After the Presentation will drive towards Khalti in Gilgit-Baltistan(2.5 hrs).Night stay in Khalti
Day 07: Drive from Khalti to Gilgit.
You will wake up to the views of khalti lake surrounded by the jagged mountains of Hindukush.Sightseeing of khalti lake ,later in the day you will drive towards Gilgit City check into a standard partner hotel.Later in the day you will explore te old market of Gilgit,vist the Buddha statue and the British grave Yard.Night stay in Gilgit.
Day 08: Drive to Hunza from Gilgit. (2 hrs)
In the afternoon after exploring Gilgit City you will hit the paved Karakoram Highways after days on off-road. We will stop briefly during the drive at Rakaposhi (7,788 m) View point and Ancient Silk Route view point for Sightseeing and Photos. The views during the drive are truly stunning, Upon reaching Hunza will check in to Hotel. In Karimabad,Hunza.
Day 09: Rest day & Sightseeing in Majestic Hunza Valley
Today you will wake up to some incredible views from the window of your room. We will start our day by walking on a uphill climb (15-20 minutes) to Baltit Fort, built in the 8th century BC .It’s majestic location being surrounded by snowy mountains, makes this fort one of the most photogenic spots in Pakistan. Guest can do shopping from the famous local handicraft and gemstones market in Karimabad, try local food in a local café owned by local women. Followed by a visit to Altit Fort (900 years old) Royal garden and Eagles nest (Highest viewpoint) in town for sunset(Golden hour)witnessing a total of five snow covered Peaks above 6000 m..Night stay in Karimabad.
Day 10: Drive to Khunjerab National Park (5 hrs)
After breakfast you will drive further north to the Pak-China Border on Karakorum Highway crossing the famous Attabad lake,Gulmot,passu and the Bhuddist Rock carvings of Hunza and enter the Khunjerb National Park home to the endangered snow leopard and Himalayan Ibex. Frequent stops for Photos/Tea.On drive back we will check into a standard partner hotel in Passu.Night stay in Passu.
Day 11: Explore upper Hunza (Passu,Gulmit)
After the breakfast you will walk in the small picturesque village of Passu ( 200 households) located in the lap of Passu Cones and Batura Glacier. You will have ample time to interact with locals and try the fresh fruit from local orchards (your guide will arrange).Same day you will also explore the Hussaini suspension bridge and walk around in the neighboring Gulmit village. The village has a local museum and a preserved local settlement to west of Polo Ground.
Day 12: Drive back to Naran 97-8 hrs)
Day 13: Drive to Islamabad
Day 14: Departure Day-Fly Home