Shandoor Polo Festival Tour

Land at Islamabad International Airport, meet our transfer team, and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring key urban sights across the twin cities, including the marble porticos of Faisal Mosque, Shakar Parian hills, Pakistan Monument, and Daman-e-Koh overlook, followed by a walk through Rawalpindi’s historic Raja Bazaar.

Drive 4 to 5 hours toward the Swat Valley, stopping en route to wander the ancient Gandhara archaeological sites and museum complex at Taxila (including Jaulian, Mohra Moradu, and Sirkap). Arrive in Mingora/Saidu Sharif for hotel check-in and an evening orientation.

Journey 254 km over scenic mountain roads toward Chitral. After checking into the hotel, spend the late afternoon visiting the 1901 Shahi Mosque, the Chitral Museum exhibits, and the landmark Chitral Fort by the river, followed by a walk along the main bazaar.

Take a 60 km excursion into the Kalash valleys (Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir) to learn about the indigenous animist traditions, distinctive black and embroidered dress, and timber architecture of the Kalash communities before returning to Chitral for the night.

Embark on a rugged 6 to 7 hour ascent (157 km) climbing up to Shandur Pass at 3,700m. Often called the 'Roof of the World', this vast plateau plateau features meandering streams and alpine tarns along the border of Chitral and Ghizer, where the team pitches high camp under the stars.

Dedicate the entire day to the high-energy matches of the Shandur tournament. Watch the fast-paced, traditional freestyle polo showdown between Chitral and Gilgit teams, accompanied by cheering crowds, pipe-and-drum troupes, and colorful festive stalls.

Descend from the high plateau on a 50 km drive into the picturesque Phander Valley. Enjoy a lakeside trout lunch before driving 104 km eastward along the Ghizer River gorge to reach the town of Gahkuch.

Travel 176 km into the central Hunza Valley toward Karimabad, enjoying photography stops along the highway with sweeping views of the surrounding Karakoram massifs.

Tour the restored 700-year-old Baltit Fort in the morning and wander through Altit Fort and its old village settlement in the afternoon, followed by an evening drive up to the Duiker viewpoint to catch sunset across Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar.

Drive along the highway past turquoise Attabad Lake to upper Hunza. Explore Borith Lake, the historic lanes of Gulmit and Gulkin, the terminal snout of Passu Glacier, and the swinging planks of Hussaini suspension bridge before checking into your Passu lodge.

Undertake a full-day excursion driving to the crest of Khunjerab Pass (4,733m) on the border with China. Cross high alpine pastures within Khunjerab National Park with chances of spotting Himalayan ibex before returning south to Karimabad.

Begin the journey south along the Karakoram Highway over 355 km, pausing at the unique viewpoint where the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindukush ranges converge, before crossing Babusar Pass (4,173m) into the alpine meadows of Naran.

Complete the 279 km return drive from Kaghan Valley toward Islamabad, stopping for a final cultural visit through the Buddhist monuments of Taxila before checking into your hotel in the capital.

After breakfast, our team coordinates your transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your departing flight home, marking the conclusion of the Shandur Polo tour.