Shandur Polo Festival 2022 at the highest polo ground in the world at the roof of the world

Shandur Polo Festival:

Shandur Polo 

Every year in the first and second weeks of July, the king of games and games of kings, a freestyle polo game festival held at the world's highest polo ground. The festival has been canceled for the past two years because of the COVID-19. Many polo fans are looking forward to attending this fantastic festival, which features a variety of colorful activities that are widely celebrated. The festival preparations are underway in order to quench the thirst of polo fans.

In this instance, we are encouraging polo fans to schedule their vacation in advance to ensure a pleasant experience. We provide necessary assistance to all guests in order to make their journey enjoyable. The background Shandur polo dates back to the British era and was first played at the summit of the world in 1936. It was under British authority that the celebration was initially instituted, and it is still observed today. Thousands of people flock to Shandur to watch the game, which turns the pass into a tent city for a few days. Without a doubt, a large crowd forms at the top of the roof, with various kinds of companies.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department and Khyber Pukhtun Khaw, in partnership with the local authorities, host the event to suitably celebrate the occasion. This festival attracts tourists from all around Pakistan, as well as international visitors.  It has been decided to celebrate this festival in the second week of July 2022 (7-9 July).

What is the specialty of the Polo Game? 

They believe there are only two things in life that have no rules in this part of the earth. Welcome to the ancestral birthplace of polo, where the game is played on the highest ball pitch on the planet. I’m talking about Shandur, Pakistan, with wild boundaries at an altitude of 3,800 meters between Masuj and Ghizer. The air is crisp, and the atmosphere is electric as the crowd begins to gather for the year's most anticipated event, the Shandur Polo Festival. This high-altitude tournament brings together two teams from opposite sides of northern Pakistan who have traditionally competed against one another, the Gilgit East and the truth rallies.

 Whatever their differences, they both agree that polo was invented over two millennia ago in Central Asia, not in Britain as many people believe, and it's still here that the game is played in its original rule-free form, which is known as freestyle polo. The goal of the game is to get the ball across the goal, and that's what makes it beautiful, but it's also what makes it probably the toughest sport you'll ever see. For more highlights, you can read here.

Other colorful activities in the festival you may enjoy with a lifetime experience

Paragliding Show at Shandur

Obviously, there is not only polo game is played in these days festival but also some more amazing activities are performed as well. Different culture shows of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral during the event such as traditional dances with fork music. Some paragliders perform their expertise from the hills around Shandur pass which adds to the color of this festival. Some of the artists show their artwork at the event which is another mind-blowing figure of this event. Above all, the natural beauty of the landscape the Shandur Lake, and the snow-covering peaks of Hindukush and the Hindu Raj that is the great attraction of the event.

The best thing to attend this festival is a great holiday because the way to travel to the roof of the Shandur Pass has many mind-blowing highlights. Either from Chitral or Gilgit both sides it is accessible you will drive through charming villages, spectacular views, of crystal clear rivers, waterfalls lush green landscape, and mesmerizing highlights.

How do organize the Trip to Shandur Polo Festival in the proper way?

Obviously, you need a comfortable plan to reach there in a proper way. Many Pakistani tour operators organize the trip with their top expertise. As there are no hotels to stay in you need tents to camp. In this case, booking with an experienced agency is worth these three days of the festival. You will have proper food and all the necessary equipment to enjoy your holidays. Anyway, some people can also do it on their own as well but you need to be well equipped to be comfortable.

What is the best part of the Festival during these three days?

Phundar is the best highlight on the way

The final day polo game is the event's finest highlight because it features the best players from Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Both spectators and players grow more emotional during the game, heightening the significance of the event. The majority of high-ranking officials also take part in this. On this day, the Prime Minister or President of Pakistan may pay a visit to encourage the celebrations. The top performers of the event are awarded prizes at the end of the day, making them proud of their work.

Are there any issues at Shandur Pass during the Festival?

Definitely, there are some issues as such the area becomes over-crowded that makes it terrible dusty and noisy. Secondly, if you are not well prepared you would be able to have proper food because some temporary tent hotel management do not serve well.  Finding transportation to reach Shandur Pass and going back after the end could be an issue as well. For this reason, it is better to bring your equipment for camping.

I am sure if read this article and desire to book your plan. In this case, we are providing services you can visit our main travel website www.hkttreks.com for more information and organization. There are many more tour agencies you may Google as well.

Finally, I recommend that anyone planning a trip to North Pakistan in the month of July attend this event. Without a doubt, you will thoroughly appreciate it. If you're planning a journey these days, you'll have plenty of options because some of Hindukush's most captivating treks begin here. The primary attractions include Chumarkhand Pass, Thui Pass, Zagar Pass, Nazbar Pass, and Shah Jinali. This month, together with the polo festival, you can plan on "killing two birds with one stone."