Shandur Polo Festival Tour: 8 Days
Overview
Once a year the roof of the world hosts a sports event like no other: Chitral vs Gilgit at freestyle polo: no referee's whistle worth hearing at 3,700 m: with thousands camped around Shandur's lake, polo ponies gasping in the thin air and folk music until late. We camp you at the festival itself, then unwind the trip through Phander's mirror lakes toward Gilgit and Hunza.
Plan the journey with our guided Hunza trips, places to stay in Hunza, rent a car in Hunza, Hunza adventure tours and foreign visitor packages.
Trip Highlights
- Festival days at the world's highest polo ground
- Lakeside festival camping (full setup)
- The Chitral or Ghizer approach: both spectacular
- Phander Lake and Ghizer valley
- Optional Hunza extension after the festival
- Folk music nights and mountain fairground
Day by Day Itinerary
8-day planIslamabad to Chitral (fly, road backup)
Arrive beneath Tirich Mir. Chitral and Kalash travel requires realistic mountain-road timing and respectful conduct in villages, particularly during community events. For Islamabad to Chitral (fly, road backup) on day 1, allow flexibility for a weather cancellation; the road backup, luggage plan and airport timing are confirmed in the written itinerary so the day remains workable.
Max altitude 1,500 mChitral to Mastuj
Up the river valley; acclimatise. For Chitral to Mastuj on day 2, chitral and Kalash travel requires realistic mountain-road timing and respectful conduct in villages, particularly during community events. For Chitral to Mastuj on day 2, driving time can change with road work, landslides, traffic and seasonal pass access; water, medication, identification and a warm layer should remain in the day bag.
Max altitude 2,359 mMastuj to Shandur
Arrive the plateau; camp at the lake; opening matches. Shandur and Phander access is seasonal; the final route depends on pass conditions, festival controls and daylight. For Mastuj to Shandur on day 3, the team confirms the hotel, next departure time, luggage plan and any immediate practical needs after arrival; optional sightseeing is added only when time and energy allow.
Max altitude 3,700 mFestival day
The main Chitral vs Gilgit fixtures; fairground and music night. The festival experience is organised around confirmed local timings rather than a rigid promise. For Festival day on day 4, community-event schedules can change locally, so the guide reconfirms the programme and suitable viewing areas on the day; respectful dress, photography permission and patience in crowds are essential.
Max altitude 3,700 mFestival finale to Phander
Final match, then descend Ghizer-side to Phander Lake. Festival timing is based on the officially confirmed programme and local access arrangements. For Festival finale to Phander on day 5, community-event schedules can change locally, so the guide reconfirms the programme and suitable viewing areas on the day; respectful dress, photography permission and patience in crowds are essential.
Max altitude 2,800 mPhander to Gilgit
Phander to Gilgit. For Phander to Gilgit on day 6, shandur and Phander access is seasonal; the final route depends on pass conditions, festival controls and daylight. For Phander to Gilgit on day 6, driving time can change with road work, landslides, traffic and seasonal pass access; water, medication, identification and a warm layer should remain in the day bag.
Max altitude 1,500 mGilgit to Chilas or Besham
Begin the road return to Islamabad with scheduled meal, comfort and viewpoint stops. The final transfer keeps a sensible buffer for the agreed train or flight time, while any optional stop depends on the remaining daylight and traffic.
Max altitude 1,265 mArrive Islamabad
Complete the final road leg and transfer to the confirmed hotel, residence or airport. The arrival team checks the flight time before dispatch and confirms the hotel transfer, local contact details and the next departure at the briefing.
Max altitude 540 mWhat’s Included
Included
- Licensed local mountain guide
- Porters and camping equipment where required
- All meals on trek days
- Islamabad pickup and drop (private transport)
- Hotel nights before/after trek
- First-aid kit and oximeter
- Festival camping setup at Shandur
- Festival access arrangements
- 4x4 for the Shandur sectors
Not included
- Sleeping bag (rentable)
- Personal trekking gear and boots
- Lunches/dinners on non-trek days
- Tips and personal expenses
- Domestic flights (at cost)
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly is it?
Traditionally 7 to 9 July, government-confirmed each year: we hold camps ahead and confirm dates the moment they're official.
How cold is camping at 3,700 m?
Nights near freezing even in July: we provide four-season tents and sleeping bags; bring proper layers.
Is this tour completely private?
Yes: your own vehicle, your own driver and guide, and departure on any date you choose. No strangers, no fixed seats, and the daily plan flexes to your pace.
Can the trip begin at Gilgit Airport?
Yes: fly Islamabad to Gilgit (tickets booked at cost) and we start the itinerary from the airport, trimming the road days. A road backup is always planned in case mountain weather cancels the flight.
What happens if a domestic flight is cancelled?
Mountain weather cancels a share of Gilgit and Skardu flights, so every fly-based plan carries a costed road backup that activates automatically: you may lose a day, never the trip. Road-based itineraries are unaffected.
Is Khunjerab Pass included?
Not in the standard plan: this itinerary focuses elsewhere: but a Khunjerab day (4,693 m, open ~May to Nov) can be added to any private booking; ask for the extended quote.
Which hotels are used?
Named properties are confirmed on your quote; expect well-reviewed standard hotels, with deluxe and luxury upgrades available at booking. See our Hotels page for the full 65-hotel partner list and per-night rates.
Is this package suitable for children?
Yes for school-age kids and up who enjoy walking; drive-instead options exist for most active days.
Is the tour suitable for senior travellers?
Yes with reasonable mobility: vehicle access covers nearly every highlight, walking is optional, and we pace days generously. Tell us about any conditions and we’ll adapt the plan.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Completely: add or drop days, swap valleys, change hotel tiers or start cities; it’s your trip and re-quoting a custom version costs nothing.