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.
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
Islamabad → Chitral (fly, road backup)
Arrive beneath Tirich Mir.
⛰ 1,500 m
Chitral → Mastuj
Up the river valley; acclimatise.
⛰ 2,359 m
Mastuj → Shandur
Arrive the plateau; camp at the lake; opening matches.
⛰ 3,700 m
Festival day
The main Chitral vs Gilgit fixtures; fairground and music night.
⛰ 3,700 m
Festival finale → Phander
Final match, then descend Ghizer-side to Phander Lake.
⛰ 2,800 m
Phander → Gilgit
Emerald river country.
⛰ 1,500 m
Gilgit → Islamabad leg / Hunza extension
Begin return or continue to Karimabad (upgrade).
⛰ 1,265 m
Arrive Islamabad
Final drive (or fly from Gilgit at cost).
What’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
- 4×4 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 7–9 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–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 66-property 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.