Shandur Polo Festival & Beyond 14 Days Through Kalash, Chitral & Hunza
Join PASSAGE TO PAKISTAN for the ultimate mountain adventure that blends culture, sport, and scenery like no other—the 14-Day Shandur Polo Festival Tour.
About this journey
Join PASSAGE TO PAKISTAN for the ultimate mountain adventure that blends culture, sport, and scenery like no other—the 14-Day Shandur Polo Festival Tour. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the world’s highest polo ground at Shandur Pass (3,700 meters), this once-a-year event is more than just a polo match—it’s a celebration of life in the highlands of Pakistan.
The tour begins in Islamabad and takes you on a thrilling route through the majestic Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges, weaving through vibrant cultures, pristine valleys, and ancient heritage. Along the way, you’ll explore the mystical Kalash Valleys, where the pagan Kalasha people celebrate life with unmatched color and spirit.
From Bumburet, travel into Chitral, where the old-world charm of the Shahi Mosque and Chitral Fort greet you. Continue to Mastuj and make your way to the grand arena of the Shandur Polo Festival—an epic two-day spectacle where traditional freestyle polo is played between the fierce teams of Chitral and Gilgit. There’s music, dance, food, camping under the stars, and unforgettable energy in the air.
After the festivities, journey deeper into Gilgit-Baltistan, reaching the surreal and lesser-known Phandar Valley, where turquoise rivers and thick forests offer perfect peace. Then head toward the jewel of the north—Hunza Valley. Discover the timeless villages of Karimabad, Altit, and Gulmit, marvel at the views of Rakaposhi and Passu Cones, and cruise across Attabad Lake with snow-dusted peaks watching over you.
Along the way, you’ll stay in cozy guesthouses, interact with local communities, taste regional cuisine, and be guided by passionate locals who know these valleys like the lines of their palms.
The Shandur Polo Festival Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventure seekers, culture lovers, and explorers who want more than just a vacation. With PASSAGE TO PAKISTAN, you don’t just visit the north you live it.
Day by day
1Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Meet and greet by your tour representative. Depending on arrival time, explore Faisal Mosque or Saidpur Village. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
2Day 2: Drive to Swat Valley (Drive Time: 6–7 hours)
Depart early for Swat via Malakand Pass. Enjoy the scenic route along the Swat River. Arrive in Mingora/Fizagat and settle into your hotel. Overnight stay in Swat.
3Day 3: Swat to Chitral via Lowari Tunnel (Drive Time: 7–8 hours)
Continue north through Dir and cross the Lowari Tunnel into the Chitral Valley. Visit Shahi Mosque and Chitral Fort if time permits. Overnight stay in Chitral.
4Day 4: Chitral to Kalash Valley – Bumburet (Drive Time: 2–3 hours)
Drive to Bumburet, one of the famous Kalash valleys. Explore Kalasha villages, meet local families, and learn about their animist traditions. Overnight stay in Bumburet.
5Day 5: Kalash Exploration – Rumbur Valley Excursion
Spend the day exploring Rumbur Valley with short hikes and cultural interactions. Return to Bumburet in the evening. Overnight stay in Bumburet.
6Day 6: Drive to Mastuj (Drive Time: 6–7 hours)
Depart Kalash and head toward upper Chitral. The road winds through rivers and small villages as you reach Mastuj. Overnight stay in a local lodge or guesthouse.
7Day 7: Mastuj to Shandur – Festival Begins (Drive Time: 4–5 hours)
Drive over Shandur Pass (3,700m) to reach the festival site. Settle into your campsite and enjoy the opening day festivities. Overnight camping at Shandur.
8Day 8: Full Day at Shandur Polo Festival
Enjoy traditional polo matches, folk dances, and local food amid stunning mountain scenery. Explore the festival stalls and meet people from both Gilgit and Chitral regions. Overnight camping at Shandur.
9Day 9: Shandur to Phandar (Drive Time: 4–5 hours)
Cross into Gilgit-Baltistan and descend to the green valley of Phandar, known for its tranquil lake and pine trees. Relax at a lakeside guesthouse. Overnight stay in Phandar.
10Day 10: Drive to Hunza Valley (Drive Time: 6–7 hours)
Head toward the Karakoram Highway, traveling through Gupis and Gilgit before arriving in Karimabad, Hunza. Overnight stay in Karimabad.
11Day 11: Explore Karimabad – Forts & Views
Visit Altit and Baltit Forts, walk through old Hunza streets, and take in views of Ultar, Rakaposhi, and Lady Finger Peak. Enjoy traditional walnut cake. Overnight stay in Karimabad.
12Day 12: Passu & Attabad Lake Excursion (Drive Time: 3–4 hours round trip)
Take a scenic drive north to Attabad Lake, Passu Glacier, and Gulmit village. Optional stop at the Hussaini Suspension Bridge. Return to Karimabad. Overnight stay in Karimabad.
13Day 13: Drive to Gilgit (Drive Time: 2–3 hours)
Start your journey south with a stop in Gilgit for a short city tour and shopping. Overnight stay in Gilgit.
14Day 14: Flight/Drive to Islamabad (Flight: 1 hour or Drive Time: 10–12 hours)
Catch an early morning flight to Islamabad (weather dependent) or drive via Karakoram Highway. Transfer to hotel or airport.
15Day 15: Drop to Airport
Guests will be dropped at the airport. End of tour.
What you will experience
- Witness the world’s highest polo ground in action at the legendary Shandur Polo Festival
- Experience the culture of Kalash tribes in Bumburet Valley
- Travel across scenic Lowari Tunnel, Shandur Pass, and Phandar Lake
- Explore Chitral Fort, ancient Hunza forts, Attabad Lake, and Passu Cones
- Connect deeply with diverse cultures, mountain beauty, and adventure
What to bring
A practical starting point for this trip. Your guide will send a final, weather-checked list two weeks before departure.
Documents & essentials
- Passport valid 6+ months, plus photocopies stored separately
- Pakistan visa or e-visa confirmation printout
- Travel insurance certificate (mandatory — must cover altitude if trekking)
- Flight tickets and this itinerary, printed and on your phone
- Cash in USD or EUR for exchange; cards are not widely accepted outside major cities
- Passport-sized photographs for permits and hotel registration
Clothing
- Layered clothing — northern valleys are cool at night even in summer
- Fleece or insulated jacket for high passes such as Khunjerab and Babusar
- Light waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes plus sandals or trainers
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for mosques, forts and villages
- A scarf or shawl (women should carry one for religious sites)
- Sun hat and sunglasses — UV is intense at altitude
Health & personal care
- Personal medication with a copy of the prescription
- Basic first-aid kit: blister plasters, painkillers, antihistamine, rehydration salts
- Anti-diarrhoeal and a broad-spectrum antibiotic if your doctor advises it
- High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50) and SPF lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Toilet paper — not reliably supplied outside hotels
Electronics
- Universal adapter — Pakistan uses type C and D sockets, 230 V
- Power bank; mains power is intermittent in mountain areas
- Camera with spare batteries — cold drains them quickly
- Phone with offline maps downloaded before departure
Good to have
- Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste
- Small padlock for luggage
- Snacks you like — choice is limited outside cities
- Earplugs and eye mask for long drives and shared lodges
- A small gift or postcards from home if you plan to visit local families
Good to know before you go
What’s included
- All accommodation (hotels, lodges, camps)
- Daily meals
- All festival permits and entry passes
- Private 4×4 transport and road transfers
- Experienced driver and English-speaking local guide
- All taxes, tolls, and parking
- Airport transfers
Not included
- International airfare and visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Lunches and snacks
- Personal expenses and tips
- Any extra excursions not mentioned
When to travel
Shandur Polo Festival window. Highlighted months are when we run this itinerary. Private departures can be arranged on any date — just ask.
Dates shown are guide departures. Exact start dates are confirmed at the time of booking and can be adjusted to suit your flights.
Plan your Shandur Polo Festival & Beyond 14 Days Through Kalash, Chitral & Hunza
Tell us your dates and we will build this itinerary around them — private guide, your pace, your interests. We reply within one working day.
Or call +92 342 5027535
Questions travellers ask
1. What is the Shandur Polo Festival and why is it famous?
The Shandur Polo Festival is a world-renowned event held every July at Shandur Pass (12,000 ft)—the highest polo ground on Earth. It features traditional freestyle polo matches between Chitral and Gilgit teams, alongside folk music, dance, and camping under the stars. It’s one of the top cultural festivals in Pakistan.
2. What are the main destinations covered in this 14-day Northern Pakistan tour?
This tour includes visits to Kalash Valleys (Bumburet), Chitral Town, Shandur Pass, Phandar Valley, and the iconic Hunza Valley. You’ll experience a mix of indigenous culture, scenic beauty, and adventure travel through the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
3. Is the Shandur Festival Tour suitable for international travelers and families?
Yes, this is a well-guided and safe tour suitable for international tourists, cultural explorers, families, and small groups. All transport, accommodation, festival access, and local guides are included for a smooth, worry-free experience in remote mountain regions.
4. What should I pack for the Shandur Festival and mountain travel?
You’ll need layered clothing, as temperatures at high altitudes can vary between 5°C and 20°C. Pack a warm jacket, hiking shoes, sunblock, power bank, sunglasses, camera, and personal medications. A sleeping bag may be useful for optional camping at the festival site.
5. What kind of accommodations and facilities can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at hotels, boutique guesthouses, and campsites (during the Shandur Polo Festival). While basic in some remote areas, all accommodations are clean, secure, and carefully selected for comfort. All meals and festival logistics are arranged in advance.
