Shandur Polo Festival – 14 Days (June)

Arrive at the Meeting Point/Islamabad Airport where you will be received by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. After some rest and relaxation, we will head into Islamabad to see some of the sights the capital has to offer such as the Faisal Mosque, which is nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills and inspired by strong Islamic cultural characteristics. Time permitting, we will visit Daman-e-Koh, a viewing point offering stunning panoramic views across Islamabad. In the evening, we will have a briefing ahead of the trip ahead during the welcome dinner. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

After breakfast, we will head north making our way to the ancient town of Chitral, driving through Swat Valley and via the Lowari Tunnel before we reach Ayun. This dreamy little village, which is the closest village to the Kalash Valleys, is situated on the banks of the Bumburet River and surrounded by mountains from all sides with wishful looking hamlets dotted around. Its emerald green valleys with snow-tipped mountains in the distance are a delight for any avid traveller looking in search of some serenity. Here, we will explore the splendid gardens of Ayun Fort, which is home to Maqsood-ul-Mulk, one of the princes of Chitral. Set in a heavenly fruit orchard, this guesthouse offers a stunning view of the Tirich Mir, the highest mountain in the Hindu Kush range and is where we will be staying for the night. Overnight stay in Ayun.

After breakfast, we will make our way to the beautiful Bumburet Valley, the largest of the 3 Kalash Valleys with its sparkling streams, shady meadows and wide mountain vistas. Spot animals grazing nearby and be mesmerised by its lush green plains as you make your way through the valley. Next, we will head to the Kalash Graveyard where death is a celebration and is reminiscent of a time when the local tribe would sing and dance around the bodies of their loved ones before burial. From here, we will make our way to the centre where we will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the people of Kalash, an indigenous tribe who are said to be descendants of Alexander the Great. Travellers come from far and wide to see the rich ancient culture and rituals of this minority pagan tribe and we will join in on their festivities as they showcase their distinctive culture through music and dance. In the evening we will head to the town of Chitral where we will check in to our hotel for the night. Overnight stay in Chitral.

Today, we will be exploring the hidden jewel in North Pakistan that is Chitral. With its cool climate and unique architecture, this is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those looking to take in a land that has been well preserved and secluded from the rest of the country. First, we will head to the majestic Chitral Fort, which holds a strategic position on the Chitral River and was believed to have been built in 1774. This fort has witnessed the glories and ruins of history for centuries and has been the subject of major invasions, most famously the 1895 siege, which is much celebrated event in British history. From here, we will visit the nearby Shahi Mosque, which was built towards the latter part of the 19th century and is known for its remarkable eye-catching structure. After having lunch in Birmoghlast, which is situated on a mountain top, we will take a wander through the ancient markets of Chitral where the locals sell their finest wares. Overnight stay in Chitral. 

After breakfast, we will be making our way to Mastuj, a small town nestled in the foothills of the Hindu Kush range and which borders Gilgit-Baltistan on one side and Afghanistan on the order. On arrival, we will check in to our hotel and then head towards the main village where we will walk the ancient cobbled streets of this ancient town and meet with the locals. This will be the perfect opportunity to recover from a busy few days and get some rest in anticipation of the active itinerary in the days ahead. Overnight stay in Mastuj.

This morning, we will head to Shandur, home to the highest polo ground in the world, which sits at an elevation of 3,700m above sea level. Affectionately known as the “Roof of the World” this town hosts one of the key festivals in the country, namely the Shandur Polo Festival which is a fiercely contested polo match between arch-rivals, Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, originating in 1936. With no restrictions on how you can play and supporters from each team screaming in support and dancing when their team scores, this event is a colourful spectacle and a key attraction for locals and in particular, international visitors. On arrival, we will quickly settle in to experience the festivities. In the evening, the nights are chilly but with a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea you will find yourself at ease as you gaze out at the starry evening sky ahead of you whilst listening to the crackling of the bonfire. We will set up camp for our first night at Shandur.

Today, we will experience the final polo match between the two teams with several VIP’s in attendance to mark the spectacular occasion, which in former years has included either the President or the Prime Minister of Pakistan. As this thrilling game comes to an end, guests will have the opportunity to participate in horse riding, paragliding and traditional folk dance which will provide a fascinating insight into the culture and customs of the people of this unique land. After leaving Shandur, we will head to Khalti, making a stop at Phandar Valley commonly known as “Little Kashmir.” Wonderful in all seasons, this enchanting little valley is especially famous for its stunning beauty as well as the Phandar Lake, which snakes its way through the lush green fields and mountain ranges to form a mystical sight. In the evening, we will continue onto Khalti where we will check in to our hotel for the evening. Overnight stay in Khalti.

After breakfast, we will head to the main city of Gilgit where we will check in to our hotel, have lunch and take some rest before we head out again. Taking the off-the-beaten-track we will visit Kargah Buddha, which is a carved image of Buddha in the cliff-face of Kargah Nala that dates back to the 7th century and pays homage to the Buddhist origins of Gilgit-Baltistan. Many consider their visit incomplete without having a glimpse of this unique rock sculpture, which still exists in its original state and has a captivating history. In the evening, we will indulge in some retail therapy by checking out the Northern Light Infantry Market, a favourite haunt amongst the locals and a must-see attraction for those who like to haggle to get the best bang for their buck (or rupee!) Overnight stay in Gilgit.

In the morning, we will be heading to Hunza Valley, formerly a princely state and now a mountainous valley considered to be one of the most beautiful areas in Pakistan. Enormously rich in culture, this striking landscape attracts visitors from all corners of the world and its towering mountains, steep glaciers and friendly locals make this one of the best kept secrets of the North Pakistan. Making a quick stop at the view point for Rakkaposhi, we will enjoy a cup of hot tea before continuing on to Hunza Valley. We will take a trip to Baltit Fort, once the prime seat of power in Hunza and now a UNESCO site with a rich history that can be traced back to over 700 years ago. Next, we will take a private tour of the dungeons at Altit Fort which is situated in the revered royal gardens of Hunza where lush apricot trees and cherry blossoms are plentiful. In the evening we will take a walk through the ancient cobbled streets of Karimabad Bazaar and get lost in this picture postcard village before making our way to the hotel. Guests will have the option of trying the popular walnut cake at Café de Hunza as they explore this quant little town. Overnight stay in Karimabad, Hunza Valley.

After breakfast, we will set off on the Karakoram Highway, cross through the Wildlife Conservation Area in Khyber before making our way to Khunjerab Pass. This is the highest border-crossing in the world situated at 4,000m above sea level and guests will have the opportunity to engage in an enchanting multicultural experience that spans across Pakistan and China. After spending some time at the international border, we will retreat to the village of Sost to check out the local street markets before heading back. On our return, we will be visiting the village of Gulmit where we will be treated to a traditional folk music performance by local musicians at Bulbulik School of Music, the first of its kind institution which aims to revive Pamiri folk music which is on the verge of extinction. Overnight stay in Karimabad, Hunza Valley/Gulmit. 

Today, we will head to Attabad Lake for some boating to witness its dizzyingly turquoise waters amidst the spectacular mountain scenery. Thereafter we will take a walk along the Hussaini Suspension Bridge, otherwise known as the most dangerous bridge in the world. Built by the locals and still used today, this bridge is nothing short of an adventure with every step requiring a leap of faith. From here will make our way to the village of Passu to try out the famous apricot cake of Hunza against the backdrop of the majestic Passu Cones which form part of the Karakoram Range. The village of Passu is a treat in itself as it is not as crowded as its counterparts but with its gorgeous peaks and striking scenery it is a definite treat for the eyes. Before heading back to the hotel, we will visit Passu Glacier and take some time to stop, enjoy and admire another natural wonder of the world. Overnight stay in Karimabad, Hunza Valley/Gulmit.

Today, we will leave for Besham/Naran. If the route to Naran is clear, we will explore the towns of Haripur, Abbottabad and Mansehra on the way whilst riding parallel to the Indus River. And if the route to Naran is clear, we will end our tour by exploring the glaciers, lakes and lush green Alpine forest of the Kaghan Valley. The drive will take approximately 7 hours and will take us along the Karakoram Highway, once an important facet of the “Silk Road” route and now considered as the 8th wonder of the world. We will check in to our hotel during the late afternoon and you can enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Besham/Naran.

Following breakfast, we will continue the remainder of our journey to Islamabad whilst taking in the staggering mountain scenery, the rough terrains of the road and the welcoming people in the neighbouring villages. On arrival, we will check into our hotel in Islamabad during late afternoon and you can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. In the evening, we will head to Pir Sohawa to enjoy a farewell dinner at the famous Monal restaurant, which offers the finest views of Islamabad from a stunning vantage point. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

After a hearty breakfast and a bittersweet farewell, you will be transferred to Islamabad Airport/Departure Point where our trip will come to an end.