Shandur Polo Festival & North Pakistan Tour: The Roof of the World’s Greatest Game

Upon your arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. The airport is located approximately a 40-45 minute drive from the city center.

In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day city tour starting with a visit to the iconic Faisal Mosque, completed in 1986, followed by the impressive Pakistan Monument and the Lok Virsa Museum, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan. Conclude the tour with a breathtaking view of Islamabad from Daman-e-Koh, a scenic viewpoint nestled in the Margalla Hills.

After returning to the hotel, relax and enjoy dinner. A brief session with our guide will provide details about the next day’s itinerary. Now, it’s time to unwind and get a good night’s rest.

We will start our day early with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an exciting journey from Islamabad to Swat. This trip promises breathtaking views of the countryside and a chance to explore some of Pakistan's most remarkable cultural and historical landmarks.

One of the key highlights along the way is a visit to Takht-e-Bai, an ancient archaeological site in the Mardan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Known for its rich historical and cultural significance, Takht-e-Bai was once a thriving Buddhist monastery and is one of the earliest Buddhist sites in the region.

During our visit, we will explore the remains of this fascinating monastery, which include stupas, shrines, and courtyards. The site also offers stunning panoramic views of Mardan city and its surroundings, making it a truly enriching experience for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

This journey is not just about reaching Swat but also about immersing yourself in the beauty, history, and culture of Pakistan along the way.

A Day of Stunning Natural Beauty and Exploration

The journey offers breathtaking views of the Kunar River Valley, the majestic Hindu Kush Mountains, and the enchanting Kalash Valley. Along the way, you'll encounter picturesque waterfalls, serene rivers, and charming villages that showcase the local culture and lifestyle.

Highlights also include tourist gems like Nagar Fort, Ayun and Chitral River making this route perfect for an unforgettable holiday experience.

We begin early with breakfast before driving through Chitral City, offering stunning views of Tirich Mir, the highest peak of the Hindu Kush. After a brief stop, we continue toward Mastuj and Shandur Pass, passing lush valleys, rivers, and charming villages like Boni and Meragam along the Yarkhun River.

Mastuj, a key junction in Upper Chitral, leads to a two-and-a-half-hour scenic drive through Harchin and Sore Laspur to Shandur Pass. Famous for its annual polo festival, Shandur transforms into a vibrant hub, surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural festivities. This journey is truly unforgettable.

Held every July during the second week, the Shandur Polo Festival takes place at the world's highest polo ground, Shandur Pass, surrounded by stunning landscapes. The event is perfect for trekking and camping, offering three days of thrilling activities, delicious camping meals, and vibrant cultural displays.

Enjoy colorful folk songs, dances, and cultural shows, along with exciting freestyle polo matches between the Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral (KPK) teams. The emotional energy of the spectators adds to the intensity of the matches, making this a truly unforgettable experience.

Enjoy the activities in the Festival there colorful activities are celebrated with different culture and tradition. Every item has its own beauty and taste this day.

This is the last most interesting where the final polo match between Chitral and Gilgit is played. This day is top attraction and interest of the people.

The drive from Shandur to Gupis is a memorable adventure, passing through the breathtaking Phander Valley with its lush greenery, blue lakes, and crystal-clear rivers of the Phander Valley. The Phander River, known for its trout fish, flows all the way to Gilgit. We’ll stop for photos and enjoy a taste of fresh trout, with the option to fish yourself.

We’ll spend the night at a cozy hotel in Gupis, a charming junction between Phander and Yasin Valley, offering stunning views of two rivers meeting in a beautiful confluence.

Today, we will visit to Yasin Valley, a breathtaking region in northern Pakistan with deep historical significance. Once the heart of Little Blore during the Tibetans' rule (747-752 BC), Yasin holds remnants of its rich past. We'll explore the Yasin Fort and visit Mudori Fort, known for its poignant history and panoramic views of the valley. Strolling through charming villages, we'll experience the warm hospitality of the locals.

Yasin also serves as a gateway to remarkable trekking routes, linking Ishkoman to the east and Yarkhun, Broghil Valley, and Chitral to the west via the renowned Darkot and Thui Passes. We'll end the day with a delightful traditional dinner and an overnight stay in a cozy hotel.

We’ll drive along Shandur Road, following the clear waters of the Ghizer River and passing through the charming villages of Punial and Ishkoman. The scenic route features villages on both sides of the river. En route, we’ll visit the 7th-century Kargah Buddha near Gilgit, the administrative hub of northern Pakistan, offering breathtaking views of Rakaposhi and Haramosh Peaks. After a brief city tour, we’ll stop for lunch.

Continuing on the Karakoram Highway, often called the 8th Wonder of the World, we’ll enjoy stunning views of Rakaposhi, remnants of the Silk Road, and the tectonic collision point of the Indian plate. Our destination is Karimabad in Hunza Valley, renowned for its incredible beauty and warm hospitality. We’ll spend the night at a hotel in this enchanting destination.

We’ll begin the day with a visit to the enchanting Baltit Fort, a 900-year-old landmark perched above Karimabad, which was tentatively added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2004. After enjoying lunch in a traditional Hunza home, we’ll explore Altit Fort and head to Duiker.

At Duiker, located at an altitude of 2,935 meters, we’ll experience a breathtaking sunset at Eagle’s Nest, offering spectacular views of Hunza, Nagar, and the surrounding mountains. After soaking in the stunning scenery, we’ll return to our hotel to enjoy a delicious dinner.

Gulmit, the capital of Gojal, is a quaint village situated at 2,400 meters above sea level, offering stunning day walks along the Karakoram Highway. Since the formation of Attabad Lake, the area has undergone significant changes. A visit to the Gulmit Museum, housed in Raja Hussain Ali Khan’s residence near the Marco Polo Inn, provides a glimpse into traditional ethnic artifacts.

In Old Gulmit, near the polo ground, you’ll find the Mir of Hunza’s former summer residence, an old Shia mosque with intricate woodwork, Silum Khan III’s tomb, water mills, and historic houses.

We’ll then head to Passu, renowned for its excellent hiking trails and the 56 km-long Batura Glacier, where locals graze yaks, cattle, sheep, and goats. A stop at the Hussaini Suspension Bridge will complete the day before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Today, we journey back along the same route to Gilgit and onward to Chilas. Along the way, we’ll visit the iconic Junction Point of the three great mountain ranges: the Karakoram, Hindukush, and Himalayas. From the same spot, we’ll also witness the confluence of the Gilgit and Indus Rivers.

The mighty Indus River accompanies us throughout the drive to Besham. We’ll stop at a viewpoint to admire Nanga Parbat (8,126m), the second-highest peak in Pakistan and the ninth in the world. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Chilas, continuing to Islamabad for an overnight stay.

Our journey today takes us along the legendary Karakoram Highway, passing through Besham, Thakot, Mansehra, and Abbottabad before reaching Islamabad. This scenic route is filled with natural and cultural wonders, including the majestic Indus River, the rugged landscapes of Kohistan, and the picturesque hills of Hazara.

We’ll make several stops along the way to admire the views, capture photographs, and enjoy refreshments, immersing ourselves in the beauty and diversity of the region. By evening, we’ll arrive in Islamabad, where we’ll check into our hotel for a restful overnight stay.

Transfer to Islamabad for home flight we wish you safe journey to your sweet home