Shandur Polo Festival is an amazing and thrilling festival celebrated by the people of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan in the northern areas of Pakistan. Shandur Polo festival takes place every summer in the month of July when different polo teams from various regions of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan meet at the Shandur plains every summer for play.
The Shandur Pass is a beautiful piece of land where different teams play wild free-style polo. Shandur polo ground is considered to be the highest polo ground in the world at 3,700+ meters. The festival also includes Folk music, dancing, and a camping village is set up. The polo ground is adjacent to Shandur lake. The festival provides an amazing cultural experience in the Hindukush mountain ranges.
Shandur Polo Festival Confirmed Date 2025? The Shandur Polo Festival 2025 is officially scheduled for June 20–22, 2025.
Confirmed Departures 15 June 2025
15 June 2026
The dates of the event may change due to the sacred Islamic Month Moharram.
Be part of the next adventurous Shandur Polo festival 2025-26 with Exploria!
Major Highlights of Shandur Polo Festival:
Enjoy a freestyle polo match at Shandur Polo Festival 2025
Get a cultural insight into the diverse culture of northern areas
Explore indigenous music of the mountains
Enjoy Pakistani cuisine
know about old stories from the local community
view of majestic peaks including Tirich Mir (7,708m) in the Hindukush Range and Nanga Parbat (8,126m)in the Himalayas range
Events For The Day: • Arrival at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad • Airport transfer • Check-in at Hotel • Overnight in Islamabad From the airport, our guide(s) will receive you. You’ll be moved to the booked hotel shortly. Our guests may relax and recover from their long journey on this day. Pick-up Details: One of our guides will be holding a sign with both our company’s logo and your name on it. International flights normally arrive at midnight so at that time the Islamabad airport gets crowd-less. Our guide can easily locate you and guide you further. Kindly let us know in advance, in case you do not need any airport transfers.
Day 2 - Fly to Gilgit
Fly to Gilgit from Islamabad
Your guide will receive you at Gilgit Airport
Transfer to the hotel in Gilgit
Naltar Valley Day tour/Transfer to Hunza Valley
Day 3 - Explore Hunza Valley
Day tour to Central Hunza
On this day you will visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort
Sunset at Eagles Nest viewpoint
Overngight stay in Hunza
Day 4 - Explore Upper Hunza
Road adventure through Karakoram Highway to the upper Hunza
Visit Attabad Lake and Borith Lake
Overnight stay in upper Hunza
Day 5 - Immersive tour in upper Hunza
Visit Passu Cones, Hussaini suspension bridge, and around
Day free to witness the immense natural landscapes in parts of Gojal
return to Gilgit by evening
Overnight stay in Gilgit
Day 6 - Road trip to Shandur
Road trip to Shandur
Road adventure through the picturesque valleys and landscapes on the way
Shandur arrival by night
Overngiht stay in Shandur (Camps)
Day 7 - Festival Tour
Festival Day
Day free to immerse into the polo festival at Shandur
You will be able to meet and greet the people while enjoying the match
Overnight stay in Shandur (Camps)
Day 8 - Return trip to Gilgit
Return drive to Gilgit
Road trip to Gilgit in the morning
Gilgit arrival by evening
Overnight stay at Gilgit
Day 9 - Fly back to Islamabad
Transfer to Gilgit Airport in the morning
Fly to Islamabad
Your chauffeur will pick you up at Islamabad Airport
Transfer to the hotel
Guided Islamabad day tour
Visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa Museum
Visit
Day 10 - Airport drop off
Check out from the hotel by 12:00 PM
Complimentary airport transfer will be provided on this day
Hotel Accommodation (Twin Sharing)
Camping at Shandur
Domestic Flight tickets
Air Conditioned private Transportation at your disposal
3 meals a day (For 04+ confirmed Bookings)
English Speaking Tour Guide
All Taxes, Parking and Misc expenses
Personal Expenses
Gratuities
Tickets and Activities
Travel Insurance
Multi day
English
Tour's Location
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US
Ayesha Siddiqi
2024-07-24
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I recently went on an unforgettable 10-day tour through Skardu and Hunza with Exploria, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough. From the initial planning stages to the final moments of the trip, Exploria exceeded all expectations and provided an extraordinary adventure in Pakistan’s northern areas. The stunning beauty of the area is unmatched and unlike anything I've ever seen. It is a must-see place!
Being unfamiliar with the area, I relied on Exploria to plan the trip. It was not an easy trip to execute as we traveled with a large group - 6 adults (two of which were our elderly parents) and two toddlers, but they made it happen! We came from the US with a mixed group of Americans (who only spoke to English) and Pakistanis. Exploria made sure to provide us with guides who spoke perfect English and understood the needs of western tourists.
The guide and driver who accompanied us on the trip were truly exceptional. Our guide was not only knowledgeable about the region’s history, culture, and geography but also incredibly friendly and approachable. He went above and beyond for us, making sure we were safe and comfortable throughout the journey.
Exploria booked all our flights and hotels, selecting some of the most stunning accommodations. Each place we stayed offered breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Traveling in remote areas can sometimes be challenging, but Exploria ensured our safety and comfort at all times. Their attention to detail, well-maintained vehicles, and excellent logistical planning allowed us to focus on enjoying the journey without any worries.
Some things to be mindful of on a trip like this are:
1. there are long distances between sites, traversed via winding mountainous roads so be prepared to spend many hours in the car. There are some restrooms along the way but not always ones that westerners are accustomed to. If you wish to avoid long drives and prefer to spend more leisure time in hotels/have shorter days, plan to spend your time in just one place (ie. Skardu OR Hunza).
2. Altitude sickness is possible in these very high mountainous regions so if you're sensitive to that, let the planners know ahead of time.
3. If possible, avoid moving to new hotels each day and instead spend more nights/days in one hotel so you can enjoy the amenities.
If you are considering a trip to Pakistan’s northern areas, I wholeheartedly recommend choosing Exploria.
Nadia Akhtar
2024-07-07
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We were absolutely amazed by the tour provided by Exploria.PK. My daughter and I had requested a multi city tour… it was beyond our expectations! Our tour was curated for the number of days we requested…. We saw breathtaking views of Skardu, visited Islamabad and enjoyed the historical sites in Lahore in 6 days!!! Highly recommend this group! Very safe and a delightful experience!!!!
Barb Devine
2024-06-10
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Hindu Kush Tour Northern Pakistan.
I feel this tour was a great way to start to get to
know the 'real' Pakistan. We had a variety of
accommodation ranging from good hotels to
basic local guesthouses. We were always well
looked after in them all. The roads were crazy
fantastic which I personally found really
interesting. Around every corner was another
amazing view. The people were always
welcoming and friendly. We got to try a range
of local food with the odd 'street food' thrown
in if we were interested. The itinerary covered a
variety of valleys and towns which also enabled
us to learn their history and culture. Our guide
Kareem was very knowledgeable and
passionate about his job, the Pakistani people
and his country so always made sure he
passed this information on in an interesting
way. Just a word of warning, if you don't enjoy
road trips (a couple of long days), are not
adaptable or not into 'local' maybe Pakistan is
not for you. But if you enjoy amazing scenery,
immersing yourself into local life, crazy roads,
learning a new culture, being adaptable then
Pakistan is definitely for you. I think Exploria
have put together a good tour to give you the
best in a short time.
Winnie Yeung
2024-05-22
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今年五月中我和朋友到巴基斯坦觀光九天行程由 Exploria Tours 安排。主要遊玩首都伊斯蘭堡和北部 Skardu 和 Hunza Valley。最令我印象深刻就是北部的大自然風光,連綿的雪山山脈,婉蜒的河谷和急流令人目不暇给心曠神怡。
Skardu 的Soak Valley 在冰川群山中的石灘河溪上喝茶吃點心,人在水中央很是浪漫,這體驗非常難忘。Skardu Shangri-la Resort 更是必到的地方,resort 環湖而建,住客可泛舟湖上真一樂也。
Hunza Valley 更是風光無限,沿途景點有Rakaposhi view point, Baltit Fort, Altit Fort 景觀一流,最激賞是Passu Cones 群山尖頂在雲霧繞繚中像仙境一樣。導遊帶領我們行Passu Valley 見到壯觀的Passu Glacier 好震撼啊!讚!
返回伊斯蘭堡再進行我歷史文化之旅去看佛教腱陀羅發源地之一Taxila 和Takht-e-Bhai 。佛教遺址保存頗為完好,二千多年前的佛塔,城池,街道商店等。经導賞帶領講解令我獲益良多。這是佛教徒不能錯過的朝聖地方。
總言之這個旅程我很滿意也很難忘,Exploria Tours 安排恰當貼心。巴基斯坦是我會考慮重遊的地方並會推薦给朋友。
Bruno Figueras
2023-10-04
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Great traveling with Exploria. We trekked all the Hunza region. Everything was very well organized. The Guide we had was top, very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Excellent!!!
Kanza Agha
2023-09-20
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Would highly recommend this company. They were super helpful throughout the trip and available for any issues. The local driver they provided was excellent. It was an amazing experience! Thank you
Francesca Parachini
2023-07-14
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My name is Francesca and it’s 25 years now that I have been traveling around the world non-stop.
Pakistan was in the bucket list since a while and this summer I took the opportunity to come and discover that fantastic place: Gilgit Baltistan.
My trip began in Skardu driving then to Hunza Valley.
I don’t have the words to describe the beauty, the majestic of these ranges of mountains. My driver was so skilled (well he is from the region), Fareed is his name, friendly, efficient, doing everything to make me feel comfortable.
I loved the hotels chosen, the food (even though don’t hesitate to express your taste for the breakfasts, as they are mainly basic).
Final point: don’t be scared to come over, the region is safe and you’re in very good hands with Exploria.
I highly recommend Exploria!!
Prima Latha
2023-06-18
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Recently returned from a solo trip to North Pakistan. This was a spectacular trip. North Pakistan is breathtakingly beautiful. Exploria PK was the 5th tour operator I contacted and am so thankful that I eventually booked my private tour with them. All communications was with Ajmal who helped plan the entire trip for me. Stress free, easy and prompt communication via email & whatsapp. He was very fast in his responses too and from the start of our communication he promised that as a solo female traveler my experience in North Pakistan will be safe and smooth and that he will assign a guide who will best suit my requires – he kept his promise! What impressed me with Exploria PK services is that Ajmal continued to check in on me upon my arrival into Islamabad on Day, throughout my stay in North Pakistan and also upon my return back home. RESPECT! I was assigned Rashid as guide for my private tour and he was equally amazing. Rashid kept me safe on the roads and gave me an amazing experience. The best were the road trips – the views of the mountains around every corner was jaw-dropping. The whole trip was wonderful. Everyday was filled with great moments. I was well taken care and the hospitality in North Pakistan stands out from everything else. This was hands down the best travel experience for me. I had an amazing time. Highly recommend Exploria PK. Just book your tickets and leave everything else in the good hands of Ajmal. Well done Ajmal & Rashid! My soul will forever thank you both for giving me amazing memories that will last a lifetime. THANK YOU!
Ayaz Amin
2023-01-06
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Thanks for a phenomenal tour experience. We had a great time touring with you. Hunza will always be my ultimate favorite destination.
I would recommend Exploria as the best tour operator to travel Pakistan.
Soogra Banoo Meer
2022-10-21
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I would recommend Exploria to all my friends and family. My trip was well organised and within my budget. Tour guides Nawaz and Raheem together with driver Imraan and Noor did an excellent job of fulfilling our wishes for a memorable experience. They were friendly and polite. Thank you Exploria for your excellent service.
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What is the confirmed date of Shandur Polo Festival 2025?
The Shandur Polo Festival 2025 is officially scheduled for June 20–22, 2025.
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