Mountain weather can change quickly; conditions shown are planning guidance for the destination area.
Every July, Chitral and Gilgit play free style polo on the world's highest polo ground at 3,700m on the Shandur Pass, in front of thousands camped on the plateau. This itinerary times the festival properly, camping at Shandur for the matches, and pairs it with the Hunza valley on the way back, crossing from the Hindu Kush into the Karakoram.
Quick Facts
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Day by Day Itinerary
Days 1 to 2, Islamabad to Chitral
Drive north via Dir and the Lowari Tunnel into Chitral, in the shadow of Tirich Mir.
Day 3, Kalash Valleys
Day visit to Bumburet to see the Kalash villages before heading up country.
Days 4 to 6, Shandur Polo Festival
Drive up to the Shandur plateau and camp for the festival, three days of matches, music and horsemanship at 3,700m, ending with the Chitral Gilgit final.
Day 7, Shandur to Gilgit
Descend east through the Ghizer valley to Gilgit, following the Gilgit river the whole way.
Days 8 to 9, Hunza
North to Karimabad for Baltit and Altit forts, Eagle's Nest at sunrise, and upper Hunza to Attabad and Passu.
Day 10, Fly to Islamabad
Drive to Gilgit for the flight back to Islamabad.
Tour Highlights
Shandur Polo Festival at 3,700mChitral Fort & Hindu Kush ValleysKalash Valley Day VisitKarimabad, Baltit & Altit FortsAttabad Lake & Passu Cones
What's Included
Private 4x4 and driver throughout
Camping at Shandur with equipment and meals
Hotel accommodation with breakfast elsewhere
English speaking guide
Festival access and all permits/NOC
Airport transfers and e visa invitation letter
Not Included
International flights
Pakistan visa fee
Lunches and dinners outside camp
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Tour Information
Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Travel Mode
By Road (4x4) + return flight
Max Altitude
3,700m (Shandur Pass)
Group Size
2 to 10 people
Best Time
July (festival dates)
Visa Support
Invitation letter and NOC provided
Where You'll Stay
Shandur camp
3 nights camping on the plateau, equipment and meals provided.
Chitral hotel
3 nights in Chitral town.
Karimabad hotel
2 nights in Hunza.
Questions About This Tour
Usually 7 to 9 July, confirmed by the authorities a few weeks beforehand and occasionally moved or cancelled for weather or security. We build departures around the announced dates and tell you as soon as they are confirmed.
Cold and basic. You are at 3,700m on an exposed plateau with thousands of other spectators, tents, cooked meals and sleeping bags are provided, but there is no plumbing and nights drop near freezing even in July.
It is unpaved, high and slow, a proper 4x4 route, not a highway. That is part of why the festival feels the way it does. If the pass is impassable we route via Gilgit instead and reach the festival from the east.