By Asghar Khan
Shandur is the highest polo field on earth. Shandur Pass is situated with border of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pukhtunkhwa in Pakistan at a distance of 147km from Chitral and 212km from Gilgit. The pass not only connects Gilgit and Chitral but also offers one of the world’s most interesting and attractive sports annually – i.e. freestyle mountain polo. The game is played on the ‘Roof of the World’, about 12500 feet above sea level approx, where the Hindukush, Pamir and Karakoram ranges meet.
The rugged Mountain polo is arguably polo in its purest form. This version of the game played at Shandur has attained legendary status and is of great interest to international and domestic adventure tourists alike. There are no umpires and there are no holds barred. The rules are: There are no rules!
Historically, polo being the king of games was played between small kingdoms, villages and rival groups of Gilgit and Chitral. From 1936 onwards polo tournaments were held annually on this ground. The three day Shandur Polo Festival has developed steadily in recent years into the massive celebration of mountain polo that it is today. It is attended every year by prominent celebrities, public figures and opinion makers.
Travel Information
Tourists have an option to reach Chitral and Gilgit via air or via land route. PIA operates daily flights from Islamabad to Gilgit and Chitral also form Peshawar to Chitral. These are subject to weather and flight time is 40 – 55 minutes. Overland via Lowari Pass in Chitral takes about 8-9 hours by 4×4 jeep or coaster. From Chitral to Shandur the road is jeepable and takes another 5-6 hours. From Gilgit to Shandur it takes 7 hours by bus and landcruiser 6 hours. Those who make the effort are rewarded by a once in a lifetime experience, spectacular scenery and the certain knowledge that they are among a very few outsiders ever to experience one of the world’s most dramatic regions.
A special camping village is set up during the polo festival near the playing ground. Mess facilities and toilets are also available. Some backpackers prefer to bring their own tents and sleeping bags. The tourists are advised to bring along comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes, as evenings can become chilly. For sun protection – a cap, shades and a sun block (preferably with a high SPF) are recommended. Keep canned food, dry fruits and bottled water for convenience and a flashlight and radio to give you company.
This year’s Shandur Polo Festival 2010 is dedicated to the memory of the courageous martyrs in uniform who laid down their lives for our country. In order to decide the final teams to play at the Shandur Polo Festival preliminary matches are played both in Chitral and Gilgit in which the best horses and players are chosen for the final games by the local juries.
The festival will begin on the 7th of July 2010 with a polo match between Laspur Team, which is a village near Shandur in Chitral, and the Ghizer Team from Gilgit. During the festival A, B, C and D teams of Chitral and Gilgit shall battle it out on the polo field. Each team has six members with 2-4 reserve players incase of injury etc. The match is divided into two halves, with a 10 minutes interval. During intervals the locals enthrall the audiences with traditional and cultural performances. The game is won by the team scoring nine goals.
The final day of the festival will begin with a guard of honour by the Chitral Scouts. After which the final will be played between the traditional rivals Chitral A and Gilgit A. Apart from the polo matches, other activities included during the festival are; traditional and cultural performances, paragliding, horse racing and Tampuk Bazi (a traditional game), scintillating fireworks (8th July) that will mesmerise the audience and a bonfire to warm up the chilly Shandur nights.
After the festival, tourists can visit valley of Chitral Mastuj, Boni and Kalash valleys and Gilgit-Baltistan side Phunder, Gupis, Yasin & Ishkoman valley, Gakuch Gilgit, Hunza, Skarud and enjoy the centuries old cultures.
Ismailimail 
thanks for the great information! very very helpful.
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