
The Shandur Polo Festival is an annual traditional polo event held at Shandur Top, the world’s highest polo ground at about 3,700 meters altitude in Pakistan. Dating back to 1936, it features freestyle polo matches between teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, attracting thousands of spectators globally. The festival celebrates not only the sport but also local culture through music, dance, crafts, and community camping under the open sky, symbolizing unity and cultural exchange in the region.
The Shandur Polo Festival is an annual traditional polo event held at Shandur Top, the world’s highest polo ground at about 3,700 meters altitude in Pakistan. Dating back to 1936, it features freestyle polo matches between teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, attracting thousands of spectators globally. The festival celebrates not only the sport but also local culture through music, dance, crafts, and community camping under the open sky, symbolizing unity and cultural exchange in the region.
Rawalpindi – Peshawar – Chitral – Shandur – Chitral – Peshawar – Islamabad
Learn about the festival’s origins dating back to 1936 and the creation of 'Mas Junali' – the moonlit polo ground.
Watch matches played under classic freestyle rules, emphasizing speed and skill.
Enjoy music, dance, and crafts that highlight the region’s rich heritage.
Camp alongside visitors and locals, sharing in the festive atmosphere under the open sky.