Shandur Polo festival will be held from July 7 – 9, 2008. The phone company Telenor Pakistan has sponsored the most exciting polo tournament of the region. Travel & Ciulture Services has organised a special tour for the tournament for locals as well as the Pakistani clients. Please visit our Shandur Polo Tour page?for details.
The three day polo tournament organized by Gilgit and Chitral polo clubs will be played at Shandur pass 12000 feet above sea level. The tournament will be played between local? administration and Telenor Pakistan. More than 12,000 local and international visitors, the festival will witness a traditional polo tournament between the teams of Gilgit & Chitral from 7th- 9th July, 2008It is a place unique and exotic in itself, surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. The event marks the annual rivalry between the polo teams of Gilgit and Chitral. Supporters of both sides travel long distances from the remote parts, to watch the thrilling game. The event offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the people of this region. Their culture and indigenous customs are a delight to observe for the visitors.?Some added attractions for the visitors at the Shandur Polo Festival this year will be: horse racing without saddles, tampooq bazi, selection of the best horse of Chitral and the Northern Areas, paragliding and motorized gliding. Visitors will also witness a beautiful display of fireworks by an international company, known for their recent work at the Olympic Torch ceremony held in Islamabad. The first Shandur Polo Tournament was played in 1833. A British Political Agent Major Cobb, who had the polo ground at Shandur named after himself, organized the first tournament. He was fond of playing the game under the full moon. Since then polo in Shandur has been a tradition. The most spectacular polo of present times is played at the Shandur Top between Gilgit and Chitral teams every July at 12,250ft. above seal level, the splendor and glory of polo is an event not to be missed.
Adorning their best and most brightly colored costumes the local tribesmen celebrate the polo festival with folk dance and music. Ancient Persian artist depicted polo as an equestrian ballet and even today the local polo players are also the best dancers.
The scenery here is in keeping with the breathtaking fury of the game. The famous Shandur Top overlooks the scenic Shandur Lake, encompassed by towering snowcapped mountains. So amidst music, festivities and awe-inspiring natural beauty, the glory of polo lives on.