Why visit Shandur
Shandur is a broad, almost flat pass, a rare open space among the steep valleys of the north. Shandur Lake lies beside the polo ground, and on a clear day snow peaks line the horizon. Roads climb to it from both sides, the Chitral–Shandur road from the west and the Gilgit–Shandur road from the east, so the pass makes a natural link between Chitral and the Ghizer valley.
Shandur Polo Festival
The tournament dates back to 1930, when Colonel Evelyn Hey Cobb started it. Teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan meet under freestyle rules with six riders a side, and each match pauses at half-time for folk music and dancing. A camping village springs up around the ground and thousands of spectators come for the final. In June 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan beat Chitral 6–5 in extra time, ending Chitral's run of 13 years without a defeat.
Shandur Polo Festival dates
The festival was long held from 7 to 9 July, but recent editions have come earlier: it ran from 20 to 22 June in 2025, and the 2026 final was played on 13 June. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan governments organise it together and dates shift from year to year, so we confirm them when you enquire.
How to reach Shandur Pass
From Chitral, a road follows the Mastuj River up to Mastuj and continues through the Laspur valley to the pass. From Gilgit the route runs west through the Ghizer valley past Gupis, Khalti Lake and Phander, a journey of a little over 200 km. The pass is snowbound for much of the year and closed to traffic in deep winter, so travel is planned for the summer months.
Shandur Pass weather
At this height the sun is strong by day, but evenings turn cold even in June and July, and wind sweeps across the open plateau. Festival campers need warm layers, a good sleeping bag and sun protection.
Plan your trip to Shandur
Our 12D 11N Shandur Polo Festival Tour is built around the tournament. You can combine the pass with Chitral or the Ghizer valley, or tell us your dates and we will plan a private festival trip with transport and camping arranged.
Small Group Tour