Fast facts
Country Visited
Pakistan
Visas
Yes*
Vaccinations
Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information
Singles
A single supplement is not always possible on this trip. In many instances campsite size is limited and it will be necessary to share with another team member. This also applies to mountaineering expeditions. Single supplement in hotels is available. Please contact Shams Alpine Mountaineering & Trekking Pvt Ltd for specific detail, relevant to your trip.
Entry points
Shimshal can be reached from Islamabad by plane to Gilgit city or else by road along the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit and passing through Ghizer valley to Shandur Pass. and the second options is from Islamabad to Chitral via Lowrari Tunnel and following the Chitral Mastuj road to Shandur Pass.
Leader
Discover the spectacular hidden Karakoram with English speaking,
world renowned Shimshali mountain guides
Adventure travel
By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you contact us with any concerns. We are happy to answer any questions.
Responsible travel
The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimize the impact of our presence.
Shandur Polo Festival
Trip Duration: 13 days
Season: July
Grade: Easy
Activities: Exploring the traditional valleys of Chitral
Accommodation: 07 days trip, 06 or 07 nights hotel, 00 nights camping
About this Festival
Shandur polo festival is the most exciting festival celebrated every year in the first week of July at Shamdur Pass, which lies on the border of Giligit-Baltistan and Chitral in the Hindukush Mountain range of Pakistan. This amazing festival begins with the tradition polo matches between the tribes of Gilgit- Baltistan and Chitral. Which attracts lot of tourist to visit Pakistan to watch the free –style polo matches between different teams.
Shandur polo ground is considered to be the highest polo ground in the world at 3,700meter. The polo ground is adjacent to Shandur lake. The festival provides an amazing cultural experience in the Hindukush mountain ranges.
Short itinerary
Day 01 Arrive Islamabad airport and transfer to hotel
Day 02 Drive to Swat, 180km, 6-7 hrs – Hotel
Day 03 Drive to Chitral 254km, 7-8 hrs –Hotel
Day 04 Drive to Bomborat (Kalash valley) 60km, 2-3 hrs -Hotel
Day 05 Visit Birir, Bomborat and Rambour – Hotel
Day 06 Drive to Shandur Pass 3700 meters, 157km, 6-7 hrs – Hotel
Day 07/08 Two days at Shandur pass for polo tournament – Camp
Day 09 Drive to Phander valley 50-km – Hotel
Day 10 Drive to Gilgit – Hotel
Day 11 Fly to Gilgit or drive to Narran 6-7hrs – Hotel
Day 12 Market visit or second day of dive from Narran to Islamabad – Hotel
Day 13 Departure from Islamabad to home
Our Services Include
Invitation letter for travel to Pakistan to assist your visa applicationand assistance on your arrival and departure
An experienced English speaking high altitude Guide.
Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and cooking and eating utensils and mess tent.
Good quality accommodation in cities and towns in twin bed shared rooms. Single room supplement is available.
Internal Jeep transport by private vehicle.
Tented camps on shared basis while Camping.
Porters, Guides, Cook and other staffs daily wages and insurance.
Our Service does not include
Bottled water, aerated drinks, laundry and other items of personal nature
Meals except where indicated in the itinerary
Personal snacks, energy bars, energy gels, sweets and Personal gear, sleeping bags, phone calls and laundry
Tips for crew members
International airfares, Travel Insurance, Airport and departure taxes.
Single supplement
Guides and porters
Our local guides and porters are all experienced, handpicked and trained by Shaheen Baig and Qudrat Ali (directors of Shams Alpine) to ensure that our clients have the best opportunity for success with comfort. A porter will carry your kit bag and you will be expected to carry your own day pack which should be large enough to carry all you will need throughout the day e.g. sunscreen, raincoat, water bottle, camera, spare long sleeved clothing, snow protection glasses, sun protection gloves, hat and scarves, snack food, etc.