Tucked away among the craggy heights of northern Pakistan, Shandur Polo Festival World’s Highest Polo Tournament is a vibrant celebration combining heritage, sport and natural beauty. The festival showcases the centuries-old traditions while also offering a different experience to both adventure lovers and cultural enthusiasts, all of which makes it an ideal destination. In this blog, we take a look at the importance of Bali Arts Festival and some popular attractions in detail while sharing travel budget & tips to make your visit even more worthwhile.
History and Culture
Origins of Polo in the Region
The game of polo in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral (Gilgit, Baltistan ad chiltan) has ancient origins which according to the writer Rab Nawaz Muteh are as old as a thousand years. Polo, historically was not a simply a sport but an exercise to train warriors and an assertion of skill and courage. Keeping up with the legacy, Shandur Polo Festival at 12,200 feet above sea level reflects how a sport can influence local traditions and cultural heritage of the region.
Significance of Shandur Pass
Shandur Pass, the Roof of the World is a high mountain pass located near holding Chitral Valley to cities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces in Pakistan. The festival is unique not just for what it offers, but also due to the fact that it takes place at high altitude and in a remote location — all symbolic of the determination, spirit and vitality of these communities. The festival is a bridge from these areas, bringing everyone together and sharing their cultures.
The Festival: An Overview
Dates and Location
The Shandur Polo Festival World’s Highest Polo Tournament held in July every year for three days usually Situated at 3700 meters high between Chitral and Ghizer districts, the annual Shandur Polo Festival is regarded as one of the free style polo games on top of a beautiful pass called Shandur Pass. At this time of year, during the height of summer in the valleys is when it celeberated to get away from heat.
Events and Activities
Polo Tournament:
Abstract: The principle occasion of the celebration, the polo competition with group from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan The games are played as the rule book of the sport suggest, 2 teams play against each other for a win in this very skillful and strategic game where there’s no space ever leaving physical power out.
Special Features: The Shandur Polo Ground isn’t your typical polo course – the field is wavy, uneven and rocky that makes playing even all the more quite a difficult task.
Cultural Performances:
Music and Dance: The good old local music, with dance performances by traditional dancers on various stages. Folk artists sang some folk songs include rubab and dhol.
Dance Performances:There are several kinds of dance performance where you can find the traditional ways to perform Pashtun and Balti while performing, which actually show how diversified its culture is.
Product Exhibit: Local artisans showcase their products, such as intricate needlework, traditional jewelry, and classic pottery. These stalls show you some unique souvenirs that are worth buying or displays the art of each local.
Local Cuisine:
Local Food: The festival provides an opportunity to try local food. On offer at the food stalls is chapshuro, a mincemeat-stuffed pastry; pulao, seasoned rice; and kabuli pulao — flavored rice mixed with meats as well dried fruit and nuts. Kaladi — deep-fried cheese, and pastries made from apricot are some of the popular sweets in Leh.
Drinks: Cold drinks from traditional cordials to locally brewed ales provide something different and refreshingly quintessentially Yorkshire.
Experiencing the Shandur Polo Festival World’s Highest Polo Tournament
Travel and Accommodation
To Drive To Shandur Pass: Traveling to the gateway of Chitral where you will spend a beautiful day and take next turn towards scenic 150 Kms long mountain roads. The drive is accompanied by verdant valleys, gushing rivers and old forts along the route The pathway is exhilarating and hard to navigate therefore it is compulsory that one drives in a well-equipped vehicle or through a prominent tour operator.
Food and Accommodation: As services at Shandur Pass are scarce due to its isolated positioning the only access is through a single jeepable track. For accommodation festival organizers offer camping options and basic lodges are also available in Chitral, Gilgit etc. An alternative is to stay at the lodges for added comfort and use them as a base from which to explore the festival, or nearby attractions.
What to Bring
Dress: Temps can be cold at night and warm during the day, layer up! Best are layered clothes or wear warm jacket and Talma etc. Trust me, you will need some really good hiking boots to walk on the uneven surface.
Good useful objects to have with you are: sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. There is little vegetation on The Volcan Cayambe – Cotopaxi Trail so the strong sun will be shining directly over your head for most of the day! You are going to want a camera — the landscapes and festival events can be beautiful. Electricity supply is sparse in remote areas, therefore you may want to bring a portable charger as well as extra batteries.
Cultural Sensitivity
Numerous Local Traditions: The Shandur Polo Festival is based on the traditions that are practised by various local communities. It must be noted that the participants and visitors need to approach this festival with due respect for their cultural practices. Exploring the traditional engage with locals and participate in activities off an open mind to work as a supplement instead of against it.
Local Experience: The locals are extremely hospitable and friendly. It also enhances the experience strengthening our bond with festival.
The Impact of the Festival
Preservation of Traditions
Shandur Polo Festival is a key event to maintain culture of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral Regions. The festival preserves those interests by placing traditional polo as its center, showing local traditions later generations of Blacks will with any luck, keep exercising.
Tourism and Economic Benefits
The festival attracts tourists to Hazara from all over Pakistan and abroad. By attracting more tourists like this, it increases the revenue of local businesses and economic opportunity which in turn adds value to overall development. The festival also raises the consciousness of global importance regarding natural splendor and cultural heritage in this region.
Conclusion
The Shandur Polo Festival World’s Highest Polo Tournament is not just a fixture on the polo calendar; it has become one of those events where tradition and community, sport and sportsmanship all unite under banner of celebration. Held in the shadow of the world’s highest polo ground, this unparalleled festival promises a heady cocktail for those looking to immerse themselves in culture and adventure alike. For travellers interested in the history and culture of Pakistan as well for those who are looking to witness an incredible sporting event – The Shandur Polo Festival offers a deep dive into Northern Pakistan.
Ride up for the thrill of Polo, drive because you can’t get over with the arresting beauty when she smiles back at you amidst ringing laughter from horsemen in their colorful attire or visit if only to witness a festival that is among one-of-its-kind; The Shandur Top. Book your trip, get ready for some thrilling action and partake in colourful celebrations of one of the most outstanding cultural tourism events on earth.