Residents and travellers made their way toward the annual Shandur Polo Festival in Upper Chitral on Tuesday. Jeeps loaded with domestic supplies navigated the mountainous terrain as festival preparations gathered pace.
High-Altitude Polo Tournament at Shandur Pass
Shandur Pass, situated at an altitude of roughly 3,700 metres, hosts one of Pakistan’s most celebrated traditional polo tournaments each year. The remote highland ground is often called the Roof of the World.
The Shandur Polo Festival draws visitors from across the country and abroad. Spectators travel to witness the high-altitude tournament in its unique mountain setting.
The festival showcases traditional freestyle polo, a fast-paced variant distinct from modern polo. Teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan compete in matches that draw enthusiastic crowds.
Journey to the Festival Grounds
Local drivers have been ferrying passengers and household goods along the winding routes leading to the festival grounds. Stream water along the roadside serves travellers making the arduous journey through Upper Chitral’s rugged landscape.
The challenging mountain roads require experienced drivers familiar with the terrain. Despite the difficult conditions, enthusiasm for the polo tournament brings crowds to the highland venue each year.
Festival organizers prepare camping facilities and amenities for visitors at the high-altitude location. The event typically spans several days of sporting competition and cultural activities.
