Shandur polo festival
Chitral, Northern Pakistan


Tour Duration: 13 day(s)
Group Size: 6 and above
Specialty Categories: Festival Tours Camping
Season: July
Tour Customizable: Yes
The most exciting polo tournament of the entire Northern Pakistan, is played on top of Shandur Pass, around 3,700 meters above sea level. It 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. The Polo tournament has some added attractions for the visitors; trout fishing at the nearby streams and lakes and a festival of folk dances and music of the Northern Pakistan.

Highlight of the festival:
The highlight of the festival is the final match between the Gilgit and Chitral teams. The final provides a most colorful spectacle. Supporters of both sides travel long distances from the remote parts of Chitral and Gilgit, to watch the thrilling game. The event, as such, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the people of this region. Their culture and indigenous customs are a delight to behold for the visitors.
Back ground:
The first time a polo tournament took place at the Shandur Pass, was in 1936. A British Political Agent, Major Cobb, who was fond of playing polo under a full moon, had the polo ground near Shandur, named, "Moony Polo Ground".
English word 'Polo" is a Balti word meaning, "ball". Now a day, there are six players to a side, but this is by no means a rule in local polo games. There was no limit to the number of players and no time limit. Whichever team scored nine goals first, was the winner. The present game with a team of six players in a side, lasts one hour with a ten minute break.
Festival Information:
It is advisable to be there one day in advance to enjoy all the offerings of the festival. An activity at Shandur includes dance and music performances by different groups, trout fishing, mountaineering, trekking, hiking and of course, horse riding. Crystal clear lakes, snow covered mountains, alpine flowers and vast stretches of green grass, are added attractions.


Facilities
A tourist tent village with restaurant facilities is sprung up during the tournament. Merchants from Peshawar, Chitral and Gilgit set up souvenir and folk craft shops. The tournament offers visitors and opportunity to mix with the locals.
How to reach?
The Shandur Pass lies almost midway between Chitral and Gilgit on a jeep road, traveling on which, is adventurous, to say the least. The distance from either side is 170 kms. One can get to Chitral or Gilgit by Pakistan International's daily F27 Fokker planes form Peshawar and Islamabad. There are daily two flights from both destinations, subject to good weather. Visitors planning to go by air must expect adjustment of minimum 02 days in their itineraries just in case the weather does not permit flights to operate.
Access to Chitral by road is either from Peshawar or from Islamabad. Both these routes join up in lower Swat valley near Chakdara, from where you proceed via Dir over 3200 meters high Lowari Pass and on to Chitral. It will take about 11 hours for a direct ride, otherwise, a stopover in Dir is recommended. From Dir, you shift to 4x4 jeeps for your onward journey to Chitral and on to Shandur. From Chitral side, travelers can also enjoy overnight stay at Mastuj.



Itinerary:
Day 01: Islamabad.
Morning arrive Islamabad, meet and transfer to hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Peshawar.
Morning after breakfast drive to Peshawar, afternoon visit the archeological museum and old city tour where you can find exotic spices and local delicacies. The Old City bazaar is a fascinating place to wander around. Make a day trip up the famous Khyber Pass on Afghanistan's doorstep overnight hotel.
Day 03:Dir.
Drive by road to Dir, enroute visit the Takht Bhai monastery and Churchill picket at the Malakand Fort, meals and overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Chitral.
Morning drive by four-wheel jeeps to Chitral through over the scenic Lawari passes and continues drive to Chitral. Meals and overnight hotel.

Day 05: Kalash valley.
Morning Drive to Kalash valleys to explore the centuries old traditions and unique life style. The Kalash tribes living in the three isolated valleys of Bomboret, Rambur and Birir in the heart of Hindukush are famed to be the descendents of army of the Alexander the Great, who passed this remote region in 326 BC. Visiting the traditional Kalash houses to. At Evening enjoy the Kalash dance and music. meals and overnight hotel.
Day 06: Mastuj .
Morning after breakfast drive to Mastuj, passing through the scenic valleys and villages with commanding view of Trich mir, the highest peak in Hindukush range over night hotel.
Day 07: Shandur pass:
After breakfast drive to Shandur pass, a very scenic drive through the scenic villages of laspur, meals and overnight in tents.



Day 08-09: Shandur (polo match).

Join the thousands of Pakistanis who travel to the far north of the country for the world’s highest polo tournament, set at over 11,000 feet above sea level. Its not just the location that makes this event unique, the tournament also uses a set of rules that are over 800 years old making it very different from ‘modern’ polo matches. The festive atmosphere, cut-throat competition, and remote location certainly make this one of the world’s most entertaining polo tournaments. During the day enjoy the polo match and evening local music and dancing. Meals and overnight in tents.

Day 10: Phander.
Drive to Phander a very scenic and beautiful village with lush green meadow and crystal clear streams ideal for trout fishing. Overnight in tents.
Day 11: Gilgit .
Morning drive to Gilgit, passing through the lush green valleys of punial, sherqila and visit the 7th century Ad Buddha rock carving at Kargha near Gilgit. overnight hotel.
Day 12: Besham.
Morning after break fast drive to Besham, through the Karakuram high way along the mighty Indus river and enjoy the magnificent views of Nanga Parbat, 8125 meters. Overnight hotel.
Day 13: Islamabad.
After break fast drive to Islamabad, passing through the scenic abbotabad and Mansehra valleys. enroute visit the archeological museum at Taxila. over night hotel.
Day 14: Depart.
Departure to homeland.


A PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Airport taxes & airfares to/from Pakistan
• Personal expenses such as bottled or alcoholic beverages, telephone calls or personal equipment like sleeping bags etc…
• Insurance of self and baggage.
• Tips and gratuity.
• Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and airplane delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes etc…
• Any item that is not mentioned above.






Pakistan the land of marvelous contrast, is an unmatched balanced master piece of God, as it is a blend of impressive landscapes, towering mountain peaks, deep gorges, cascading water falls, creeping glaciers, quiet lakes & meandering rivers
Alpine trekkers and Tours bring you complete information on various tourist destinations in Pakistan. Alpine Trekkers and Tours promises to offer you all the help to make your tour to Pakistan an exciting and memorable affair. A tour to adventure and the historical sites of Pakistan is a wonderful experience .For tour packages or hotel bookings in Pakistan; all you have to do is to email us at:
info@alpine.com.pk
umbreenzaidi@yahoo.com
Best Deals on highest quality adventure and cultural holiday options this season:

• Northern Areas packages ( discover heaven on earth)
• Trekking and Mountaineering
• K - 2 Trekking
• Alexander
• Buddha
• Cultural tours
• Skurdu_Biking
• Morcopolo
• Silk Road
• Hiking
• Rock Climbing
• White Water Rafting
• Customized Hot Air Ballooning for groups/events (nationwide)
• The Great Mughuls
• Honey moon Packages

Plus more!!

For adventure and cultural holiday options, you may also directly contact the organizers at

ttp://www.alpine.com.pk/
Contact: ALPINE TREKKERS & TOURS PRIVATE LIMITED

Mobile No. 92-300-8502223
Ph: 92-51-5896894
E-Mail : info@alpine.com.pk
umbreenzaidi@yahoo.com
Ministry of Tourism Govt.Licence #: 307-
PATA USA Member# 022012

8Days Trip - Islamabad to Shandur Polo Match and back to Islamabad
including Visit to Kalash Valley to see Greeks Tribes the Decendents of Alexander the Great



ITINERARY:
Tour Duration: 8day(s)
Group Size: 10 and above
Specialty Categories: Festival Tours Camping
Season: July

5 July 2008: Arrival of group, Transfer to Centrally air condition hotel.

6 July 2008: Departure from Islamabad by HILUX at 0500 hours.
Lunch at Al-Manzar Hotel Dir at 1200 hours.
Departure to Chitral, arrival at Chitral by 1700 hours, overnight at
PTDC or Tarichmir View Hotel Chitral.

7 July 2008:
After breakfast drive to Shandur pass, a very scenic drive through the scenic villages of laspur, Pack lunch on way to be consumed at Mastuj or any where you like. Arrival at Shandur 1600 hours. Transfer to tented accommodation,
specially established for the group.

8 July 2008: Join the thousands of Pakistanis who travel to the far north of the country for the world’s highest polo tournament, set at over 11,000 feet above sea level. It’s not just the location that makes this event unique, the tournament also uses a set of rules that are over 800 years old making it very different from ‘modern’ polo matches. The festive atmosphere, cut-throat competition, and remote location certainly make this one of the world’s most entertaining polo tournaments. During the day enjoy the polo match and evening local music and dancing. Meals and overnight in tents.

9 July, 2008: Final match will be played between the top teams of Chitral and Gilgit. VVIPs graced the occasion for prize distribution to winning and runner –up teams. Departure back to Chitral at 1400 hours and arrival at Chitral 2200 hours. Transferred to hotel for overnight stay.

10 July, 2008: Full day Kalash valley excursion to explore the centuries old traditions and unique life style. The Kalash tribes living in the three isolated valleys of Bomboret, Rambur and Birir in the heart of Hindukush are famed to be the descendents of army of the Alexander the Great, who passed this remote region in 326 BC. Visiting the traditional Kalash houses to. At Evening enjoy the Kalash dance and music. Overnight stay at PTDC or Gluxey Hotel Bumburet
Kalash.


11 July 2008 Departure to Islamabad at 0500 hours and lunch at Dir
Hotel. Arrival at Islamabad by 2000 hours and transfer to hotel.

12 July 2008 0800 hours End of Services.


Cost of the package
Cost Per Pax: US $ 850/- For Group of 10 pax

Package cost includes:

Transportation from Islamabad to Shandur/Kalash and back to Islamabad.
Meals 3 times on way to Shandur and back to Islamabad including
camping meals at Shandur.
Hotel Charges at Chitral on arrival from Islamabad and return from
Shandur Camp and at Kalash .One night stay in centrally air
conditioned hotel in Rawalpindi for the group on arrival and one night
stay after arrival from Chitral.
Guide services throughout the trips from Islamabad to Islamabad.
Tented accommodation, mattress, blankets, sleeping bags, lighting,
heating etc. at Shandur.





Cost Not Included in the Package & Limitation:
The package will not cover other contingency cost and health issues
Hotel and tent accommodation is on double occupancy basis
Personal items, like warm cloths, sun protection glasses and cream,
lotion, medicines are not covered under this package.

The operator will not take any responsibility for any natural and
environmental condition, which affects the plan itinerary.

All additional cost will be bear by the group members in collective
or individual capacity.

The team members have to ensure from the Doctor at Home station that
there will be no health complication to go on 12500 feet high polo
ground.

Basic health facilities will be available at Shandur on demand.

Very basic facilities will be available at Shandur, however, the
team members have to ensure some high value energy food at Shandur.

Be adequately equipped with clothes for harsh change of temperatures
that can happen anytime.

Alpine trekkers and Tours bring you complete information on various tourist destinations in Pakistan. Alpine Trekkers and Tours promises to offer you all the help to make your tour to Pakistan an exciting and memorable affair. A tour to adventure and the historical sites of Pakistan is a wonderful experience .For tour packages or hotel bookings in Pakistan; all you have to do is to email us at:
info@alpine.com.pk
umbreenzaidi@yahoo.com
Best Deals on highest quality adventure and cultural holiday options this season:

• Northern Areas packages ( discover heaven on earth)
• Trekking and Mountaineering
• K - 2 Trekking
• Alexander
• Buddha
• Cultural tours
• Skurdu_Biking
• Morcopolo
• Silk Road
• Hiking
• Rock Climbing
• White Water Rafting
• Customized Hot Air Ballooning for groups/events (nationwide)
• The Great Mughuls
• Honey moon Packages

Plus more!!

For adventure and cultural holiday options, you may also directly contact the organizers at

http://www.alpine.com.pk/
Contact: ALPINE TREKKERS & TOURS PRIVATE LIMITED

Mobile No. 92-300-8502223
Ph: 92-51-5896894
E-Mail : info@alpine.com.pk
umbreenzaidi@yahoo.com
Ministry of Tourism Govt.Licence #: 307-
PATA USA Member# 022012