SHANDUR POLO FESTIVAL (THE GAME OF THE KINGS)

Polo is an equestrian, sport with its origin embedded in central Asia dating back to 6th century BC. At first it was a training game for cavalry units for the kings guards or other elite troops. To the war like tribes man who played Polo with as many as hundred players 02 a side, it was a miniature battle. It became a Persian national game in 6th century AD. From Persia, the game spread to Arabia, then to Tibet, China and Japan. In china, in the year 910, death of a favorite relative in a game prompted emperor Apao-chi to order beheading of all players! Polo was introduce in South Asia, by the Muslim conquerors in the 13th century. English word Polo is a Balti word meaning ball. Nowadays there six players to a side, but this is by no means a rule in the local Polo games. There was no limit to the number of player an no time limit. Whichever team scored nine goals first, was the winner. The present game with a team of ix players in a side, lasts one hour with a ten minute break.

Gilgit, Chitral and Skardu have always plyed the game of Polo closet to its original form. In the past, local Rajas, Mirs Mehtars were the patterns of the game. A time, more then 50% of the annual budget of their principalities would be spent on the supporting the game.

SHANDUR POLO TOURNAMENT
The first time a Polo tournament took place at the Shandur Pass, was in 1936. A British political agent, major Cobb, was the fond of playing Polo under a full moon, had the Polo ground near Shandur, named, “Moony Polo Ground”.

The most exciting polo tournament of the entire north Pakistan, is played on top of Shandur pass, around 3700m above see level. It is a place unique and exotic in its self, 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 Chital. The polo tournament has some added attraction for the visitor; trout fishing at the near by streams and lakes an a festival of folk dances and music of the northern Pakistan.

The highlight of the festival is the final match between Gilgit and Chitral teams. The final provides a most colorful spectacle. Supporter of both sides travel long distances from the remote parts of the Chitral and Gilgit, to watch the thrilling game. The event, as such, offers a fascinating inside into the life style of the people of this region. Their culture and indigenous customs are a delight to be hold for the visitors.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive at Islamabad airport and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Islamabad / Dir (approx 7 hrs driving) Overnight Dir.
Day 3: Drive to Kalash Valley. (7 hrs driving) Overnight camping in Bumburet.
Day 4: Drive to Chitral, overnight stay in hotel.
Day 5-7: Drive to Shandur pass. The pass, 3734M is blocked by snow for most of the year, but in summer its flat top is pastureland and two small lake make beautiful spot Shandur is famous for its polo match between Gilgit and Chital. Overnight camp at Shandur.
Day 8: Drive through Pandur valley to Gilgit. Gilgit is the largest marketplace for hundreds of kilometers in any direction, home of the polo game, there are usually at least a practice match, mostly afternoon.
Day 9: Morning visit to the seventh century Kargah Buddha just out side Gilgit. Drive to Hunza. On the way you can see the fields and orchards of Hunza Vallley and view of Rakaposhi (7788m). Hunza is also famous for long lively of its inhabitant. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 10: Morning after breakfast drive to Passu, en route stop Borit lake, cross the Gulking Glacier and walk on the Hussani Suspension bridge, overnight stay in Karimabad.
Day 11: Excursion to Khunjerab Pass (4733m) and drive back to Passu, (approx 7 hrs driving). Overnight Passu.
Day 12: Drive to Gilgit, overnight Karimabad.
Day 13: Drive to Besham, overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 14: Drive to Islamabad/Rawalpindi via Taxila archaeological site (09-10 hrs drive).
Day 15: City tour of Islamabad / Rawalpindi. And then transfer to the airport for flight (End of Services).


For more information or for another queries, please click here