Pakistan has once again held its renowned Shandur Polo Festival at the world’s highest polo venue, located at an elevation of 3,700 meters in Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in a stunning fusion of sport and natural beauty. Often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” the Shandur Pass comes alive each year with the clash of hooves and the roar of spectators.
Thousands of people from all around the world come to see the festival, which is more than just a sporting event. On the rough highland terrain, teams from Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral compete fiercely, recreating centuries-old customs of freestyle polo, sometimes known as the “game of kings.” In addition, the event showcases the region’s rich heritage through food vendors, folk dances, and traditional music.
The festival’s distinctive location, surrounded by verdant meadows and snow-capped mountains, makes it a must-see event for both adventurers and culture vultures. The game in Shandur, which lacks the rules of contemporary polo, is quick, violent, and extremely entertaining, perfectly encapsulating the essence of the sport
Supported by local authorities and Pakistan’s Tourism Department, this year’s festival placed a strong emphasis on community involvement and sustainable tourism. Visitors not only enjoyed the exhilarating matches but also camped under star-lit skies and immersed themselves in the highland hospitality of Chitral. Shandur Polo Festival continues to be a proud symbol of Pakistan’s cultural resilience and natural beauty.
