Shandur Polo Festival
Traditional and popular parties · Shandur Pass, Pakistan
The festival
At Shandur Pass, at about 3,700 meters above sea level, the polo is played on the roof of the world. For three days, the plateau is transformed into a vibrant camp for the free polo match — without strict rules — which pits the rival teams of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan in a confrontation of pure skill and courage. Around the field, the highest of the world, the festival of mountains is in full swing: demonstrations of paragliding, nights of folk music and traditional dances.
The 2026 edition was held from 11 to 13 June, under the auspices of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities.
Good to know
Existence and edition 2026 verified at the provincial official source: page of the DGIPR (Directorate General of Information and Public Relations) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa open and read — festival from 11 to 13 June 2026 at Shandur Pass, about 3,700 m (12,200 feet), free polo between Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, paragliding, traditional music and dances. CORRECTION with the file ("July", traditional historical period): edition 2026 was held in mid-June — display adjusted in "end of June to early July" with the main month switched to June (6). No date announced 2027: "Ordinary period". The elevation of the file note (3,700 m) is confirmed by the official source.