Events / June - July
Shandur Pass · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Shandur Polo Festival
The world's highest polo ground, Chitral and Gilgit teams meet on a plateau above the clouds.
At roughly 3,700 metres, Shandur is a full-day journey from Chitral or Gilgit. Teams play on a natural grass ground ringed by mountains.
- When to plan
- Usually early to mid-July; exact dates depend on snow clearance and local organisers.
- Getting there
- Full-day jeep journey from Chitral or Gilgit. Camp near the pass or base at GreenPak Hotel Booni and travel south for the festival.
High-altitude polo
Shandur is often called the roof of the polo world. Matches are raw, fast, and played without modern safety gear, a tradition older than the paved roads that reach it.
Combine with Kalasha valleys
After the polo, drive south from Chitral to Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir for a cultural counterpoint to the sport.
More in Shandur Pass · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Region guide →
May
Chilam Joshi (Joshi)
The Kalasha spring festival, milk stored for days, processions, and group dancing at the Charso grounds in Bumburet.
Late August
Uchal (Uchau)
Kalasha harvest thanksgiving, cheese, bread, and rituals marking the end of the high pasture season.
September - October
Pul Festival
The autumn festival celebrated only in Birir, the smallest and most secluded of the three Kalasha valleys.
