Shandur Polo Festival

Shandur is situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet (38000 meters) above sea level and is famous for having the highest polo ground in the world. It is sometimes called the Roof of the World. The version of polo played in Shandur is considered to be the purest of them all. It is also called free style polo. Polo is very popular in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Shigar, Laspor, Mastoj, Chitral and all other valleys around must have at least one polo ground, where local people can be seen playing polo. The Shandur Polo Ground is naturally designed to be a polo ground. Small hills are on all four sides of the rectangular ground, where spectators can sit and enjoy the match. The surrounding landscape and Shandur Lake make it even more beautiful. The beautiful polo ground of Shandur turns into a city of tents each year in July during the Shandur Polo Festival.

A match of polo is held between the teams of Gilgit and Chitral. The Shandur Polo Ground is located at an altitude of 12,200 feet (3,700 meters) and it is very hard to play here due to reduced amount of oxygen. It requires a lot of stamina and players must be physically strong.