Arrangements for Shandur finalised

شندور میلے کے تمام انتظامات مکمل

PESHAWAR: Arrangements are being finalised to hold the annual Shandur Polo Festival in a befitting manner on the world’s highest polo ground, 12,500 feet above the sea level, from July 2 to 4.

Though the annual festival was scheduled to be held from July 7 to 9, the Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) decided to organise the event ahead of the holy Ramazan.“A meeting chaired by Tarik Jamil, managing director TCKP, decided that due to the holy Ramazan, the Shandur festival will start a week earlier, on July 2,” said a communiqué issued after the meeting.


“The Shandur Polo Festival not only provides entertainment for the tourists but also generated economic activities in the area where tourism is considered to be one of the main sources of income,” Tarik Jamil said.

Started in 1936, in Shandur festival has become an annual feature, pulling tourists from the country and abroad in thousands.The TCKP will set up a camping village for the tourists who would enjoy the free-style polo “on the rooftop of the world.”

“It is the biggest tourism event in Pakistan as it attracts holiday-makers, adventurers and sports-lovers in large number. They enjoy the polo matches as well as the breath-taking scenes and sights of the valley,” said Muhammad Ali Sayyed, manager events. The supporters of both Gilgit and Chitral polo teams travel long distances to watch the thrilling game.

He said, “Tourists have an option to reach Chitral via air or by road. The 40-minute flights are operated by PIA from Peshawar and Islamabad to reach Chitral. Overland route is through the Lowari Pass and takes around 9 hours travel time from Islamabad and Peshawar. From Chitral the road is jeep able and takes another 6 hours to reach Shandur.” (This story was published in The News)