Web Desk: Preparations are gathering pace for the annual Shandur Polo Festival, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated sporting and cultural events, as authorities announced a three-day program beginning June 11 at the famed Shandur Pass.
The festival, held at an altitude of about 12,000 feet between Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Ghizer in Gilgit-Baltistan, will continue through June 13, combining high-stakes polo competition with cultural showcases, traditional music and outdoor festivities.
Officials from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Department said extensive arrangements are underway to host thousands of visitors expected from across the country as well as international tourists.
The festival’s main attraction will be the much-anticipated polo matches between teams representing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, a rivalry that has long defined the event.
Known for its fast-paced and freestyle format, Shandur polo attracts large crowds eager to witness the contest between the neighboring regions. Organizers have already finalized team lineups, while horses have been transported to the venue in advance to acclimatize to the high-altitude conditions.
The competition is widely regarded as a symbol of regional sporting heritage and remains a major draw for spectators each year.
Alongside the polo matches, visitors will experience a range of cultural activities showcasing local traditions and mountain communities.
Traditional music performances, folk entertainment and cultural presentations are scheduled throughout the festival, offering tourists an opportunity to engage with the diverse heritage of northern Pakistan.
Set against the backdrop of the Hindu Kush mountains, the event is expected to attract nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers and families looking to experience one of the country’s most distinctive summer gatherings.
Meanwhile, officials said final preparations at the venue are nearing completion.
Work includes the installation of fencing around the polo ground, logistical arrangements for visitors and the implementation of security measures designed to facilitate the large influx of spectators.
The tourism department expects attendance to reach into the thousands during the three-day festival, reinforcing Shandur’s status as one of Pakistan’s premier tourism and sporting attractions.
As the countdown begins, organisers hope the annual celebration will once again spotlight the region’s cultural richness, scenic beauty and enduring passion for polo.
