The world famous Shandur Pass is approx. 3798 meters above sea level, which makes it the highest in the world. It lies midway between Chitral and Gilgit. The distance from Chitral is 155 km and from Gilgit is 235 km approximately.
Shandur Pass remains snow covered in winter and turns into green pastures during the summer season. Shandur Lake adds to the colors of the plateau surrounded by high mountains.
The famous Shandur Polo Tournament which has attained almost legendary status is played at the polo ground between Chitral and Gilgit teams every year from 7th to 9th July.
The polo field measures about 200 meters by 56 meters (normal polo field is about 270m by 150m), with 60 cm high stone walls running the length of the field on both sides instead of boards.
Polo is an equestrian sport with its origin embedded in Central Asia dating back to the 6th century BC. Players rarely wear helmets, The horses' legs often have no bandages, and mallets often have no grips or straps.
Polo in Shandur is credited to The Balti raja of Skardu; Ali Sher Khan Anchan who built the polo ground of Shandur as well. Shandur invites visitors to experience a traditional polo tournament which since 1936 has been held annually.
Free-styled mountain polo is arguably polo in its purest form. This version of the game played at Shandur-Top has attained legendary status and is of great interest to international and domestic adventure tourists alike.
There are no umpires and there are no holds barred. The rules are: There are no rules! In "The Roof of the World" Amin/Willets/Tetley write: "by comparison, an American Wild West rodeo might pass for choir practice."
During the three days festival at Shandur, polo enthusiasts, mountain lovers, writers, photographers, mountains bikers, hikers (local and foreign tourists) converge to witness the spectacular polo matches between the finest teams of Gilgit and Chitral.
The supporters of both sides travel long distances to watch this game and thus this event provides a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the people of this region. All this together makes this festival one of the most entertaining events in the world.
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