UPPER CHITRAL, June 19, 2025: The three-day Shandur Polo Festival will begin on Friday, June 20, at the Shandur ground located in the scenic valley of Upper Chitral.
The event is organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority in coordination with the Gilgit-Baltistan government.
Polo teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan will compete in traditional freestyle matches at what is known as the world’s highest polo ground, situated at an altitude of around 3,700 meters.
Tourism officials have finalized all arrangements for the event, including security, transport, medical support, and tourist facilities. A large number of local and foreign visitors are expected to attend.
The festival will also feature cultural performances, local music, food stalls, and paragliding shows.
Earlier this week, a dispute arose in Lower Chitral over the selection of polo players. Local youth and civil society members protested against what they called favoritism in the team selection process. The issue was resolved after the administration reinstated the original selection committee and finalized the players.
The Shandur Polo Festival is considered an important cultural and tourism event in the region, drawing thousands of visitors each year.