Festivals

Shandur Polo Festival

The Shandur Polo Festival is an annual event held in Pakistan at the Shandur Pass Upper Chitral, which is located at an elevation of about 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) in the HinduKush Mountain range. It is often referred to as the "Roof of the World" due to its high altitude. The festival takes place every year from the 7th to the 9th of July. The District Administration Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Tourism & Culture Department, and Pakistan Army host the Shandur Polo Festival at the world's highest polo ground at Shandur Pass. Polo matches between the polo teams from Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan are contested throughout the course of the three-day mega event. The Shandur Polo Festival, which combines traditional freestyle polo matches with vibrant cultural performances, musical performances, and paragliding, has become well-known both, domestically and locally.

Qaqlasht Festival

Jashan-e-Qaqlasht is an annual festival celebrated for over 2000 years, marking the arrival of the spring season in the mountainous regions. Similar to the renowned Shandur Polo Festival, this event unfolds against a breathtaking backdrop, hosting a myriad of activities. It serves as a genuine portrayal of the culture, traditions, civilizations, and heritage of the mountain people, showcasing a way of life devoid of modern amenities, yet exuding unparalleled happiness. If you harbor a passion for witnessing authentic joy, this festival presents the perfect opportunity in the right place at the right time.

Jashan-e-Qaqlasht showcases traditional sports and cultural events involving local communities on the flat terrain at the District Headquarters of Upper Chitral in Bunni, approximately 75 kilometers from the District Headquarters of Lower Chitral town, accessible via a smooth two-hour drive. As early spring graces the valley, the plateau-style plain transforms into a stunning picnic resort adorned with carpet grass and miles of tiny yellow flowers, attracting people from various parts of the country and beyond.

The festival's activities include traditional polo matches, football, cricket, table tennis, volleyball, paragliding, zip-lining, rock climbing, skate shooting, tug of war, musical nights, traditional dances, and a variety of cuisines. These dishes, prepared with distinctive ingredients and techniques, represent the specific culture and geographic region.

For adventure travelers seeking to explore nature and culture through exhilarating experiences, safety is paramount in our mountainous adventure tourism in Chitral. Additionally, we incorporate wellness and transformative elements into our adventure trips. It is essential to choose the right tour company and travel consultant to ensure your safety, security, and well-being throughout the adventure tour, allowing you to savor a once-in-a-lifetime learning and experiential journey. Explore the Qaqlasht itinerary and costing with confidence.