Shandur Polo Festival – Sports in Gupis Yasin, Gilgit Baltistan

he Shandur Polo Festival is one of Pakistan's most celebrated cultural and sporting events, hosted every summer at Shandur Pass, approximately 3,700 metres (12,000 feet) above sea level. Known as the World's Highest Polo Festival, it attracts thousands of visitors from Pakistan and around the world. The festival's highlight is the legendary freestyle polo competition between the teams of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Unlike modern polo, Shandur's traditional style is played with minimal restrictions, making every match fast-paced, exciting, and deeply rooted in centuries-old mountain traditions. Beyond polo, visitors enjoy colorful folk dances, live traditional music, cultural performances, handicraft exhibitions, local food stalls, camping under the stars, photography opportunities, and spectacular views of the surrounding Hindu Kush mountains. For adventure seekers and cultural travelers alike, the Shandur Polo Festival offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the rich heritage, hospitality, and natural beauty of northern Pakistan.