Polo on top of the world
This week, the team at Polo Times HQ were reminded about the Shandur Polo Festival. This amazing Polo Festival has taken place annually during the first week of July since 1936, literally on top of the world.
Surrounded by crystal clear lakes, alpine flowers, vast stretches of green grass and snow-covered mountains the ground, once aptly named the ‘Moony Polo Ground’ by British Political Agent Major Cobb due to his passion for playing polo under the incredible full moon, sees the ‘most exciting polo tournament’ in Northern Pakistan, played on the Shandur Pass at around 3,700 metres above sea level.
The highlight of the Festival is the final match between the Gilgit and Chitral teams. The Final provides a colourful spectacle with folk music, dance and supporters camping villages surrounding the field. Supporters of both sides travel long distances from the remote parts of Chitral and Gilgit, to watch the thrilling game. We have heard of a brave RAF officer who travelled from the UK by motorbike to play in the world famous tournament; so if you’re reading this, get in touch! If anyone is planning on attending this remote spectacle, we’d love to hear from you.
Photograph: Shandur Polo Festival is played at 3,700m above sea level. By Shandur Polo Festival