The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has declared that the annual Shandur Polo Festival will take place from June 11 to June 13, 2026, at the world’s highest polo ground. Preparations for this prominent cultural and sporting event are now underway.
Provincial Assembly Speaker Suriya Bibi, in discussions with KP Tourism Department officials, confirmed that the festival will be hosted at Shandur, situated at an elevation of approximately 12,200 feet. Teams representing Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan will compete in traditional freestyle polo matches during the event.
Often referred to as the “Roof of the World” tournament, the Shandur Polo Festival is renowned for its freestyle polo format, which is played without rigid rules. This unique style attracts large audiences, including both local spectators and international tourists every year.
Beyond the polo matches, the three-day festival will showcase paragliding exhibitions, cultural performances, traditional tabla music, and evening concerts featuring bands from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan. These activities aim to enrich the cultural experience for attendees.
Tourism officials have indicated that preparations are nearing completion, with coordinated efforts among all relevant departments to ensure the event runs smoothly. Tourism Secretary Saadat Hassan emphasized that logistics, security, and visitor amenities are being finalized to guarantee a successful festival.
Held annually, the Shandur Polo Festival is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most iconic cultural celebrations, fostering tourism and cultural exchange between the northern regions of the country.
