Everything is breathtaking in Shandur, a scenic place most famous for having the world's highest polo ground.
Situated approximately 12,500 feet (4,000 metres) above sea level, Shandur, in Pakistan, offers an ideal place for adventurers, sport enthusiasts and nature lovers to rejuvenate their minds and souls.
Shandur valley is surrounded by snowy peaks and has a beautiful lake beside the polo ground. The place is ideal subject for nature poetry.
Shandur began its love affair with polo nearly 87 years back and the organisers hope the tradition will last for ever.
Three-day paradise
Shandur becomes a paradise during the three days of the polo festival each July. One can see hundreds of tents come up all around the field. A temporary tented bazaar is set up to facilitate all travellers' needs, turning this enchanting sports gala into a unique show.
The people of Gilgit and Chitral keenly follow the polo played here. The people of adjacent villages walk or hike to see the game while those stationed further afield use public transport to reach Shandur. The people love the entertainment provided at the ground.
Their love is often expressed through hooting and noisy cheering during the matches and they get furious if anyone interrupts their simple way of enjoying themselves. They seem to enjoy everything at Shandur thoroughly — be it the music, the sport or the stunning scenery. The unconventional polo played at Shandur is perhaps the most dangerous kind of the sport played anywhere. Broken arms, ribs and, sometimes, even deaths are common because of the wild nature of the game.
The polo played here showcases tremendous speed and power. Horses in full gallop, sticks flying and players falling are common scenes during the game.
However, these injuries and blows fail to deter the players from taking the field again after dressing their wounds. And to top that, the lack of oxygen tests the nerves of man and beast. The red-shirted Chitrali and the green-shirted Gilgiti players display dangerous manoeuvres to attack, defend and counter-attack each other's post in the final match of the event.
Their skills and stamina are awesome. Free rules allow players to block each other's stroke with their polo sticks and hit each other's horses to get the ball.
Team endeavours
When I was there, Chitrali fans were ecstatic to see their team leading 2-0 at half-time. The second half started with some fantastic moves by both the teams. But in the end, Chitral won the title with 3 goals to Gilgit's 2, amid much cheering and jubilant dancing by Chitrali fans.
This year, the only irritating thing that eclipsed these moments of delight was the presence of security personnel and the setting up of check points meant to protect the VIPs. This created a lot of problems for other visitors and fans who have been a main part of the festival for the last 87 years.
The only way to make Shandur more tourist-friendly is to keep politics away from the game by barring high-profile VIPs from attending this festival, who are more concerned with security than entertainment.
Quick take
- The polo ground is situated approximately 12,500 feet (4,000 metres) above sea level.
- Shandur began its love affair with polo nearly 87 years ago.
- Shandur polo is a contest between Chitral and Gilgit players.
- The match has free rules, unlike the polo played anywhere else.
Go there...Shandur
From the UAE
Islamabad is the closest international airport to Shandur.
From Dubai: Pakistan International Airlines flies daily. Fare from Dh2,240
From Abu Dhabi Etihad flies four times a week. Fare from Dh2,190
— Information courtesy: The Holiday Lounge by Dnata. Ph: 04 3166160
