Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Shandur Leading, the roof of the globe  is a single of the entrance to the splendid valley of Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Shandur Best is globe renowned pass which is positioned about 3740 meters above sea level specifically in the midway amongst Chitral and Gilgit and typically recognized as “ The Roof of the World”. Covered with high snowy mountains in winter and lush green meadows in summer time Shandur Top  is especially known for its standard Shandur Polo Festival which is held annually in the month of July.


Shandur-prime-fields-view. Photo by Imtanan Ali

Shandur Leading is the meeting point of Hindukash , Pamir and Karakoram ranges. It can be reached through air or by transport. Topic to good weather situations every day flights are obtainable from Peshawar and Islamabad to go to Chitral and then this wonderful spot can be reached by jeeps. From Chitral and Gilgit the land route is adoptable by 4ࡪ jeeps but both the methods are complete of marvelous sceneries of nature. The popular Shandur Lake is a massive lake and is the habitat for waterfowl species. This lake and other beautiful streams situated in this piece of heaven are also the residence of the delightful Trout fish. The native language of Shandur Top is Khowar.


Shandur-Lake-view Photo : Imtanan Ali

In 1936, a classic polo tournament was initiated in Shandur Best. Polo “ The royal sport” which is also regarded as as the king of all sports and remained as the favourite game of the royal elites. Because then each and every year in July, Polo is played in its original kind on Shandur Top and a grand polo tournament takes spot yearly which is globe famous as Shandur Polo Festival. This colorful occasion full of regional folk music and dances , camping and other entertainments tends to make the chilled environment of Shandur lifetime memorable. The leading teams of Gilgit and Chitral participate in this polo contest. Each and every group consists of six players with 3 or 4 reserve players and it appears a warlike encounter amongst the sides. All contestants play with no helmets and also demonstrate their tartar blood. The players also roar at each other and it is essential to mention that this freestyle polo is played with out certain guidelines. The polo stick also functions as a dagger, which can be utilized to whip or hook the opponent horse. The team which scores nine targets, wins the game. The tournament lasts for three days and the final is played on 9th of July.


Shandur-prime-polo-festival

This fabulous festival is organized by the Gilgit-BaltistanTourism Department at Shandur Top , the roof of the world and thousands of local and foreign guests attend this tournament. After the ending of festival the tourists begin other activities like visiting the beautiful valleys of Chitral Mastuj, Boni,  Kalash and on Gilgit-Baltistan side Phunder, Gupis, Yasin & Ishkoman valleys and similarly Gakuch Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu which are the centers of centuries old cultures and customs.

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