What Is the Skardu Polo Festival?

Skardu has a long-standing polo tradition, and freestyle polo remains one of the most popular traditional sports across Gilgit-Baltistan. Polo matches are held in different districts, including Skardu, and attract local spectators as well as visitors.

One of the notable recent competitions in Skardu was the Ali Sher Khan Anchan Polo Tournament. Its sixth edition began on 19 September 2026 at Skardu’s Maqpoon Polo Ground. Twenty teams participated, including 18 from Gilgit-Baltistan and two from Chitral. The tournament brought thousands of polo enthusiasts, tourists and supporters to the ground.

The name Ali Sher Khan Anchan is particularly significant because the Balti ruler is associated with the historical development and spread of polo in the wider region.

The History of Polo in Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan

Polo is not simply a modern sporting attraction in Gilgit-Baltistan. It is part of the region’s cultural heritage and has been played in mountain communities for generations.

Skardu, Gilgit, Chitral and surrounding valleys have traditionally been associated with a form of polo that is faster and less formal than the modern international version. This style is commonly known as freestyle polo.

The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan describes freestyle polo as a traditional sport deeply rooted in the culture of the region. The annual Jashn-e-Baharan Polo Tournament is also used to identify talented players and select teams for the Shandur Polo Festival.

What Is Freestyle Polo?

Freestyle polo is one of the main reasons polo matches in northern Pakistan are so exciting for spectators. Compared with formal polo, the local game is known for its fast pace and physical style.

Matches can involve riders moving rapidly across a natural ground while competing for the ball. The combination of horses, riders, mountain surroundings and passionate spectators gives the sport a distinctly local character.

The sport is also closely connected with local music and community celebrations. Government tourism information notes that polo events are used to preserve indigenous sporting traditions and pass them on to younger generations.

What Is the Shandur Polo Festival?

When researching the Skardu Polo Festival, it is important not to confuse Skardu’s local polo tournaments with the famous Shandur Polo Festival.

Shandur is located between Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral and hosts the annual Shandur Polo Festival at an elevation of roughly 3,700 metres. It is widely known as the world’s highest polo ground and attracts visitors from Pakistan and abroad.

The main competition traditionally brings together polo teams representing Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Alongside the matches, visitors can experience cultural performances, music and other activities.

History of the Shandur Polo Festival

The history of polo at Shandur goes back to the 1930s. Historical accounts commonly associate the construction of the Shandur polo ground with British administrator Major Evelyn Hey Cobb and local leaders including Niat Qabool Hayat Kakakhel. The ground became known as Mas Junali, a Khowar name associated with a moonlit polo ground.

There are also local historical traditions connecting the area with Ali Sher Khan Anchan, the Balti ruler associated with Skardu. This is one reason his name remains strongly connected with polo heritage in Baltistan.

Regular Shandur tournaments developed into a major sporting and cultural event. Today, the festival is an important part of the tourism calendar for Gilgit-Baltistan and attracts large numbers of visitors. The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan describes it as a major event showcasing the region’s culture and tourism potential.

When Is the Shandur Polo Festival Held?

The festival has traditionally been scheduled for 7–9 July. However, recent editions have been moved to June. In 2025, the festival was held from 20–22 June, while the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan approved dates of 11–13 June 2026 because of the timing of Muharram.

This means travellers should not assume that the festival will always take place on the traditional July dates. Check the latest announcement from the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department before booking transport or accommodation.

How to Attend a Polo Festival from Skardu

If you are staying in Skardu and want to attend a major polo event, you have two different options: attend a tournament within Skardu or plan a longer journey to Shandur.

Option 1: Attend a Polo Tournament in Skardu

This is the simpler option. Local competitions are held at polo grounds in Skardu, and event dates can vary from year to year.

The recent Ali Sher Khan Anchan Polo Tournament demonstrates the scale these events can reach. The 2026 edition ran for a week and attracted teams from across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

Before travelling, check announcements from the local administration or tourism authorities for the exact dates, venue and match schedule.

Option 2: Travel from Skardu to Shandur

Travelling from Skardu to the Shandur Polo Festival requires more planning because Shandur is a remote, high-altitude destination. The festival venue is not in Skardu itself.

Most visitors travelling to Shandur plan their journey as part of a longer mountain road trip rather than treating it as a quick day excursion. The route, road conditions and available transport can vary, so a local driver or experienced tour operator is useful.

Where Should You Stay?

If your main trip is based around Skardu, staying in the city allows you to combine polo with sightseeing in the surrounding area.

Meechung Resort Skardu can be used as a base for exploring attractions around Skardu while planning local sightseeing and seasonal activities. Travellers should confirm their transport arrangements separately when attending events outside the city.

What to Expect at a Polo Festival

A polo festival in Gilgit-Baltistan is more than watching a match. The event provides an opportunity to experience a traditional sporting culture that remains closely connected with local communities.

• Fast-paced freestyle polo matches
• Large local crowds
• Traditional music and cultural performances
• Mountain scenery around the polo grounds
• Local food and refreshments at some events
• Photography opportunities
• A lively atmosphere before and after major matches

At Shandur, the experience is particularly distinctive because the polo ground sits in a remote high-altitude landscape. Recent government information has also highlighted cultural shows, music and other visitor activities associated with the festival.

What Should You Wear?

Mountain polo events can be much colder than visitors expect, particularly at high-altitude locations such as Shandur. Even during summer, temperatures can fall quickly after sunset.

• Warm jacket or fleece
• Layered clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sun protection
• Hat or cap
• Rain protection
• Extra warm layers for overnight stays at high altitude

If you are travelling to Shandur, pack for changing mountain weather rather than relying on typical summer clothing.

Is the Polo Festival Suitable for Families?

Yes. Polo tournaments can be an enjoyable experience for families interested in traditional sports and local culture. However, families travelling to Shandur should consider the altitude, long road journey and limited facilities at the remote festival location.

A Skardu-based polo event can be easier for families because accommodation, restaurants and other facilities are more readily available in the city.

Tips for Attending a Polo Festival in Skardu

1. Check the official schedule: Event dates can change from year to year.
2. Arrive early: Popular matches can attract large crowds.
3. Carry warm clothing: Mountain temperatures can change quickly.
4. Arrange transport in advance: This is particularly important for events outside Skardu.
5. Keep your camera ready: Polo, horses and mountain scenery create excellent photography opportunities.
6. Respect local customs: Remember that polo is a living cultural tradition, not only a tourist attraction.
7. Check road conditions: Weather and mountain roads can affect travel plans.

Best Time to Visit Skardu for Polo

If polo is an important part of your Skardu itinerary, summer and early autumn are worth considering because major tournaments and outdoor sporting events are more common during this period.

For the Shandur Polo Festival specifically, plan around the officially announced festival dates rather than relying on the traditional 7–9 July schedule. The 2026 festival, for example, was moved to 11–13 June.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Skardu Polo Festival?

Skardu hosts polo tournaments and events, including the Ali Sher Khan Anchan Polo Tournament. The famous international event commonly associated with the region is the Shandur Polo Festival, which takes place at Shandur rather than in Skardu.

Where is the Shandur Polo Festival held?

The Shandur Polo Festival is held at Shandur Pass, between Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, at an altitude of roughly 3,700 metres.

When is the Shandur Polo Festival held?

The traditional dates are 7–9 July, but recent editions have been scheduled earlier. The 2026 festival was held from 11–13 June.

Can tourists attend the polo matches?

Yes. The festival attracts domestic and international tourists. Visitors should plan transport, accommodation and high-altitude travel arrangements in advance.

What is freestyle polo?

Freestyle polo is the traditional form of polo played in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. It is known for its fast pace and physical style and is an important part of the region’s cultural heritage.

Can I visit a polo ground in Skardu?

Yes. Skardu has local polo grounds where tournaments and matches are organised. Check local announcements for current fixtures and event schedules.

Conclusion

The Skardu Polo Festival experience is best understood as part of the wider polo culture of Gilgit-Baltistan. Skardu has its own polo grounds and tournaments, while the nearby region hosts the internationally recognised Shandur Polo Festival.

For travellers, attending a match offers more than an afternoon of sport. It provides a chance to see a traditional mountain game, meet enthusiastic local spectators and experience an important part of the cultural identity of Gilgit-Baltistan.

If you plan to attend a specific tournament, check the latest official event announcement before finalising your travel dates, accommodation and transport.