Kumrat Valley Forest Upper Dir
Kumrat Valley is an enchanting fairy-tale forest destination in Upper Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa famous for dense deodar pine forests roaring Panjkora River wooden canopy bridges and pristine alpine meadows.
ExploreShandur Pass Upper Chitral
Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Overview
Sitting at a breathtaking elevation of 3700 meters 12139 feet above sea level Shandur Pass is an iconic high-altitude alpine plateau located on the border connecting Upper Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan. Globally revered as the Roof of the World Shandur features the world highest polo ground where the legendary annual Shandur Polo Festival takes place every July between the rival teams of Chitral and Gilgit. Framed by snow-capped Pamir and Hindukush peaks the pass is also home to the pristine turquoise Shandur Lake expansive green meadows and wild alpine camping spots making it one of northern Pakistan most extraordinary adventure travel destinations.
Highlights
- High-altitude mountain pass at 3700 meters connecting Upper Chitral with Gilgit-Baltistan
- Home to the world highest polo ground and the legendary annual Shandur Polo Festival held every July
- Features pristine high-altitude Shandur Lake surrounded by expansive alpine meadows and snow peaks
- Spectacular border plateau offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Hindukush and Karakoram ranges
- Premier destination for summer camping stargazing adventure trekking and cultural festivities
- Historic crossroad connecting Chitral Valley with Ghizer Phander Valley and Gilgit
Things To Do
- Attend the world-famous Shandur Polo Festival in July to experience wild free-style mountain polo
- Camp overnight under crystal clear pollution-free night skies for unforgettable stargazing and astrophotography
- Take scenic walks around the pristine shores of Shandur Lake framed by snow-capped peaks
- Explore the high-altitude alpine plateau and photograph grazing yak herds and wild mountain horses
- Combine your journey with a cross-border road trip connecting Chitral with the breathtaking Phander Valley
Local Transportation
Located approximately 150 km from Chitral Town. Accessible via a 5 to 6-hour mountain drive using 4x4 jeeps or high-clearance SUVs via Mastuj.
Accommodation
Seasonal luxury tented villages and alpine campsites operate during summer and polo festival. Basic guest houses available in nearby Mastuj and Sor Laspur.
Food & Cuisine
Seasonal luxury tented villages and alpine campsites operate during summer and polo festival. Basic guest houses available in nearby Mastuj and Sor Laspur.
Safety Information
High-altitude location. Stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness, pack heavy winter clothing for freezing nights, and drive carefully on unpaved mountain passes.
Travel Tips
Pack heavy winter jackets thermal layers and warm sleeping bags even in mid-summer, carry power banks and adequate cash, and book jeep transport well in advance during festival days.