Dear Friends,

The Kuala Lumpur Academy of Polo and Zack’s Tack are delighted to invite you to join us in a very special tour, a Royal Tour of Chitral and the Shandur Polo Festival. It is a very special tour we introduced in 2019, through our close friends Qubilai Alam and his wife, Princess Zainab of the royal family of Chitral.

This is no ordinary tour. It takes you to the highest polo field in the world, Mas Junali or the Moon Polo Field, at Shandur Top, near Chitral, Pakistan. You will witness polo played in its original primordial form, played without rules, played as it has been played every year, for centuries.

As Qubilai says, “Mas Junali became a venue of conflict resolution between the people of Chitral and Gilgit; while the three-day Shandur Polo Festival has developed steadily in recent years into the massive celebration of mountain polo that it is today.”

With Qubilai and Princess Zainab, we have put together a luxury adventure tour that covers all your needs while on the tour in Pakistan, from flights to Chitral, accommodation, transportation, food and beverages and even laundry.

For those who are brave enough to try, we even offer a practice chukka of no-rules mountain polo. This is one of the very special adventures on this unique tour.

There are only 12 places available in this once-in-a-lifetime tour. If you are interested in booking one of these exclusive places, we will let Qubilai tell you about this wonderful tour….

Peter Abisheganaden  & Natasha Mustapha
Managing Director & Manager
KL Academy of Polo & Zack’s Tack

 

SHANDUR POLO FESTIVAL 2023

My friends,

I invite you to join us and experience a traditional polo tournament which has been held annually since 1936, between the polo teams of Chitral and Gilgit.

The tournament is held at Shandur Top, the highest polo field in the world at 3,700 meters (the pass itself is at 3,800 meters). The festival includes folk music and dancing, while a large camping village of polo enthusiasts, adventurers and supporters also adds to the atmosphere for the duration of the tournament.

During the early 20th century, the British colonial rulers of India were the patrons of the game. In 1935, the British Political Agent, Major A.H. Cobb commissioned a polo field at Shandur, which came to be known as “Mas Junali” in the local Khowar language; the “Moon Polo field”. Cobb then encouraged the people of Chitral and Gilgit, quite often at odds, to settle their differences through an annual polo fixture, now known as the Shandur Polo Festival.

Mas Junali became a venue of conflict resolution between the people of Chitral and Gilgit; while the three-day Shandur Polo Festival has developed steadily in recent years into the massive celebration of mountain polo that it is today.

Chitral and Gilgit have always played the game of polo closest to its original form.

Each team has six players. The match is divided into two halves of 25 minutes, with a 10-minute interval. Only 1 polo pony is permitted per player, and if a player or pony leaves the field injured, the opposing team also reduces its strength by 1 player. A fresh polo pony may not be introduced into the game, as that will prove to be a distinct advantage.

The field measures about 200 meters by 56 meters (a normal polo field is about 270m by 150m), with 60 cm high stone walls running the length of the field on both sides instead of boards. Players rarely wear helmets, the horses’ legs often have no bandages, and very few mallets have proper grips or straps.

In order to decide the final teams to play at the Shandur Polo Festival, preliminary matches are played both in Chitral and Gilgit; from which the best horses and players are chosen for the final games by the local juries.

Free-style mountain polo is arguably polo in its purest form. This version of the game played at Shandur-Top has attained legendary status and is of great interest to international and domestic adventure tourists alike. There are no umpires and everything goes. The rules are: There are no rules!

In “The Roof of the World” Amin/Willets/Tetley write: “by comparison, an American Wild West rodeo might pass for choir practice.”

I’ve played polo all over the world, but rarely have I experienced such exhilaration on a polo field as I have in this form of polo! The pace is frenetic and the game never stops. Once I had recovered from polo culture-shock in my first game up at Chitral, I reveled in the freedom to hook my opponents under the belly or over and across their horses. No whistles! I once T-boned an opponent into the stone wall and a spectator fell off the wall onto the field. Apparently, it was a perfectly normal occurrence and the crowd standing ten deep roared with approval at the brutality of the play, while the spectator quickly scrambled back up the wall.

No hit-ins! If the ball runs out over the back line, the goal-judge immediately launches another ball towards the middle of the field and the game carries on. If a player scores a goal, the goal-judge gives him a ball to hold in his right hand while also carrying the mallet. The player must then gallop down the side of the field, and at the halfway line chuck the ball in the air and strike it. Hit or miss, the game continues, but if he scores, he gets to do it again. This is known as the “tumbuk”; truly a privilege to witness if it sails through the goal!

Chitral is the only place in the world where I’ve watched kids play foot polo on the streets with branches and made up mallets; most other places, its either Cricket or Soccer. Such is their (pardon the pun) unbridled passion for what they consider “their” sport!

Yet there is a certain method to all the madness; it’s an extremely strategic sport! Man-marking is just as important as in any other form of polo. It’s also interesting to note how team members take turns in giving their mounts periodic breaks while the game carries on. They care very deeply for their entire pony string of ONE, which they maintain at great expense and sacrifice!

I have many such mountain polo experiences to share with you, but perhaps we should wait till we’re sitting around the campfire at the War Council of the Chitral Polo Team, surrounded by the full majesty of Shandur.

Since there are only 12 spots on this Tour, act fast! I’m anticipating that we’ll have an interesting mix of adventurous polo enthusiasts from around the world.

I look forward to meeting up with you as our epic journey begins on the morning of Monday, July 3rd 2023.

Best wishes,
Qubilai

A specially arranged luxury polo and adventure trip by Hindukush Holidays; personally supervised by polo player Shah Qubilai Alam and his wife, Princess Zainab, of the Royal Family of Chitral.

Come and experience being in the thick of the action at the Shandur Polo Festival, privy to the inner-workings of the Chitral Polo Team and its pre-game War Council! Imagine being able to truthfully boast of having played polo at the highest polo field on the Planet! Our guests will enjoy multiple excursions in the surrounding areas, always returning to the hospitality and amenities of the famous Hindukush Heights Hotel in Chitral and Mastuj, owned by Prince Siraj Ulmulk.

 

Day-1 (Friday 3rd July)

• Guests to commence the tour at Islamabad Airport at 0900 hours.
• 40-minute flight to Chitral.
• Arrival at Chitral Airport.
• Transit to Hindukush Heights Hotel (approx. 20 minutes)
• Check-in at Hindukush Heights Hotel.
• Guests may settle into their accommodation and familiarize themselves with the Hotel premises.
• Lunch
• Guided by a Forest Ranger, a trip to the riverside to see the Markhor Mountain Goat descending the slopes for grazing and drinking water. The Markhor is the National Animal of Pakistan and an endangered species. Trophy hunters pay the Government of Pakistan over US$100,000 for a hunting permit per Markhor.
• Welcome drinks and BBQ Dinner at the River Deck.

Day-2 (Tuesday 4^th July)

• Breakfast
• Drive to the Kalaash Valley (approx. 2.5 hours).
• A day trip to the Kalaash Valley, to meet with an ancient pagan tribe which is now highly endangered. Only some three thousand inhabitants of this tribe remain. The Greeks claim that this tribe is descended from Alexander the Great’s army. We will visit with Kalaash families in their homes, holy temple and museum; while strolling through their valley and enjoying their generous hospitality.
• Lunch: At Bumburat.
• Drive back to Chitral.
• Happy Hour by the Pool.
• Dinner.

Day-3 (Wednesday 5^th July)

• Breakfast
• Spend the morning by the pool, OR:
• Drive to Chitral Town (approx. 25 minutes).
• Visit to Chitral Fort; the traditional seat of the Mehtar (Ruler) of Chitral.
• Visit to Chitral Mosque and Bazaar
• Lunch: At the Fokker Friendship restaurant.
• Return to Hindukush Heights Hotel.
• Evening hike (optional)
• Happy Hour
• Dinner

Day-4 (Thursday 6^th July)

• Breakfast
• Drive to Mastuj Fort. This is a majestic four-hour drive along the Mastuj River.
• Lunch: Midway at Little Star restaurant in Kuragh.
• Arrival at Mastuj Fort. Guests will reside at the wooden chalets in the walnut and apricot orchard of Mastuj Fort (an extension of Hindukush Heights Hotel).
• Guests may settle into their accommodation at the Mastuj Fort.
• Happy Hour within the orchard of Mastuj Fort
• Dinner

Day-5 (Friday 7^th July)

• Sunrise walk to the Mastuj River (optional).
• Breakfast
• Relax at Mastuj Fort
• Lunch
• Walk to the Valley of Dragons (optional).
• Happy Hour within the orchard of Mastuj Fort
• Dinner

Day-6 (Saturday 8^th July)

• 7am departure for Shandur Top. This will be a scenic 2.5-hour drive.
• Guests will arrive in time to witness the match between the Chitral and Gilgit “B” teams. Priority seating will be arranged.
• Refreshments and a light snack on arrival before the match.
• Following the match guests will have the unique opportunity to participate in a “practice chukka” and enjoy the experience of playing polo on the “Rooftop of the World” (optional).
• Lunch: At the private campsite.
• Guests may relax and unwind at the campsite or walk around Shandur Top.
• Happy Hour at the campsite
• A visit to the campfire of the Chitral Polo Team Captain, Prince Sikander Ulmulk and his teammates. It will be a wonderful experience to join in the singing, dancing and strategy session.
• Dinner: Back at the campsite.

 

 

Day-7 (Sunday 9^th July)

• Sunrise Hike (optional)
• Breakfast at the campsite.
• Witness the Shandur Polo Final between the Chitral and Gilgit “A” teams. Priority seating will be arranged.
• Return drive to Mastuj.
• Lunch: At Mastuj Fort.
• Happy Hour within the orchard of Mastuj Fort
• Dinner.

Day-8 (Monday 10^th July)

• Breakfast
• Departure for Chitral Airport.
• 1:15pm- Flight to Islamabad.
• Conclusion of Tour.

 

Hindukush Holidays undertakes to provide the highest quality of service and attention to each guest on this luxury tour, and promises a memorable experience. A total of 12 places are available on this tour.

ROYAL PACKAGE:                     USD   $ 6,300/person

For further information or booking, please contact: ztpete84@gmail.com or hindukushholidays@gmail.com

Each package includes:

• 2^nd July- Airport pick up & Hotel transfer at Islamabad.
• 2^nd July- Accommodation at Serai Boutique Hotel, Islamabad.
• Twin sharing accommodation at Mastuj & Shandur.
• Single accommodation can be made available in Chitral on request.
• All Meals (curated by Celebrity Chef Natasha Qizilbash).*
• Gather every evening at different privately owned locations to socialize and enjoy good music with like-minded people; surrounded by the magical Hindukush Mountains.
• Day trips/ Excursions/ Markhor watching.
• All camping equipment, Guides & Porters.
• A variety of libations (Premium brands).
• All Mixers/ Beverages/ Snacks & Hors d’ Oeuvres.
• An accompanying Bartender.
• An accompanying Masseuse (for Head, Shoulder & Foot massage).
• Optional early morning or evening hikes to energize the mind & body.
• Islamabad/Chitral return travel.
• Transportation in Chitral, Mastuj & Shandur in Land Cruisers.
• Complimentary Internet access (where available; service levels may vary).
• Laundry (as permitted by the schedule).
• Practice Chukka (one half) at Shandur on a Local Polo Pony (optional).
• All Pakistan Government related clearances & visa assistance.

 

• Celebrity chef Natasha Qizilbash (Instagram handle if.natcancook) will be curating the entire menu. She will serve a variety of cuisines & specialty dishes using top quality ingredients & organic vegetables/fruits harvested from the Hindukush Heights Hotel gardens. Guests are advised to inform us in advance of any allergies to particular products.

The following links will provide additional information on Hindukush Heights Hotel, Chitral:

http://www.hindukush.com.pk/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g317115-d1156846-Reviews-Hindukush_Heights_Hotel-Chitral_North_West_Frontier

Terms & conditions:

• Guests to arrive in Islamabad by 2^nd July, 2023.
• All bookings to be made in two’s (couples or friends).
• Bookings to be confirmed with 50% payment before 1^st March, 2023.
• Remaining 50% due by 15th April, 2023.
• Any cancellation/withdrawal will result in payments being credited for a 12 month period.
• Guests are requested to inform us in advance of any allergies to particular products.
• Hindukush Holidays reserves the right to remove from the trip, at the participant’s own expense, anyone whose conduct negatively impacts the enjoyment of the other guests or disrupts the tour.
• Each guest will assume sole responsibility for any inherent risks associated with such travel to a remote location, & further agree to indemnify and hold Hindukush Holidays harmless with respect to any unforeseen incident.
• Hindukush Holidays reserves the right to modify program itineraries, at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond Hindukush Holidays’ control.
• Any payments made to Hindukush Holidays constitute your acceptance of the terms & conditions set out herein.

 

 

 Take the adventure tour of a lifetime.

Join the Royal Tour of Chitral and the Shandur Polo Festival 2023

 

About Hindukush Holidays:

Hindukush Holidays curates bespoke group tours, adventure holidays, pony treks, yoga retreats and visits to local festivals in the Hindukush region of Northern Pakistan. This area is breathtakingly beautiful and diverse, with a spirit of hospitality unlike any other.

This is custom designed travel, with an emphasis on traditional Pakistani hospitality; comfort, empathy and friendliness. Our clients always depart with extraordinary memories, refreshed and revitalized; having experienced the region from all angles and content with their time having been well spent.

Our services provide a personalized experience from the moment of your initial enquiry, until well after you’re back home from a memorable holiday. Our trips are customized and thoughtfully crafted; with everything carefully orchestrated to the tiniest detail without any hidden costs.

A clear understanding of your travel companions and all their requirements enables us to piece together a unique itinerary, specially tailored for you. If you have a particular need or goal that should be fulfilled from this experience, we’ll ensure our full support in helping you achieve that.

Once we’re familiar with your specific travel needs; an open exchange of ideas, and the provision of finer details will enable us to arrive at the perfect itinerary for you. Then it’s our responsibility to deliver on our commitment to you as seamlessly as possible.

About Kuala Lumpur Academy of Polo:

Kuala Lumpur Academy of Polo is a company that specializes in high quality polo coaching in Malaysia. The KL Academy of Polo (KLAP) is based at the Kuala Lumpur Polo Club, in Ampang, down-town Kuala Lumpur. KL Academy of Polo also organises polo related tours to Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan.