Shandur National Park — Attraction in Gupis Tehsil

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shandur National Park, nestled in the heart of the majestic Hindu Kush mountain range in Pakistan, is a pristine wilderness that showcases the breathtaking beauty of nature. With its awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural experiences, Shandur National Park deserves a resounding five-star review.

One of the most captivating aspects of Shandur National Park is its awe-inspiring landscapes. Nestled at an elevation of around 3,700 meters, the park offers panoramic views of rolling hills, sprawling meadows, and snow-capped peaks. The vast expanse of greenery during the summer months is a sight to behold, while the snow-covered terrain during winter adds a touch of magic to the surroundings.

The park's rich biodiversity is another highlight that attracts nature enthusiasts. Shandur National Park is home to a wide array of wildlife species, including Himalayan ibex, snow leopards, brown bears, and various bird species. Exploring the park provides opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching, offering a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world.

Shandur National Park is also famous for its cultural significance. The annual Shandur Polo Festival, held on the highest polo ground in the world, is a major attraction for both locals and tourists. The festival showcases the traditional sport of polo played on horseback, offering a unique blend of thrilling matches and cultural performances. It provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture, witness traditional dances, and savor the flavors of regional cuisine.

For adventure seekers, Shandur National Park offers a multitude of activities. The vast meadows provide ample space for camping, hiking, and horseback riding, allowing visitors to experience the park's pristine beauty up close. Additionally, the park is a gateway to numerous trekking trails that lead to hidden valleys, high-altitude lakes, and remote villages, offering a truly immersive adventure in the lap of nature.

The infrastructure within Shandur National Park has seen improvements in recent years, with well-maintained trails, camping facilities, and accommodations available for visitors. The efforts to preserve the park's natural beauty and promote sustainable tourism ensure that visitors can enjoy its wonders while minimizing their impact on the environment.

In conclusion, Shandur National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural experiences make it an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking an immersive cultural experience. Prepare to be captivated by the park's grandeur, embrace the local traditions, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Shandur National Park is a true gem that deserves its place among the world's most remarkable...

Shandur Pass  connects Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is often called 'Roof of the World'. Shandur top is a flat plateau and can be crossed between late April and early November. The grade is very gradual, and the area is crossed by plentiful small streams during summer.In 1935 UK Administrator for Evelyn Hey Cobb ordered Niat Qabool Hayat Kakakhel nambardar of Ghizer to make a huge polo ground in Shandur. The polo ground was named "Mas Junali", because in the Khowar language ‘mas’ is the word for ‘moon’ and ‘junali’ is the word for ‘pologround’, and Cobb was fond of playing polo in the moonlight.Cobb was impressed by Kakakhail's resourcefulness and efficiency and wished to reward him for his service, but Kakakhail refused to accept any reward for his work. Instead, for the common benefit, Kakakhail asked Cobb to bring trout to stock the local streams. Cobb ordered live trout from England and dropped them into the River Ghizer.Due to this little service, Directorate of Fisheries had been established and hundreds of people got employed. Now the weight of those fishes in Hundarap Lake cross 24 kg and in Baha Lake Khukush Nallah, their weight crossed 40 kg.

So Mas Junali became a source of relation between the people of Chitral District and Ghizer District. The Shandur Polo Festival opens a door step to the people of the world to enjoy their selves. Many of the people from entire world come here to watch polo match played between Chitral and Ghizer.[4] At first it was a training game for cavalry units for the King's Guards or other Elite troops. To the warlike tribesmen who played polo with as many as 100 players to a side, it was a miniature battle. It became a Persian national game in the 6th century AD. From Persia, the game spread to Arabia, then to Tibet, China and Japan. In China, in the year 910, death of a favourite relative in a game prompted Emperor Apaochi to order beheading of all players.

Ali Sher Khan Anchan Maqpoun used to play Polo at Shandoor when Chitral was part of Maqpoun empire.Historically, polo being the king of games was played between small kingdoms, villages and rival groups of Gilgit Agency. From 1936 onwards polo tournaments were held annually at Shandur at the patronage of the British. The three-day Shandur Polo Festival has developed steadily in recent years into the massive celebration of mountain polo that...

Shandur National Park is in Chitral Village Sore Laspur, it is a territory of Chitral, Shandur is in the height of 12000 fit above Sea leave, it is a top which connect Chitral and GB, The top is flat, it has a beautiful Natural international Highest polo ground and alos a beautiful lake, shandur National Park is famous for the Polo festival which is held on 7th to 9th July every year, the teams of Chitral and GB where played Polo, festival also include folk music, traditional dance, and other heart touchig activities. Shandur Pass is closed for two months due to heavy snow fall in December, January and February, but in snow fall times it look more beautiful, jeeb or motor can't cross the top, but in some time the Foreigners brave tourist cross the pass by foot or by cycle, also some local too........ it's is good for family tour because it is a very safe and beautiful places you can say that Shandur National Park is piece of heaven on Earth, it safe because our army and Chitral scouts is always here (24 hours duty). The natural beauty of shandur is famous all over the world, many Foreigners tourist visit every year shandur National Park, it is place of Peace and Love, before reach shandur you can cross a beautiful village,,,, which is the last village of Valley Laspur named Sore Laspur, which gives a heart touchig loving beautiful scenarios for the visitors, it's a beautiful village you can also stay here the people of Sore Laspur famous for their hospitality. Shandur look more beautiful in sun set and rise time,,,,, it's the good time for photography. If you need a tourist guiders then you contact any person in Sore Laspur who give you information about the local guiders. shandur is My heart I love so much shandur,,,,,i suggest to visit this beautiful place to everyone in the world that before he/she die must visit shandur. Love Shandur...