Dear Folks,

I am Umbreen from Alpine Trekkers and Tours. We are arranging for a 8 Days Trip -

Islamabad to Shandur Polo Match and back to Islamabad including Visit to Kalash Valley

to see Greeks Tribes the Decendents of Alexander The Great!

Polo Lovers; for further details please contact me at umbreenzaidi@yahoo.com or

info@alpine.com.pk

8Days Trip - Islamabad to Shandur Polo Match and back to Islamabad

including Visit to Kalash Valley to see Greeks Tribes the Decendents of
Alexander the Great

The most exciting polo tournament of the entire Northern Pakistan, is played on top of Shandur
Pass, around 3,700 meters above sea level. It is a place unique and exotic in itself, surrounded by
some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. The event marks the annual rivalry
between the polo teams of Gilgit and Chitral. The Polo tournament has some added attractions
for the visitors; trout fishing at the nearby streams and lakes and a festival of folk dances and
music of the Northern Pakistan.

Highlight of the festival:

The highlight of the festival is the final match between the Gilgit and Chitral
teams. The final provides a most colorful spectacle. Supporters of both sides
travel long distances from the remote parts of Chitral and Gilgit, to watch the
thrilling game. The event, as such, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of
the people of this region. Their culture and indigenous customs are a delight to
behold for the visitors.

Back ground:

The first time a polo tournament took place at the Shandur Pass, was in 1936. A
British Political Agent, Major Cobb, who was fond of playing polo under a full
moon, had the polo ground near Shandur, named, "Moony Polo Ground".

English word 'Polo" is a Balti word meaning, "ball". Now a day, there are six
players to a side, but this is by no means a rule in local polo games. There was no
limit to the number of players and no time limit. Whichever team scored nine
goals first, was the winner. The present game with a team of six players in a side,
 lasts one hour with a ten minute break.

Festival Information:

It is advisable to be there one day in advance to enjoy all the offerings of the
festival. An activity at Shandur includes dance and music performances by
different groups, trout fishing, mountaineering, trekking, hiking and of course,
horse riding. Crystal clear lakes, snow covered mountains, alpine flowers and
vast stretches of green grass, are added attractions.
Facilities

A tourist tent village with restaurant facilities is sprung up

during the tournament. Merchants from Peshawar, Chitral and
Gilgit set up souvenir and folk craft shops. The tournament
offers visitors and opportunity to mix with the locals.

ITINERARY:
Tour Duration: 8day(s)
Group Size: 10 and above
Specialty Categories: Festival Tours Camping
Season: July

5 July 2008: Arrival of group, Transfer to Centrally air condition hotel.

6 July 2008: Departure from Islamabad by HILUX at 0500 hours.

Lunch at Al-Manzar Hotel Dir at 1200 hours.

Departure to Chitral, arrival at Chitral by 1700 hours, overnight at
PTDC or Tarichmir View Hotel Chitral.
7 July 2008:
After breakfast drive to Shandur pass, a very scenic drive through the scenic
villages of laspur, Pack lunch on way to be consumed at Mastuj or any where
you like. Arrival at Shandur 1600 hours. Transfer to tented accommodation,
specially established for the group.

8 July 2008: Join the thousands of Pakistanis who travel to the far north of the
country for the world’s highest polo tournament, set at over 11,000 feet above sea
level. It’s not just the location that makes this event unique, the tournament also
uses a set of rules that are over 800 years old making it very different from
‘modern’ polo matches. The festive atmosphere, cut-throat competition, and
remote location certainly make this one of the world’s most entertaining polo
tournaments. During the day enjoy the polo match and evening local music and
dancing. Meals and overnight in tents.

9 July, 2008: Final match will be played between the top teams of Chitral and
Gilgit. VVIPs graced the occasion for prize distribution to winning and runner –
up teams. Departure back to Chitral at 1400 hours and arrival at Chitral
2200 hours. Transferred to hotel for overnight stay.

10 July, 2008: Full day Kalash valley excursion to explore the centuries old
traditions and unique life style. The Kalash tribes living in the three isolated
valleys of Bomboret, Rambur and Birir in the heart of Hindukush are famed to be
the descendents of army of the Alexander the Great, who passed this remote
region in 326 BC. Visiting the traditional Kalash houses to. At Evening enjoy the
Kalash dance and music. Overnight stay at PTDC or Gluxey Hotel Bumburet
Kalash.

11 July 2008 Departure to Islamabad at 0500 hours and lunch at Dir

Hotel. Arrival at Islamabad by 2000 hours and transfer to hotel.

12 July 2008 0800 hours End of Services.

Cost of the package

Cost Per Pax: US $ 850/- For Group of 10 pax

Package cost includes:

Transportation from Islamabad to Shandur/Kalash and back to Islamabad.
Meals 3 times on way to Shandur and back to Islamabad including
camping meals at Shandur.
Hotel Charges at Chitral on arrival from Islamabad and return from
Shandur Camp and at Kalash .One night stay in centrally air
conditioned hotel in Rawalpindi for the group on arrival and one night
stay after arrival from Chitral.
Guide services throughout the trips from Islamabad to Islamabad.
Tented accommodation, mattress, blankets, sleeping bags, lighting,
heating etc. at Shandur.

Cost Not Included in the Package & Limitation:

The package will not cover other contingency cost and health issues
Hotel and tent accommodation is on double occupancy basis
Personal items, like warm cloths, sun protection glasses and cream,
lotion, medicines are not covered under this package.

The operator will not take any responsibility for any natural and
environmental condition, which affects the plan itinerary.
 All additional cost will be bear by the group members in collective
or individual capacity.

The team members have to ensure from the Doctor at Home station that
there will be no health complication to go on 12500 feet high polo
ground.

Basic health facilities will be available at Shandur on demand.

Very basic facilities will be available at Shandur, however, the

team members have to ensure some high value energy food at Shandur.

Be adequately equipped with clothes for harsh change of temperatures

that can happen anytime.

Alpine trekkers and Tours bring you complete information on various tourist
destinations in Pakistan. Alpine Trekkers and Tours promises to offer you all the
help to make your tour to Pakistan an exciting and memorable affair. A tour to
adventure and the historical sites of Pakistan is a wonderful experience .For tour
packages or hotel bookings in Pakistan; all you have to do is to email us at:

info@alpine.com.pk

umbreenzaidi@yahoo.com

Best Deals on highest quality adventure and cultural holiday options this season:

• Northern Areas packages ( discover heaven on earth)

 • Trekking and Mountaineering
• K - 2 Trekking
• Alexander
• Buddha
• Cultural tours
• Skurdu_Biking
• Morcopolo
• Silk Road
• Hiking
• Rock Climbing
• White Water Rafting
• Customized Hot Air Ballooning for groups/events (nationwide)
• The Great Mughuls
• Honey moon Packages

Plus more!!

For adventure and cultural holiday options, you may also directly contact the
organizers at

http://www.alpine.com.pk/

Contact: ALPINE TREKKERS & TOURS PRIVATE LIMITED

Mobile No. 92-300-8502223

Ph: 92-51-5896894
 E-Mail : info@alpine.com.pk

umbreenzaidi@yahoo.com

Ministry of Tourism Govt.Licence #: 307-

PATA USA Member# 022012