Pakistan Sports Travel

HORSE POLO
LOCATION: The Northern Areas of Pakistan
DIRECTION: The Gilgit, Ghizer, Chitral and Hunza areas.

INTRODUCTION
The Horse Polo of these Northern Areas are famous throughout Pakistan. The ball is hit around at amazing speeds and the horses do well to keep up with the ball. The spectators also have to be brave and sit above a low wall to which the ball hits and rebounds into play. The music also dictates the game. The famous polo teams are Gilgit and Chitral and every year a tournament is held at the Shandur Pass which connects Chitral and Gilgit and hundreds of people come to watch the games. You can also learn polo with a trained guide here.
Shandur Polo Tournament at the highest polo ground on Earth:

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.

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.

The Shandur Pass lies almost midway between Chitral and Gilgit on a jeep road, travelling on which, is adventurous, to say the least. The distance from either side is 170 kms. One can get to Chitral or Gilgit by Pakistan International's daily F27 Fokker planes form Peshawar and Islamabad. There are daily two flights from both destinations, subject to good weather. Visitors planning to go by air must expect adjustment of minimum 02 days in their itineraries just in case the weather.

EQUIPMENT
Equipment is available at the respective locations.

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.

For visitors to Shandur, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has set up its new motels with all facilities like, attached toilet/bathroom, hot/cold water, restaurant etc, at Panah Kot (Dir), Chitral, Bamburet (Kalash Valley), Besham (KKH), Barseen (KKH) and Gilgit, besides some private hotels. On the Pass, a tent village with all facilities is set up.It is advisable to be there one day in advance to enjoy all the offerings of the festival. Activities 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.

HIKING./TREKKING
LOCATION: The Northern Areas of Pakistan
DIRECTION: Directions:Northern Pakistan.

INRODUCTION
This trekking is for beginners and amateur hikers. The area between Gilgit and Chitral areas is called Ghizar and provides great chances for trekking and hiking. The most famous areas are Naltar, Yasin, Phander, Fairy Meadows, Hopar, Nagar and Shimsal Valleys. Especially in Naltar Valley, where a trekker can hike up to the Naltar Lakes.

EQUIPMENT
All equipment is available in Gilgit or Karimabad.

SKIING
LOCATION: Naltar Valley, Malam Jabba of Pakistan
DIRECTION: Naltar Valley: 2 hours drive more Gilgit over a jeep track.
Malam Jabba: Drive on a metalled road more Saidu Sharif.

INRODUCTION
The two major Skiing resorts in Pakistan are in Malam Jabba (Swat Valley) and Naltar Valley (near Gilgit). The Malam Jabba Resort is much more developed with a great hotel and all skiing facilitiies. However, Naltar still requires some work but still is a very beautiful area and lots of snowfall in the winter. There are also 2 ski lifts here.

EQUIPMENT
Bring your own equipment if you want to ski at Naltar or arrange the trip from your tour operator. Skiing equipment is available at the Malam Jabba resort.

WHITE WATER RAFTING
LOCATION: The Gilgit River of Pakistan
DIRECTION: The Gilgit River.

INRODUCTION
The wild and roaring streams and rivers of the Northern Pakistan possess great potential for white and wild water sports. The rapids of these streams and rivers provide the ultimate adventure and thrill in mountain water sports and lend themselves to canoeing, Kayaking and white water rafting.Rafting in northern Pakistan excites the imagination. Here the mountains are one of the most rugged and isolated place on earth. The Swat river, Gilgit river, Hunza river, Kunar river, Neelam river, Chitral river and Indus river. All provide excellent stretches for white water canoeing and kayaking. The Indus River from Jaglot northwards till its origin is deemed unfit for rafting (unless you want your grave in the Indus River bed). The Indus River is a black raging river upto Jaglot and no one can even swim it. The best options for rafting are from Aliabad (Hunza) till Gilgit on the Gilgit river or on the Gilgit River near Phander..

EQUIPMENT
Arrange the trip with your tour operator OR the hotel manager who would be more than happy to organise a rafting expedition for you. By the way, at least 4 people (usually) for rafting required. Rapids usually between level ii to level v passing through stunning scenery.

INRODUCTION
Fishing in lakes is common in the Northern Areas. Try fishing at Phunder Lake about 8 hrs drive from Gilgit. Great catch and lake abundant in fish like trout. Also try Rama Lake, about 6 hrs from Gilgit in the valley of Astore.

EQUIPMENT
Requires fishing permit from PTDC offices. Fishing is allowed only in special seasons.

ROCK CLIMBING
LOCATION: Baltoro Glacier of Pakistan
DIRECTION: Baltistan.

INRODUCTION
Rock climbing is done in Hunza And Baltistan (coming soon). The best option for rock climbing in Pakistan is definitely The Trango Towers, the finest rock pinnacle in the world. It is located in the Baltoro Glacier, Baltistan. Keep your passport and visas and also get a permit before doing such a thing, you can be airlifted out of the area by Pakistani Air Force Helicopters (they take the money from you) from Siachen if you dont have the required documents.

EQUIPMENT
Normal rock climbing equipment. Not too Difficult. Bring camping equipment as well. No accomodation near these areas.

HIKING-TREKKING
LOCATION: The Batura, Baltoro, Biafo and other Glaciers of Pakistan
DIRECTION: Baltistan.

INRODUCTION
Hiking and trekking of the glaciers is common in Pakistan. The Baltoro, Batura, Hispar and Biafo are the largest glaciers in the world and Siachen (which is the largest) are a trekker's paradise. Siachen is currently closed to foreigners and other Pakistanis for that matter as currently it is a warzone ( the highest battlefield on Earth. above 5500 m ) with helicopters and tanks patrolling the areas. In the area of the Baltoro Glacier, foreigners are required to have all the necessary documents (including permits,visas and passports) with them while hiking because you can be airliftef (at your own expense) out of the area if caught without the necessary documents by Pakistani helicopters from Siachen (a cool experience though).

EQUIPMENT
Normal equipment for hiking is to be required. Porters are available.

CYCLING THE KARAKORAM HIGHWAY
LOCATION: The Karakoram Highway of Pakistan
DIRECTION: The Karakoram Highway.

INRODUCTION
Cycling on one of the highest roads on Earth. Gotta be mad? Well no. Several foreigners are seen biking on the highway from Besham to Khunjerab. Thats a very tough job, about rises in height from 800 m to 4880 m and similar falls.

EQUIPMENT
Never tried it (thankfully). Try searching for websites on cycling the Karakoram highway on net.