PAKISTAN
Shandur Polo Festival – July 03 - 13, 2007
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Passion for Polo will be the highest on the world’s highest Polo ground. Every year, Shandur (3,734 meters) invites visitors to experience a traditional polo tournament between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit from 7th to 9th July. The festival also includes folk music, folk dance, traditional sports and a camping village is be set up on the Pass. Polo is an equestrian sport with its origin embedded in Central Asia dating back to 6th century BC. 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 Apao-Chi to order beheading of all players! Polo was introduced in South Asia, by the Muslim conquerors in the 13th century. English word ‘Polo” is in fact a Balti word meaning, “ball”. In ancient times, there was no limit to the number of players and no time limit. Whichever team scored nine goals first, became the winner. Today, there are six players to each side, but this is by no means a rule in local polo games. The game lasts for one hour with a ten-minute break. Gilgit, Chitral and Skardu have always played the game of polo closest to its original form. In the past, local Rajas, Mirs and Mehtars were the patrons of the game. At times, more than 50% of the annual budget of their principalities was spent on supporting the game.
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Day 01: July 03, 2007 (Wednesday) ARRIVE LAHORE – ISLAMABAD
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Upon arrival at Lahore you will be met & transferred to Islamabad by Air-conditioned vehicle, Overnight at Hotel Rawalpindi. (Recently renovated & well recommended)
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Day
02: July 04, 2007
(Thursday) ISLAMABAD – CHITRAL
Today you need to leave early in the morning for Dir, via Malakand Pass, arrive Dir after 6 Hrs. Lunch at Dir. Transfer from Coach to Jeeps 4x4 for the 5 hrs journey to Chitral.
Overnight at Hindukush Heights
Day 03: July 05, 2007 (Friday) CHITRAL
Enjoy the surroundings of Chitral,
Overnight at Hindukush Heights
Day 04: July 06, 2007 (Saturday) CHITRAL – MASTUJ
Drive to Mastuj.
Overnight in the Log Cabins
Day 05: July 07, 2007 (Saturday) MASTUJ – SHANDUR PASS
Drive
Shandur Pass. Enjoy Shandur Polo Festival
Overnight in the Camp
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Day 06: July 08, 2007 (Sunday) SHANDUR PASS Enjoy the Shandur Polo Festival. Overnight in the Camp
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Day 07: July 09, 2007 (Monday) SHANDUR PASS
Enjoy the Shandur Polo Festival.
Overnight in the Camp
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Day 08: July 10, 2007 (Tuesday) SHANDUR PASS – MASTUJ Drive to Mastuj. Overnight in the Log Cabins
Day 09: July 11, 2007 (Wednesday) MASTUJ – CHITRAL Drive to Chitral via Malakand Pass & Dir. Overnight at Hindukush Heights
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Day 10: July 12, 2007 (Thursday) CHITRAL – ISLAMABAD Drive to Islamabad by air-conditioned coach. Overnight at Hotel Rawalpindi. (Recently renovated & well recommended) |
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Day 11: July 13, 2007 (Friday) ISLAMABAD – LAHORE
Check-out & transferred to the Lahore airport in time to connect international flight
**** End of Tour ****
TOUR COST PER PERSON: Total: $ 2233 OR € 1.721
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Room on double occupancy basis on full board basis for 10 nights
The cost has been calculated on the existing tariffs/conditions and any change in the costs or modification in tax structure will oblige us to revise the same.
Additional service, if any, during the trip have to be paid by the clients. If you wish to extend full or partial credit, you may please solicit the same in advance.
Kindly note that names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels and it is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey such confirmation to you. In the event of any of the above-mentioned hotels not becoming available we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you.
A PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Airport taxes & airfares to/from Pakistan
Personal expenses such as bottled or alcoholic beverages, telephone calls or personal equipment like sleeping bags etc…
Insurance of self and baggage.
Tips and gratuity.
Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and airplane delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes etc…
Any item that is not mentioned above