The Shandur Pass

The Shandur Pass, located at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level, is one of the highest mountains passes in the world. It connects the Chitral and Gilgit regions of Pakistan and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. This pass is not only a gateway between the two regions, but it also has a rich history, unique culture, and scenic beauty that attracts tourists from all over the world. In this guide, we will explore the history, population, areas name, best visitable locations with descriptions, best popular foods, hotels to stay, and all about the city for travelers.

History of the Shandur Pass

The Shandur Pass has a rich history dating back to the time of the Indus Valley Civilization. It was an important trade route between Central Asia and South Asia. The pass was also used by the armies of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Timur during their invasions of the Indian subcontinent. The British also used this route to enter Chitral in the 19th century.

The population of Shandur Pass

The Shandur Pass is situated between the Chitral and Gilgit regions of Pakistan. The people living in these regions are diverse in terms of ethnicity and language. The majority of the people in Chitral are Khowar-speaking, while in Gilgit, people speak Shina and Burushaski. The population living near the Shandur Pass is mainly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry.

Areas of Shandur Pass

The Shandur Pass is located in the north of Pakistan and connects the Chitral and Gilgit regions. The pass is surrounded by three major areas, which are:

Chitral

Chitral is a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is situated on the west bank of the Kunar River and is surrounded by the Hindu Kush mountains. Chitral is known for its unique culture, rich history, and scenic beauty.

Gilgit

Gilgit is the capital city of Gilgit-Baltistan, a region in northern Pakistan. The city is situated at an altitude of 1,450 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges. Gilgit is known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and unique culture.

Shandur

Shandur is a plateau located between Chitral and Gilgit. It is situated at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level and is known for its polo ground, which is the highest polo ground in the world.

Best Visitable Locations with Descriptions

The Shandur Pass is known for its scenic beauty and tourist attractions. Some of the best visit-able locations with descriptions are:

Shandur Polo Ground

The Shandur Polo Ground is one of the main attractions of the Shandur Pass. It is located at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level and is the highest polo ground in the world. The annual Shandur Polo Festival is held here every year, which attracts tourists from all over the world.

Chitral Gol National Park

Chitral Gol National Park is located in the Chitral district of Pakistan. It is spread over an area of 7750 hectares and is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. The park is home to snow leopards, ibex, markhor, and a variety of bird species.

Phander Valley

Phander Valley is located in the Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan. It is known for its natural beauty and is often referred to as “Little Kashmir.” The valley is surrounded by high mountains, lush green forests, and a beautiful lake called Phander Lake. It is a perfect destination for hiking, camping, and trout fishing.

Shandur Lake

Shandur Lake is located near the Shandur Pass and is one of the highest lakes in the world. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, camping, and hiking.

Kalash Valley

Kalash Valley is located in the Chitral district of Pakistan. It is known for its unique culture, colorful festivals, and traditional way of life. The Kalash people living in this valley are known for their distinctive dress, language, and religious practices. The valley is also home to a number of ancient temples and historical sites.

Best Popular Foods

The Shandur Pass region is known for its delicious and unique cuisine. Some of the best popular foods in this region are:

Chapshoro

Chapshoro is a popular dish in the Chitral region. It is made of flour, meat, and vegetables, and is similar to a stuffed dumpling.

Sajji

Sajji is a traditional dish of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. It is made of marinated lamb or chicken, which is skewered and roasted over an open fire.

Pakoras

Pakoras are a popular snack in the Shandur Pass region. They are made of gram flour, onions, and spices and are deep-fried until crispy.

Hotels to Stay in Shandur Pass

There are a number of hotels and guesthouses available in the Shandur Pass region for tourists. Some of the best hotels to stay in are:

Chitral Serena Hotel

Chitral Serena Hotel is located in the Chitral district of Pakistan. It is a luxury hotel that offers world-class amenities and services to its guests.

PTDC Motel

PTDC Motel is located near the Shandur Pass and is run by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation. It is a budget-friendly option for tourists and offers comfortable accommodations and basic amenities.

Hindukush Heights

Hindukush Heights is a luxury hotel located in the Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and is a perfect destination for those looking for a luxurious stay.

All About the City for Travelers Guide

The Shandur Pass region is a beautiful and unique destination for travelers. Here are some tips for travelers visiting this region:

The weather at Shandur Pass

The weather in the Shandur Pass region is unpredictable and can change rapidly. It is important to bring warm clothing, even in the summer months, as temperatures can drop rapidly at night.

Transportation

Public transportation is available in the Shandur Pass region, but it can be unreliable and infrequent. It is recommended to hire a private car or taxi to explore the region.

Currency Shandur Pass

The currency used in Pakistan is the Pakistani rupee. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is important to carry cash when traveling in this region.

Culture the Shandur Pass

The Shandur Pass region has a rich and diverse culture. It is important to respect the local customs 

and traditions when visiting this region. The people living in this region are primarily Muslim, and it is important to dress conservatively and follow local customs. Visitors should avoid drinking alcohol or engaging in any behavior that may be considered disrespectful to the local culture.

One of the unique cultural aspects of the Shandur Pass region is the traditional game of polo. The Shandur Polo Festival is held annually in July and is a major attraction for tourists. The festival features a polo match between the teams of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral and is a great opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions.

It is also important to be aware of the local customs and etiquette when interacting with the locals. It is customary to greet people with the traditional Islamic greeting of “Assalamu alaikum” and to remove shoes before entering a mosque or a home.

By respecting the local culture and customs, visitors can have a more meaningful and enjoyable experience in the Shandur Pass region.