The Shandur Polo Festival is an annual cultural and equestrian sporting event held at Shandur Pass in northern Pakistan, located between the regions of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan. It takes place every summer on a high mountain plateau about 12,200 feet above sea level, making it widely known as the highest polo ground in the world.
The main highlight is the historic rivalry between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit, who compete in a style known as freestyle polo, believed to be closest to the ancient form of the game. Unlike modern regulated polo, Shandur matches are fast, physical, and played with fewer restrictions, which showcases the bravery, horsemanship, and instinct more than normal matches. Riders use sturdy mountain horses—often Chitrali breeds—that are adapted to the harsh terrain and altitude. The final match between Chitral and Gilgit is the centerpiece of the festival and has become legendary.
Beyond the matches, the festival celebrates the culture of the northern regions. For many Pakistanis, the Shandur Polo Festival represents the spirit of the north—rugged, proud, and deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions of horse culture and community celebration.
This tee is designed as our take on a souvenir tee from the festival.
