Shandur Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shandur PassUrdu: شندور |
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Shandur pass
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| Elevation | 3,700 m (12,139 ft) |
| Traversed by | Gilgit–Shandur Road |
| Location | Pakistan |
| Coordinates | 36°04′32″N 72°31′12″E / 36.075556°N 72.520130°E |
 Location in Pakistan
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Shandur Pass is a high mountain pass located in Pakistan. It connects the areas of Gupis in Gilgit-Baltistan with Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This pass is very high up, reaching about 3,738 meters (12,264 feet) above sea level. It is famous for its flat top, which is like a large plateau.
You can usually cross Shandur Pass between late April and early November. During these months, the weather is better, and the snow has melted enough for travel. The path up to the pass is not very steep, making it easier to travel. Small streams filled with trout fish flow through the area, and in summer, there's plenty of grass for animals to graze.
Shandur Pass: The Roof of the World
Shandur Pass is often called the "Roof of the World" because of its high elevation. It's a beautiful place with wide-open spaces. The pass is an important link between different regions of Pakistan, allowing people and goods to travel between them. It's also a place where nature thrives, with clear streams and green pastures in the warmer months.
The Famous Polo Match
One of the most exciting things about Shandur Pass is the annual Polo match. Every year, a special polo tournament is held on the flat top of Shandur. Teams from Chitral and Gilgit come together to compete in this thrilling game. Polo is a sport played on horseback, and it's a big event for the local communities. People travel from far and wide to watch this unique match.
Exploring the Area
Shandur Pass is one of several important mountain passes that lead into Chitral. Other passes include the Dorah Pass from Afghanistan, the Lowari Pass from Dir, and the Broghol Pass also from Afghanistan. These passes have historically been important routes for trade and travel. The people who live around Shandur Pass, on both sides, speak a language called Khowar.
