Shandur National Park

Shandur Overview

Shandur National Park, locally known as شندور نیشنل پارک, is a high-altitude protected area located in the Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Spanning approximately 580 square miles (1,502 square kilometers), the park lies near the border of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan and surrounds the famed Shandur Pass.

Established in 2022, the park is centered around the Shandur Plateau, which sits at an elevation of around 12,200 feet (3,700 meters) and is known worldwide as the site of the annual Shandur Polo Festival. The park was created to protect this fragile alpine environment and its native wildlife, while also supporting cultural tourism.

The terrain of Shandur National Park is defined by vast alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and rolling plateaus framed by snowcapped mountain ranges. The Shandur Pass itself is one of the highest flat polo grounds in the world and dominates the central landscape of the park.

Glacial streams and small lakes, such as Shandur Lake and Langar Lake, reflect the blue skies and surrounding peaks, while patches of snow remain throughout much of the year. Vegetation is limited due to the altitude but includes resilient alpine grasses, mosses, and hardy flowering plants that bloom during the brief summer season.

Wildlife in the park is well adapted to the high-altitude climate. Key mammal species include the Himalayan ibex, snow leopard, Himalayan marmot, and Tibetan wolf, though sightings of these species are rare and typically occur in more remote zones.

The park also supports numerous bird species, particularly raptors and highland birds such as golden eagles, lammergeiers, snowcocks, and choughs. The open meadows and clean water sources provide essential habitat during the short summer window when food and shelter become more accessible for wildlife.

Shandur National Park’s most celebrated feature is the Shandur Polo Ground, where the annual Shandur Polo Festival takes place each July. This cultural event draws teams from Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral and is attended by thousands of spectators from across the country and beyond.

Set against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains and alpine meadows, the festival blends traditional sport, music, and local food with the natural beauty of the highlands. Outside of festival season, the peacefulness and open skies of the plateau attract trekkers, campers, and photographers seeking remote and breathtaking scenery.

Visitors can explore Shandur National Park through trekking routes, camping trips, and seasonal travel during the summer months when the pass is accessible by road. Jeep routes lead from Gilgit and Chitral to the Shandur Plateau, offering sweeping views of valleys, rivers, and rugged cliffs along the way.

Due to extreme weather, the park remains snowbound for much of the year, and travel is only recommended between late May and early September. Basic facilities are available during the festival, while off-season visits require preparation and self-sufficiency.

Conservation in Shandur National Park is focused on preserving its alpine meadows, protecting endangered species, and managing the growing pressures of tourism, particularly during the polo festival. Climate change and overgrazing are long-term concerns, while habitat disturbance from increased vehicle traffic is an emerging issue.

However, the park’s recent designation has sparked interest in sustainable tourism and community-based conservation. Continued collaboration between local governments, environmental organizations, and indigenous communities will be crucial in ensuring that Shandur’s natural and cultural heritage endures for future generations.

Park Map

Shandur National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Shandur National Park, located in Gilgit-Baltistan near the famed Shandur Pass, features vast alpine plateaus, cold desert valleys, and rocky mountain slopes. Known for its high altitude and open landscapes, the park is home to a variety of hardy, cold-adapted species typical of the western Himalayas and Hindu Kush ranges.

Snow Leopard
A rare and iconic predator of the high mountains, the snow leopard moves silently across ridges and cliffs. Its thick, spotted coat provides camouflage while it hunts wild ungulates and marmots.

Himalayan Ibex
This strong and agile mountain goat with long, curved horns is commonly found on rocky slopes and cliffs. It lives in herds and grazes on alpine vegetation.

Tibetan Wolf
A subspecies of the gray wolf, the Tibetan wolf is well-adapted to Shandur’s high elevations. It preys on marmots, ibex, and small mammals, and often travels in pairs or small packs.

Himalayan Marmot
This social, burrowing rodent inhabits alpine meadows and grasslands. Marmots are active during the warmer months and emit sharp warning calls to alert their colonies of predators.

Red Fox
An adaptable and resourceful predator, the red fox hunts rodents and birds across the park’s valleys and meadows. It is often active around dawn and dusk.

Ladakh Urial
This wild sheep species is adapted to dry, rocky slopes. Males have large, curled horns and form small herds, often seen grazing on steep, grassy inclines.

Himalayan Weasel
Quick and agile, this small carnivore preys on rodents and birds. It moves rapidly through rocky terrain and is active during the day, especially in summer.

Indian Crested Porcupine
Though more common in lower elevations, this nocturnal rodent has been recorded in the park’s lower valleys. It is covered in sharp quills and digs for roots and bulbs at night.

Golden Marmot
Also known as the long-tailed marmot, this species is found in alpine steppe habitats. It hibernates during winter and lives in burrows close to water sources or grazing areas.

Woolly Hare
A high-altitude lagomorph, the woolly hare blends into the dry grasslands of the Shandur Plateau. It feeds on alpine herbs and grasses and remains active even in cold conditions.

Birds

Shandur National Park’s high-altitude wetlands, meadows, and rocky cliffs create a spectacular habitat for both resident and migratory birds. The open skies and pristine alpine environment attract hardy, mountain-adapted avian species.

Himalayan Snowcock
This large ground bird is perfectly adapted to rocky alpine slopes. It blends into the landscape and is often heard calling from high ridges at dawn.

Golden Eagle
A dominant aerial predator of the highlands, the golden eagle soars across the park’s valleys, hunting marmots and hares. Its impressive wingspan and power make it a top avian predator.

Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)
This unique vulture feeds mostly on bone marrow and is often seen gliding above cliffs. It drops bones from great heights to crack them open, using wind currents for effortless flight.

Chukar Partridge
Common in the park’s scrubby and rocky areas, the chukar is a ground-dwelling bird with a bold call and red beak. It forages in groups and is well-camouflaged.

Ruddy Shelduck
These large, orange-brown waterfowl breed near alpine lakes and streams. Pairs are often seen swimming or walking along shorelines during the summer season.

Horned Lark
A small, high-altitude songbird, the horned lark has feather tufts on its head and a soft call. It thrives in open, grassy plateaus and rocky plains.

White-capped Redstart
Frequently seen near streams and wetlands, this striking black and red bird bobs its tail as it hunts for insects along rocks and riverbanks.

Brown Accentor
A small, streaky bird of the high meadows and scrub, the brown accentor forages low to the ground and nests in alpine shrubs during the summer months.

Himalayan Griffon Vulture
This large scavenger soars on thermal winds and feeds on carrion, helping to keep the ecosystem clean. It nests on cliffs and is often seen in small groups.

Common Sandpiper
During the breeding season, this small wader frequents the edges of alpine lakes and streams. It moves with a characteristic bobbing motion and feeds on insects and aquatic invertebrates.