The Shandur Pass lies almost midway between Chitral and Gilgit on a jeep road, travelling on which is adventurous, to say the least. One can get to Chitral or Gilgit by Pakistan International's daily flights from Peshawar and Islamabad. There two are daily flights from both destinations, subject to good weather.
Visitors planning to go by air must expect adjustment of minimum 02 days in their itineraries just in case the weather does not permit flights to operate.
Access to Chiltral by road is either from Peshawar or from Islamabad. Both these routes join up in lower Swat valley near Chakdara, from where you proceed via Dir over 3,118 meters high Lowari Pass and on to Chitral. It will take about 11 hours for a direct ride, otherwise, a stopover in Dir is recommended.
From Dir, you shift to 4x4 jeeps for your onward journey to Chitral and on to Shandur. From Chitral side, travellers can also enjoy overnight stay at Mastuj whereas from Gilgit side, Gupis and Phandar are suitable places for an overnight halt.
Travelling by road from Islamabad along the Karakoram Highway, visitors may like to spend the night by the side of the mighty Indus, at Besham.
For visitors to Shandur, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has set up its motels with all facilities like, attached toilet/bathroom, hot/cold water, restaurant etc, at Panah Kot (Dir), Chitral, Bamburet (Kalash Valley), Mastuj, Phandar, Gupis, Besham (KKH), Barseen (KKH) and Gilgit. These are in addition to the private hotels and inns operating in the area. On the Pass, a tent village with all facilities is also set up to mark the Shandur Polo Festival.
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