The top 10 festivals tourists don't know about

Shandur Polo Tournament - Pakistan (July)

To describe the Shandur Polo Tournament as a unique cultural event seems to sell this sporting festival short. Join the thousands of Pakistanis who travel to the far north of the country for the world's highest polo tournament, set at over 11,000 feet above sea level.

It's not just the location that makes this event unique. The tournament also uses a set of rules that are over 800 years old, making it very different from 'modern' polo matches. The festive atmosphere, cut-throat competition, and remote location certainly make this one of the world?s most entertaining polo tournaments!
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Naadam Festival - Mongolia (June)

Echoing Mongolia's warrior past, the Naadam festival, or the 'manly games' as they are otherwise known, is a festival of the three major traditional sports in Mongolia: wrestling, horse racing and archery.

The chance to compete in or watch these events draws herdsmen and their families from hundreds of miles around at the height of Mongolia's warm season. The Naadam festival begins with a giant parade down the main boulevard of the city of Ulaan Baatar, passing government buildings and monuments. Great fun for the hardy traveller is had in joining the nomadic herders, who live in tent-like 'gers', for this remarkable festival.
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Losar Tibetan New Year - Tibet (February)

In Tibet, there are many festivals throughout the year that attract the faithful as well as curious onlookers. One of the most important is Losar, the Tibetan New Year, which is a truly colourful, traditional and exotic festival.

For the non-traditionalists, although Losar is the celebration of the Buddhist New Year, there is plenty of drinking and eating at this three-day party. After symbolic rituals performed by the yellow-hatted Tibetan lamas, the festivities kick off with massive parades and fireworks meant to chase off last year's devils.
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Kyoto Geisha Festival - Japan (May)

Authentic geisha dance performances are rare events, unless you are a member of Kyoto's upper-class and a visitor to local Tea Houses or are lucky enough to be able to secure a seat at one of the annual public performances given in Kyoto in Spring and Autumn.

Held since 1872, the Kama-gawa Odori is one of the country's most celebrated spring geisha dances and thousands of locals turn out in the hope of witnessing the graceful movements of the Pontocho district's geishas. Staged on the banks of the Kamo-gawa River, the Kama-gawa Odori has attracted the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Jean Cocteau through the years.
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