Chitral is one of the most beautiful places on the face of the earth. At an elevation of 1128 meters, it is full of lush green valleys, sky-high mountains, including the highest mountain of Hindu Kush range Tirich Mir and serene lakes. It is the mighty Hindukush range that divides the area in approximately 35 small valleys with stunning meadows and massive glaciers.

You will be surprised to know that not a single mountain here is less than 4,000 feet, while over 40 summits support an altitude of 20,000 feet.

The breathtaking place is situated on the Chitral River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. This historic region is home to numerous spectacular valleys like Garam Chashma valley, Booni, Bumburat, Golen valley, and Madaklasht valley. Due to the steep mountains and the bleak landscape, especially in winter, access to this region is somewhat tricky hence making it an unexplored beauty at the same time.

The world is sure full of beautiful valleys, but this one here is one of the most picturesque ones. No wonder tourists describe it as the most exotic, romantic, and charismatic valley after their life-altering visits, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

History Of Chitral

Situated on the main crossroads to Central Asia, historically, Chitral was known as an independent princely state. After independence, Chitral was the first state to declare its accession to Pakistan.

The recorded history of Chitral begins with the Iranian rule in 400 BC. It takes us to the invasion of the Yasin Valley by the Tibetans in the early 8th century, followed by the Chinese and then Buddhists in 900 AD. Later, the Kalash from Afghanistan also ruled Chitral from 11 to 13 century. In the 14th century Chitral became an independent state under the rule of Shah Nasir Rais. In 1570, the Rais dynasty was replaced, and the Katur dynasty emerged.

In 1895, the Chitral Fort was sieged for a month, Chitral once again became an independent state under British rule. In 1969 it was merged into Pakistan.

Today, Chitral hosts ancient Chitrali tribes and is also home to the ancient pagan tribe of the Kalash, whose people live in three valleys of Bamburat, Rambur, and Birir according to their ancient beliefs and traditions.

Geography Of Chitral

Chitral is located in Pakistan’s northernmost district; it is situated just across the Afghanistan Wakhan border and China on its Northside. On its southern boundary, lies Dir. Gilgit agency while Swat and Gilgit-Baltistan lie on its east side. The region has Nuristan and Kunar provinces of Afghanistan on its west sides.

There are two main routes to enter Chitral– Shandur Pass and Lowari Pass or Lowari Tunnel. Whichever you choose from, you are bound to be inspired by the captivating landscape.

Culture of Chitral

The rich culture of Chitral marks the traces of Greek, Tatar, Turkish, and Iranian influence, thanks to its unique location and historical ties with Central Asian countries as well as Europe.

The Khowar language is spoken in most parts of Chitral, and Chitral is called “Kho” in this language. People of Chitral speak 12 languages, including Pushto, Urdu, and Farsi.

Music ranks high among the traditions of Chitral. The ancient instrument known as Chitrali Sitar can also be heard at different places and public gatherings. As far as sports are concerned, Polo is the most famous game in the valley. There are many polo grounds in Chitral with the most popular one in Chitral town.

Climate Of Chitral

The climate of the Chitral, in general, stays pleasant in summers and becomes extremely cold and harsh in winters. The average temperature rises to 30 °C in summer and has seen 0.0 °C in extreme winter.

The top season to tour Chitral is from May to September. The cool and pleasant weather of the region in this season makes it ‘The place to visit’ for tourists.

People Of Chitral

The people of Chitral are famous for their hospitability and are widely known as generous hosts. It is their behavior that attracts tourists to visit the valley again and again.

Historically Chitrali people were inhabitants of the Dardistan region. They were primarily located in South Asia and then migrated to the Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Popular Places in Chitral:

There are abundant stunning places in Chitral that are hard to put in a list. However, here are some of the very famous places of Chitral that you wouldn’t want to miss if you are a lover of nature.

1. Kalash Valley

The Kalash Valley is located in the Chitral District of Northern Pakistan. The magnificent Hindu Kush Mountain Range surrounds the beautiful valley. The area is a repository of mysterious history and unique culture.

History of Kalash Valley

Kalash Valley has a fascinating history to tell as its natives are believed to be the descendants of the famous Alexander the Great. Some historians say these people have roots from Nuristan – also known as Kafiristan, and are indigenous tribes of the area. History tells us that in 1895, an Afghan King Amir Abdul Rahman conquered the place and spread Islam in the region. To avoid getting converted to a new religion, some people fled to Chitral. Another belief conveys that people of Kalash migrated from Tsiam – their traditional hub.

Culture of Kalash Valley

The culture of Kalash Valley inhabitants is quite different from the majority of ethnic groups of Pakistan. These people worship more than one Gods, and one of their most highlighted religious sermons is the way they sacrifice their possessions in the name of their gods. The unique culture is known worldwide for its peculiarities. It is deeply connected to their religion, and they conduct several festivities to commemorate the teachings of their faith and the rituals associated with them. These people only marry within their community but are not hostile towards other communities.

People of Kalash

The people in Kalash Valley come under the flag of the smallest ethnic and religious minority of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. They are friendly, hospitable, and are picture-perfectly beautiful with their distinct features such as green and honey-colored eyes.

Events Celebrated In Kalash

People of Kalash celebrate a number of festivals including the following:

• Joshi is a spring event when people wear new clothes, celebrate, and sing for the arrival of spring.
• Uchau is celebrated when freshly made cheese is delivered from the pastures.
• Caumus takes place in the winter.

2. Chitral Fort

The Chitral Fort – also known as the siege of Chitral – was a fort built around the 14^th century by Nadir Shah, a local leader of the place then. The Chitral Fort was considered to be a stronghold of rulers of the state.

The fort has a commanding position on the right bank of Chitral River and has seen the glories and the ruins throughout the history. Though not in its original form, the uncovered walls have revealed the robust stone and wood structure beneath which put architects and art lovers in awe considering the time it has been under attack.

3. Chitral National Park

Chitral GOL National Park is located in the Chitral District and is a valley with this gorge that broadens out into a wide basin surrounded by mountains. The lush green park has three valley and numerous glaciers, which eventually take the form of a stream. Visitors can enjoy the facility of two hunting lodges that were made by the local kings there.  You can also camp and trek there.

Apart from being rich in trees, Markhor goat is the most famous highlight of the park, with an estimated population of 650. Black bear, Ladak Urial (shapu), and Siberian Ibex are also found in the national park. Snow leopards there are given the status of threatened species since the year 1974 and are conserved with extreme care by the Government of Pakistan.

4. Sor Laspur.

Sor Laspur is an administrative unit in the valley of Chitral and is no less than a fairytale because of its highly eye-captivating features. The whole area is full of precious cultural values because of the traditions of its inhabitants.

The history of the land depicts heroism in its best form as many inhabitants of the region participated in the acts of valor and bravery during several fights and wars.

The Laspur River is a famous place for tourism in the area with its beautiful tranquil blue water and many people from around the country come here to do trout fishing as well as sightseeing.

5. Lowari Pass

Lowari Pass – also known as Lowari Top – is a mountain pass connecting the district Chitral with Dir in KPK, Pakistan. The Lowari Pass is a relatively low pass that enters into Chitral (less than 12,000 feet). The link connects the district to the Afghan tribes.

In the winter season (from November to late May), it remains closed due to heavy snowfall. Still, the area attracts a large number of tourists towards its eye-catching snow-covered beauty each year as it welcomes 6 to 10 inches of snow.

Here we should mention that the N 45 Road of this pass comes under the category of the most dangerous roads present in the whole world. No wonder, the locals there call this road as the Hell’s road.

6. Lowari Tunnel

Lowari tunnel is an alternative of the Lowari Pass and serves to be a connecting channel for Chitral to other areas. So, it is considered as a lifeline to the locals here as all transport and trade is made possible due to this channel and to forget the travelers get to see the captivating beauty along the way.

The tunnel cuts from the belly of the Hindu Kush Mountains and is 10.4 kilometers in length. It is the longest tunnel in the country and is considered one of the most significant and longest tunnels in the South Asian continent as well. The idea for this project floated during the Bhutto rule and got finally completed in 2017 and is a sight to see in itself.

7. Mastuj Fort

The Mastuj Fort is one of the most ancient forts that was used for governmental as well as military purposes in the 19^th century. According to the tales, it was built in the 11^th century and has been prone to many earthquakes and therefore needed frequent rebuilding to get into the shape and form it is in today. It is located on an old trade route to China.

The fort was reconstructed mainly in 1830 and 1895 after two big earthquakes. The latest construction of the Mastuj Fort occurred from 1920 to 1923, which continued to be its present form.

There are four towers to this square fort, while the buildings inside the fort have almost vanished. However, one can still see the raised platforms on each side of the covered passageway inside the main gate where retainers used to keep hawks. This was of significant value to the territorial army in that time during the regime of the local kings in the district. Now, this place is a tourist attraction for visitors all over the world.

8. Shandur Top

Shandur, the land of mighty mountains, is world-famous for having the highest polo ground in altitude across the globe. In older times, small tribes and kingdoms used to play Polo in this place located in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. These tournaments were held at the patronage of the British rulers from 1936 till their rule in the region.

Known as Mas Janali, UK administrators officially declared this place to be treated as a polo ground in the valley in 1935 by giving orders to one of the nambardars in the government, and one was even offered with a prize for making that happen.

The world-renowned festival named Shandur Polo Tournament is a festival that goes on for three days every year from 7th to 9th of July at Shandur Pass in the spring season. It is held to commemorate and celebrate the mountain polo being played on this ground since old times. It is held between Gilgit and Chitral and not only local tourists, but people from across the globe also come to witness this fantastic sports event.

Tirich Mir

Tirich Mir is a mountain that is a part of the Hindu Kush range and is located in the Chitral District, Pakistan. The people in the area are amiable and will happily guide you if you plan to have an expedition there no matter where you belong.

The route to Tirich Mir is increasingly challenging and is an excellent adventure for people who want to put their courage to the test and have the time of their lives.

Some local residents indicate that the place is filled with wizards, fairies, and witches who make this place almost impossible to fully explore. However, the geography rightly describes why the site is so dangerous – deep crevasses and the challenging peaks of glaciers.

Hotels in Chitral

The hotels in Chitral are truly heaven to stay in. With a beautiful view of the mountain ranges and the comfortable environment having features like outdoor swimming pools, hot and cold water, parking, and even Wi-Fi, you can plan an ideal holiday trip.

Some of the best five-star hotels include Hindukush Heights, Ayub Fort Inn, and Pamir Riverside Inn Hotel.

Restaurants in Chitral

Chitral valley is full of restaurants that are deeply rooted in its rich. Restaurants in Chitral have a wide variety of dishes from local as well as international cuisines.

Some restaurants include Tirich Mir View Central, and Chitral Guest House and Zowalo Restaurant.

Healthcare in Chitral

There are over 19 Basic Health Units and 3 Tehsil Health Quarters in Chitral. You can find medical shops easily in the local streets.

Moreover, Aga Khan Health Care Centre and District Headquarter Hospitals are some of the most highlighted healthcare facilities. You can also contact Akhsp Regional Office in case of an emergency at 0943 412633.

Security Situation in Chitral

Chitral has a robust security system consisting of dedicated individuals who ensure that the inhabitants and tourists stay safe and enjoy their stay in the beautiful valley.

You can contact these police stations and other security institutions in case of an emergency:  

• Chitral Police Station – contact number; (0943) 412959
• District Courts Chitral – contact number; (0943) 412533
• Police Station Shogore – contact number; (0943) 488015
• Police Station Garamchashma – contact number; (0943) 488015
• Police Station Mulkhow – contact number; (0943) 474060

Shopping Opportunities in Chitral

There are many things you can buy as souvenirs, including handicrafts, dry fruits, and local products from local shops and shopping centers, one of which is the Taj Mahal of Chitral that is quite famous for the wide variety of national and international products it carries.

Other places include Shubinak Chitral and Lahore Shopping Center from where you can buy different items for your loved ones to take back home.

Transport in Chitral

Chitral Airport is a domestic airport located in the center of the city and allows to travel from and to Islamabad and Peshawar. Common bus stations include General Bus Station and Bamboret Bus Stand that can take you to different sites in the district. Cantt Railway Station Peshawar and Pabi Railway Stations located in Peshawar are also near to the location.

Important Phone Numbers To Remember

• Healthcare: (+92943 412633)
• Police Station: (+92943 412959)
• Bus Travel: (+92315 8001535)
• Shopping center: Taj Mahal of Chitral (+92302 8068366)

Photography: Shahzad Ali https://www.enroutepakistan.com/profile/shahzadsph