Getting There
Chitral is accessible from Islamabad via Dir which is situated around 340km away and takes around 7 hours to reach. From Dir, one takes the Lowari Tunnel or has to go over the Lowari Top to reach Chitral after another 3 hours.
By Train: If you want to go to Chitral Festival by train from any part of the country, there is no train available to go to Chitral Festival So you can get off at Nowshehra Railway station or Peshawar station and go Chitral Festival by car, bus and Jeep
By Air: The flight from Islamabad to Chitral runs every day and takes 50 minutes to reach Chitral, then rent a jeep to the Kalash Valley if you are a Solo Traveller.
By Road: A luxury bus service has been started from Islamabad to Chitral.The bus will be fully luxurious, well-equipped with air-conditioning system and comfortable seats. In Chitral, the bus will be available at the “Ataliq Bus Terminal” while in Islamabad it will be available to serve its customers at Shalimar Travels
What to Expect
The Chitral Valley has an average elevation of 1128 meters and is a favorite of mountain climbers, hikers, hunters, hunters, and anthropologists. Afghanistan is located in the north, south, and west of the Chitral region. The narrow zone of Afghanistan (Wakhan) separates it from Tajikistan.
Tirich Mir: This lofty mountain peak is the highest of the Hindukush range. Tirich Mir can be viewed from a higher place of Chitral Town (Like the rooftop of the hotel where you stay) in clear weather.
Chitral Museum: Chitral Museum with antiques, weapons, and other stuff from the old times of monarchies provide great knowledge about the history and culture of Chitral and Kalash people.
Shahi Masjid (Shahi Mosque): Shahi Masjid of Chitral was built in 1924 A.D. It was built by Shujaul Mulk, the Mehtar of Chitral (1895 – 1936). The mosque is famous for its strong and cultural architectural style.
Shahi Qila (Shahi Fort): Shahi Qila of Chitral is situated beside the Shahi Masjid of Chitral. This fort is definitely a place suitable for a kingly residence. Unfortunately, it is private property and you’ll need to get special permission to visit it from inside.
Polo Ground: Polo is a famous and perhaps most favorite game of Chitral. A visit to polo ground will provide you with information about an interesting game of polo, and if you are lucky then there might be a match going on that you can enjoy.
History
Chitral has been left undisturbed by invaders due to its location high up in the Hindu Kush. The Lowari Pass, more than 10,000 feet high, is the lowest pass that leads into Chitral It is a fact that different people from diverse cultures shape the culture of cities.
Different people have influenced the culture of Chitral in different time periods. Kanishka, a Buddhist ruler, occupied Chitral in the 3rd century. Likewise, the Chinese overran the Chitral valley in the 4th century and it was under their rule till the 8th century. From the 11th to 13th century, Kalashi people from Afghanistan ruled the city.
The rule by Raees started in 1320 and remained until the end of the 15th century. Katur’s rule succeeded the Raees dynasty and it remained the same till 1969 when the city officially became a larger district of KPK. Therefore, during your visit to Chitral, you might find the impressions of Iranians, Greeks, Chinese, Tatars, Turkish and Hindus culture in the lifestyle of Chitrali people.
Chitral was known by the name of Kashkar. The foot of the Hindu Kush was the home of the genies. It is said that the genie who stole the ring of Hazrat Suleiman lived on Terich Mir and had his forts on many high mountains. At that time, forests and plains dominated the landscape. The genies used the grounds to practice drills and training exercises.
Facilities Available
- Local guides are available
- People of Chitral are very hospitable
- River View Hotel, Tourist Hotel Chitral, Hindu Kush Heights Hotel, Pamir Riverside Inn, Chitral Guest House; PTDC Chitral Motel
- Tourism Department helps the Tourist/ Visitors through providing broachers in both Urdu and English languages. The local Police and the local Guides can speak multi languages (i.e local languages, Urdu, English and some of them can speak Chinese also).
- There is a bus stand in Chitral for public transportation.
- Filling stations are available near to Chitral festival which includes Petrol and Diesel.
- Taxis are available in on daily rent basis.
- Shops are available Chitral
- There are many accommodation options in the Chitral valley.
