Getting There
Chitral is one of the most beautiful, eye-catching, and famous places of Pakistan in the KPK province and it’s located at the distance of 413 km from Islamabad Motorway via Swat Motorway and from Peshawar, the distance of Chitral is 341 km
By Air: The nearest airport that can be used for air travel to Chitral is Chitral Airport
By Train: If you want to go to Chitral by train from any part of the country, there is no train available to go to Chitral So you can get off at Nowshehra Railway station or Peshawar station and go Chitral by car, bus and Jeep
By Road: Through a car, bus and Jeep you can easily reach to Chitral from Islamabad Motorway via Swat Motorway in six and half hours. The distance of Chitral from Islamabad is 413 Km and from Peshawar is 341 km.
What to Expect
Chitrali men love Polo, and display their skills on the occasion of cultural festivals. “Freestyle polo is only played in the Chitral in the world, providing an opportunity for joy and entertainment to the locals as well as foreign tourists. The ancient tribe is Kalash in Chitral. They have their unique culture and religion.
This tribe celebrates three festivals in a year. The beautiful dancing women seem fairies, and their different language really makes them fairies from the sky. The important and beautiful aspect of Chitral is its peace and love. The two racial groups, Kalash and Kho, are loving and humble.
The Kalash, who are considered the descendants of Alexander, is no more than three thousand. Their way of life is unique and different from other natives. They are not followers of the local religion. They enjoy their life with nature and celebrate their beauty in the form of festivals and there are many spots in chitral for tourist attraction.
History
Polo, known as chaugan in Persian emerged from Persia in 600 BC in the Aryan tribes of Central Asia. It reached the present-day northern areas of Pakistan with roaming Aryan tribes. Chitral historically was an independent state and it was the first state that declared accession with Pakistan after the independence of Pakistan and India from the British Raj. In 1970, it was attached to Pakistan as a district of Malakand.
Mainly two historic ethnic groups (Kalash and Chitralis) are inhabitants of Chitral. Chitral is located at the bank of Chitral River (Kunar River) and the highest peak of Hindu Kush also starts from this town. Kalash peoples are a great attraction for tourists from around the world in the Kalash Valley of Chitral and with the rising tourism industry of Pakistan, the everyday number of foreign and local visitors is increasing here. Polo, the King of games, is the most famous game of Chitral.
It was a source to bring together the peoples of valleys since the time when there were no cars and jeeps. Now with the modern changing era, Polo has brought more charm and jubilance in the region and Polo tournaments are arranged throughout the year here.
Shandur, Chitral is also famous as the highest Polo ground in the world. Cricket is the most popular game in other parts of the country but in Chitral, Polo is ruling at its peak since early days till now.
Facilities Available
- It is safe for families.
- Accommodation in town and hilly areas are clean and affordable.
- You can enjoy the hills, greenery, and peace from your hotel and resorts.
- The road to the main towns is paved and accessible throughout the summers.
- Jeep route takes you to the beautiful meadows and valleys. (if you don’t want to hike)
- 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).
- Popular tourist locations have most of the facilities available including eateries, shops, dhabas, washrooms, guesthouses, and car/jeep rentals.
- For hikers and trekkers, all the equipment and tents can be hired in the towns along with porters, local guides and horses, or mule.
- Filling stations are available near to Chitral Polo Ground which includes Petrol and Diesel.
- Taxis are available in Chitral Polo Ground on daily rent basis.
- Shops are available in Chitral Polo Ground
