All You Need to Know About Chitral Valley:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is one of the lesser-explored provinces of Pakistan but its beauty is admired all over the country. One such place in this province is Chitral Valley, famously known for the Polo Festival it hosts that draws enthusiasts from entire Pakistan. Chitral is also known as the most peaceful city in Pakistan owing to the hot springs, snow-capped mountains, juniper forests, flowing freshwater rivers, and the simple and rural life that it promises for people wanting to get away from the hardships of their daily lives.
Chitral is a district located on the foothills of Hindukush and is home to 35 small valleys, each very different in culture and heritage yet just as intriguing as the next. The district is connected to Gilgit Baltistan and shares a border with Afghanistan. Another fun fact about Chitral is that the people living here are believed to be the descendants of Alexander the Great. The city offers a kind of tranquility and charm that you will not find anywhere else, maybe it is due to the fact that it is still fairly inaccessible or maybe because the rural and simple country life here pleases people and makes them want to abandon their big apartments in the city and start grazing cows here living in a small hut. Not to forget, Chitral also has Sulphur springs which are natural hot spring baths that people can enjoy while being surrounded by snow. Chitral also has a lot of popular tourist attractions, one of the most famous ones being Kalash valley. Kalash has an intriguing story of its own being the home to the last settlement known of the people who follow the Kalash religion. The Kalash people like music and dance and their tri-annual religious festivals are also integrated with it which makes for another attraction that people come here to witness.
The rocky mountains, gorgeous green meadows, huge glaciers, and exhilarating landscapes make Chitral one of the most difficult yet most beautiful cities in the world. The colorful and enigmatic culture and traditions of the people are also something you must experience once in your lifetime. The temperature is also pleasant most of the year however the winters can be harsh as Chitral is known to be one of the coldest cities in Pakistan apart from the northern range.
Places to Visit in Chitral Valley:
Chitral has a lot to offer everyone with beautiful and amazing views to feast your eyes upon. Whether you are a sports enthusiast, a nature lover, looking for tranquility, or just someone who wants to tick off swimming in a natural hot tub bath, Chitral has got you covered. Although the entire valley is something out of a fairytale, here are the top tourist destinations of the Chitral valley that you need to visit:
- Tirich Mir:
The tallest mountain on earth after the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges in the world can also be seen in the background of the beautiful views in Chitral Valley. Tirich Mir is also referred to as the “King of Darkness” and the coldest temperature here can drop down to as much as a negative 120 °C. Tirich Valley is also famous for producing minerals such as gold dust and quartz although there is no professional mining of the lot. The place is extremely fertile and produces some of the juiciest apples and apricots during the summers. Tirich is also the starting point for trekkers who are going toward Hindukush.
- Kalash Valley:
Be it their religious festivals or their rich culture, Kalash Valley is one of the most popular tourist attractions which draws people from all over the world. Kalash Festivals like Uchal, Chilam Joshi, or Choimus are all pretty famous and people often come just to witness the distinct traditions and colorful culture that these festivals display. Most of the festivals include dancing, folk songs, and music as well as great food which will make your experience even more incredible and cherished. The people here are also very hospitable, kind, and friendly, you will definitely enjoy chatting with them about the history of this valley or their values and culture.
- Garam Chashma:
Garam Chashma or Hot Spring is one of the most recognized tourist attractions in Chitral and the beauty surrounding the spot is also mesmerizing and to die for. Imagine yourself in hot steamy waters feasting your eyes on the lush green landscape around you with snow-covered mountain peaks in the background, seems straight out of a dream, right? The waters are also great for people who suffer from skin diseases or just sore muscles as it acts as physiotherapy. Lotkoh Rivers is also famous for trout fish and people often go there for fishing sports.
- Chitral Gol National Park:
A national park that is home to some of the most amazing fauna and flora. There are many distinctive animals and birds found here such as snow leopards, black bears, ibex, golden eagles, yellow throat martins, falcon, peregrine, and snow partridge. Although, the park can be a bit dangerous and inaccessible during the rainy season. During the winters the land looks magical as snow adds beauty to it along with the snow-covered peaks of the mountains.
- Polo Ground:
Chitral Valley’s most famous Shandur Polo Festival takes place on this polo Ground which is a site to behold. The ground hosts national as well as international polo matches throughout the year which attracts foreigners and locals from everywhere. Chitral’s Shandur Polo Ground is also considered to be the highest polo ground in the world at an altitude of 3700 meters above sea level. The festival also consists of camping, folk music, and dancing. The ground is surrounded by mountains on all sides and witnessing a polo match here is something you should not miss out on.
What to Eat in Chitral Valley:
- Pandir Muzi:
Considered one of the popular traditional dishes, Pandir Muzi is made up of wheat dough filled with walnuts and cheese. It is among the favorite dishes of Kalash people and should be tried at least once.
- Poshoor Tiki:
Poshoor Tiki is a staple dish that is a type of sandwich that has a mutton filling. Since wheat dough is a staple product of Chitral, it is used to make everything from main dishes to desserts and is mixed with walnut kernel, butter, or animal fat.
- Kawirogh:
Kawirogh is made from the flower of local wild plants found in Chitral Valley. These flowers are sun-dried and then cooked with mutton and salt to make a rich and tasteful dish that is also considered beneficial for health.
- Rishiki:
Rishiki is crepes or very thin pancakes that are made of wheat flour batter. The whole wheat batter is mixed with eggs and water and cooked on flat pans till it becomes golden brown. Rishiki can be made savory and it can be sweetened by serving it with cottage cheese or honey.
Where to Stay in Chitral Valley:
- Gahiret Castle Hotel:
Give your trip a royal touch and stay at this royal residence which has been turned into a hotel. Large rooms, antique furniture, open verandas, and intricate woodwork make this place a spot for royalty. Gahiret Castle is a little bit pricey but the place is cozy and warm and you will be able to get to sunbathe in the soothing sunshine of Chitral by sitting on the beautiful verandas and looking out at the amazing views of mountains and the river in front of you. The staff is very friendly and accommodating and the customer service is excellent.
Price range: Starting from PKR 13000 per night.
Address: Gabhirat, Chitrāl, Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Contact: 0345 9777414
- Hindukush Heights:
If you want your vacation to be luxurious and filled with natural beauty then Hindukush Heights is the place to go. The beautiful and sustainable hotel is owned by a family and also has some other residential options such as outdoor tents and chalets. They also have apartments and suites which makes it perfect for a family vacation. The outdoor garden is surrounded by stunning views and the tranquility you will have at this hotel will wash away all your worries.
Price range: Starting from PKR 5000 for a tent, PKR 9000 for Chalet, and PKR 15000 for a room.
Address: Hindukush-Heights, Gankorini Village, Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Contact: (0943) 413151
How to Reach Chitral Valley:
Like the rest of the north, it is easier to reach Chitral if you start your journey from Islamabad. By road, Chitral is reached by traveling via Dir, which takes 7 hours, and then going towards Lowari Tunnel to reach Chitral, which takes another 3 hours.
You can also take a flight to Chitral Airport (CJL) from Karachi Airport or a direct flight from Islamabad Airport since there are currently no flights operating directly from Karachi to Chitral.
How Many Days to Stay in Chitral Valley:
Since Chitral has a lot of tourist attraction and each one of them deserve an entire day to themselves, we suggest staying here for at least 5 days to a week. You can also try to match your trip schedule with the Kalash festivals, which usually happen during May, to get the chance of witnessing these colorful and enriching traditional or religious occasions.
Weather in Chitral Valley:
Chitral has pleasant and warm summers with the temperature not reaching too hot, the usual temperature during the month of June and August is 23℃. However, winters are extremely harsh and cold and the temperature can drop as low as -21℃. Chitral also receives relatively more rain and precipitation during March and April so avoid going during these months.
Reviews of Chitral Valley:
These are the most recent reviews of Chitral Valley tour that people have posted on social media:
- “The Hidden Gem Chitral Valley.
Chitral District is located among Hindukush mountains in the northwest of Pakistan, in two , Lower Chitral and Upper Chitral, famous for its natural beauty, the simplicity of its residents and its unique culture.
The Chitral town is at the foot of Tirich Mir, the highest peak of Hindu Kush, 25,289 ft high, along the Chitral River (also known as Kunar River). It lies at an elevation of 4,900 feet above sea level.
After the opening of Lowari Tunnel which is approx 10.5 kms long the accessibility to Chitral has become easier, about 8.5 hrs drive from Islamabad via M1 & Swat Motorway. Besides there is an Airport having direct flights from Islamabad.
The District has array of exotic tourist spots on offer for visitors, including Trich Mir, Barmoglasht Resort, Garam Chasma, Ayun Valley, Koghazi and Goleen.
In addition, there are natural spots for hiking and camping also where one can explore and admire Nature’s Marvels.
The Kalash valley of Chitral is not only famous for its exceptional beauty but for the people living there, having rich and unique culture.
Chitral is a gateway region to Shandoor region; the place where the world’s famous Polo Festival is held every year.
Must visit/stay at Two places ….. Ayun Fort Inn & The Hindu Kush Heights.”
- “Majestic CHITRAL
Qaqlasht Meadows – Booni 
“
- “The majestic, “Karambar Lake ”Karambar Lake (Urdu: کرمبر جھیل), also known as Qurumbar Lake, is a high altitude lake located in Broghol Valley of District upper Chitral , KpK Pakistan. It is the 33rd highest lake in the world and one of the most biologically active lakes on earth. It is located at an altitude of 14,500ft. Captured by iPhone XS. Chitral, Pakistan
“
- “The epic union of Sky & The Peaks – how fortunate to have been invited to witness this love story multiple times, in person.
It’s a gift
Gift from the Universe
A gift better than most
Chitral”
- “SNOW BLANKET COVERS CHITRAL. It is an administrative unit, known as Union Council and village in Chitral district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, 12 km south of the town of Chitral. It is located on the Chitral River at its confluence with the Bumburet River. Mountains surround the village.”
Average Cost Chitral Valley Tour:
A 5 day tour to Chitral Valley from Islamabad will cost you approximately PKR 35, 000.
Final Verdict:
Chitral is definitely unlike anywhere else, not only the tranquility and peace of the place is contagious but the culture and lifestyle of the locals are also something unmissable. Chitral also has a lot of cultural festivals and sports festivals that you can enjoy. The weather during the summers is also great for a staycation with so many luxurious hotels to stay in. Tirich Mir and hot springs, national park, and shahi qila, Chitral has it all and more which makes it one of the best places in the world that one must visit to witness calm and beauty.
