Experience the thrill of the world's highest polo ground at the Shandur Polo Festival, July 7th - 9th, amidst the stunning landscapes of Chitral and Gilgit.
Chitral is one of the mountain regions of Pakistan, lying in the extreme north. Its total area is 14800 km and 90% area is under mountains. The highest and most dense section of Hindukush lies within the borders of Chitral.
The Chitral valley, located in the northern region of Pakistan, is one of the most remarkable places in the world when it comes to natural scenic beauty. Its picturesque mountains, sulphur springs, Juniper forests, friendly people and rivers teeming with the famous Trout fish are truly spellbinding.
Chitral is also the most peaceful Region of Pakistan. Its culture is unique. There are two racial groups in Chitral. One is Kalash who are reported to be the descendants of Alexander the Great. The Kalash are now only about three 3800 people and live in the southwest valleys of Chitral. They have their unique culture with three main festivals a year and a major source of tourist attraction. They live peacefully with their neighbors who outnumber them. Their ways of life are quite interesting. The other group living with their Kalash neighbors in a state of ideal friendship and harmony is called Kho who are reputed for their culture and peace loving nature and integrity. British and Chitrali writers have written many books in English on Kalash culture as well as on Chitral as a whole, and these books are available in major libraries, in the market as well as on the Net. Research on the history, origin and Culture of the Kalash community of Chitral is still in progress.
The Chitral valley is situated amidst the mighty mountains of the Hindukush range. This mountain range is 322 km long. The local language spoken in the Chitral valley is Khowar Language. Urdu, the national language of Pakistan, is also understood. The people of Kafir Kalash use their own language called the Kalashi language. The people of Chitral valley mostly wear "Shalwar Kameez" which is the national dress of Pakistan. Women wear "Duppatas" and Shawls along with "Shalwar Kameez". The most popular head dress of the Chitrali men is the woolen "Pakol". In winters, the men wear long baggy coats having long sleeves known as the "Shuqa". These coats are also made out of wool. The traditional sport of Chitral is Polo. World's highest Polo ground (Shandur Polo ground) is also present in this area, where the Shandur Polo festival takes place.
The Khow people of Chitral make majority of the population and hail not from one stock but belong to various ethnic groups who had reached Chitral in different waves of migration from more in hospitable valleys around the present district of Chitral. The original Khow people flourished in the Mulkhow and Torkhow valleys. In the former, a big flat rock, still called Khow boht, to be the seat of assembly where important issues of resource distribution and management were taken. The Khow then occupied the whole of upper Chitral and had their own principality one of whom was known as Bahmani Kohistani. The old Khow had later intermingled with the newcomers or we may rightly say the new comers adopted the ways of the old Khow and spread down wards till they reach the Chitral and ousted the kalash rulers and occupied the whole of Chitral. Khow are known as highly cultured, polite, honest, brave and martial people maintained the independent position of Chitral State for many centuries.
The Kalash believe they are originally from Tsiam, although no one yet knows where that is. It is more likely they are descendants from Indo-Aryans (about 2000BC). Many historians believe the Kalash are descendants of the soldiers of Alexander the Great.
The kalash valleys of Rumbur, Bumburet and Birir are within Chitral District of Pakistan. The kalash people are the only non-Muslims for hundreds of miles. They may be a little wary of strangers, but usually do welcome who wants to become acquainted with the kalash way of life.
The 3500 Kalash of the valleys live in unique houses made of local stone and wood which are stacked on top of one another at steep hillsides. The roof of one house is the verandah of another, on top of the lower house. They make their living with staple crops like lentils or wheat and by goat herding. Life is very traditional, like in many parts of the world, and the work division between men and their women is elaborate. Family life, cattle herding and harvesting form their main livelihood with the occasional distraction of a festival or two. Women move into a Bashaleni house when giving birth and also when they are menstruating. Many aspects of the society are both communal and segregated and typically, marriages are made by arrangement.
Terich Valley serves as a picturesque haven, adorned with quaint villages nestled amid lush groves of apricot and apple trees, creating a stunning contrast of orange and yellow hues, particularly in late summer. This valley, also a primary route to the towering Hindu Kush peaks, brims with potential, including mineral deposits like arsenic, serpentine, and gold dust, although untapped due to limited mining activity. Despite its fertile lands, economic opportunities are scarce, predominantly relying on subsistence farming and sporadic employment from past mountaineering expeditions and adventure tourism. However, the decline in foreign adventure teams post-Afghan war, coupled with the failure of Chitral tour operators to harness technological means for tourism promotion, has led to financial hardships for locals. Nevertheless, Terich Valley remains a pivotal gateway to Pakistan's highest peaks and glaciers, offering access to breathtaking sights like Terich Concordia and Roshgol, home to iconic Hindukush massifs such as Tirich Mir and Noshaq East.
Located just 2 hours away, Garam Chashma, formerly known as Injigan, is a renowned valley accessible by jeep or car, with an open jeep ride offering breathtaking views of the scenic route and rocky spires of Shoghore. Famous for its therapeutic hot springs, the valley has attracted visitors for centuries seeking relief from skin disorders and ailments. Overnight stays offer a serene experience amidst the stunning mountains and landscapes. Ensure to obtain a permit from the fisheries department of Chitral for angling in the Garam Chashma River and sampling its trout delicacies.
Explore Chitral Gol National Park, a magnificent natural sanctuary situated in Pakistan's Chitral District. Just a short two-hour drive from Chitral city, this vast park features scenic valleys, glaciers, and springs, home to a rich variety of plant and animal species including Markhor, Ibex, and Snow Leopards. Experience the beauty of untouched wilderness and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Chitral Gol National Park.
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