Chitral valley to Visit

 

Chitral Valley

Chitral (Cartella: فولڈر Roman: ćhitrār, lit. "field") is a city on the Chitral River in the northern district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It serves as the capital of Lower Chitral District, was formerly the capital of Chitral District, and was formerly the capital of the Raja Raj of Chitral. The region was annexed to West Pakistan between 1969 and 1972. As of 2017 census, it has a total population of 49,780.

History

 Chitral (City State)

There is no definitive record of the city's first settlers. The Chinese occupied the valley in the 4th century AD. Rais's rule over Chitral began in 1320 and ended in the 15th century. Chitral was the capital of Chitral from 1571 during the reign of the Kattur dynasty.

ancient

Gencorinetic Tomb at Singur.

The presence of the Gandharan cemetery culture in Chitral, found at various burial sites spread across its valleys, provides insight into the inhabitants of the Indus Valley after the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization as a result of the Indo-Aryan migration. The Junkurinotak cemetery in Singur contains several ancient burial sites, dating back to the Vedic period.

The region that now forms Chitral was allegedly conquered by the Achaemenid Persians and was part of their eastern empire. During the Kushan period, many Buddhist monuments were built around the area, especially stupas and monasteries. The Kushans also patronized Buddhist art. Some of the finest examples of Buddha statues in the region were produced during the Kushan dynasty.

Shahi Masjid in Chitral

Shahi Masjid in Chitral

The Kattur dynasty ruled Chitral from 1571 to 1969. After six weeks, the garrison was relieved, and the British appointed the young Shuja al-Mulk to the position of Mehtar ("governor").

Integration with Pakistan

In 1947, after the partition of the British colony of India, the princely states were offered either to remain independent or to choose between two new systems. Initially, Chitral chose to remain an independent state. Later Mahatir of Chitral who was a friend of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah joined Pakistan and thus Chitral became part of the princely states of Pakistan. From 1969 to 1972, it was fullyincorporated into Pakistan as the administrative district of Chitral.

Role in the First Kashmir War Chitral played an important role in the First Kashmir War of 1947-48. Soon after joining Pakistan, Mukhtar Muzaffar Mulk declared a jihad to "liberate" Kashmir from the Dogras. By then the Gilgit scouts were retreating and the Dogra forces had succeeded in Barzil Pass. In these circumstances, the Chitral Scouts replaced the Gilgit Scouts in Dumel and Kumri sectors while the Chitral Guard Force moved to Skardu. The defenders of Chitral led the longest siege in military history under the leadership of the Amir of Chitral which ended with the fall of Skardu, the surrender of the Dogars, and the occupation of Baltistan. Meanwhile, the Chitral Scouts joined the Gilgit Scouts and proceeded to capture the Kargil Pass.

Geography

Chitral city

The average elevation of the city is 1,500 meters (4,921 ft).

Weather

Chitral city

Unlike the southern valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chitral has a dry Mediterranean climate (Köppen CSA) with almost no rainfall during the hot summer months. Precipitation is mainly accompanied by spring thunderstorms brought by westerly frontal systems. In winter, the temperature sometimes drops to -10 degrees Celsius at night. Winter snowfall in the city can be heavy, with up to 2 feet of snow accumulation, and up to 20 meters (70 ft) of snow at elevation. 

 Languages of Chitral.

Urdu is the official language of the city. According to the 1981 census, Khowar is the primary language spoken by 98% of the population. Kalash is also spoken by very fewinhabitants. According to the 2017 census, Chitral has a population of 49,780.

Places to Visit in Chitral Valley

Tehsil Chitral

Places to Visit in Chitral: Tirich Mirl

Chitral is easily accessible by air as there are daily flights from Islamabad to Chitral. Also, it will take around 10 hours to reach the valley by road from Islamabad to Chitral via AH1/M-1 and N-45 with various stops.

As a popular tourist destination in the north of Pakistan, many tourist spots in Chitral Valley offer beautiful scenery and a pleasant atmosphere. Some of them are mentioned below: 

Tirich Mir

Places to visit in Chitral: Trish Mir

Tirah Mir is one of the highest peaks in all the mountain ranges and also the highest in the Hindu Kush mountain range. Its elevation is about 7,708 meters (25,289 ft). Especially those who come to see it. Chitral Valley should be observed from this peak in the morning and evening. An interesting scene. Many hotels and resorts will help you achieve this ultimate look.

Chitral Museum

Places to visit in Chitral: Chitral Museum

Each place has its own unique culture and art, preserved in various forms. The Chitral Museum is the true custodian of the art left by their forefathers for future generations. The museum was established on July 8, 2010, and its main objective was to preserve cultural heritage for tourists.

The museum is divided into two sections: Ethnographic and Archaeological-Kalash. In the first part, we see ancient ornaments, tools, and furniture that were used in the 12th century. On the other hand, items related to Kalash show Greek cultural heritage. Especially things related to their god and goddess.

 Shahi Masjid

Places to visit in Chitral: Shahi Masjid

Shahi Masjid is a magnificent architectural monument. Shuja-ul-Mulk built the Shahi Mosque in 1924. The architecture truly represents the elite culture and traditions of Chitral.

Shahi Qila

Places to visit in Chitral Valley: Shahi Fort

As you walk towards the Shahi Masjid area, you will come across the magnificent Shahi Fort. The Shahi Fort or Chitral Fort was built in the 14th century as the residence of Raja Nadir Shah. It was recently restored in 1977 by Shah Afzal Sani. This fort now became the personal property of Fateh al-Mukhtar of Shah Ali Nasir.

Gram Chashma

Places to visit in Chitral Valley: Gram Chashma

Gram Chashma is also a favorite and popular place to explore the mysterious land of Chitral. Khana Chashma, as the name suggests, supplies hot water to the springs. Generally, all springs have cold water, but this one is unique. About 45 miles north of Chitral, Gram Chashma is accessible by jeep. First, it is known for its healing properties.

Places to visit in Chitral: Barmogulasht

Barmoghlasht

Nestled amidst towering mountains and lush greenery, Bramgalshit is one of the summer resorts of Chitral. It is located at a distance of 14.5 km from Chitral. Tourists prefer to visit this place in both seasons. The resort is perfect for paragliding in summer and skiing in winter. Every season brings adventure to this resort.

Ayun Valley

Places to visit in Chitral: Avon Valley

Chitral has another valley along the Chitral River, the Avon Valley. A perfect picnic spot in Chitral, surrounded by towering peaks and grass amid the raging waters of the Chitral River, is a perfect combination to soothe your soul.

Shandur Polo Ground

Places to visit in Chitral: Shandur Polo Ground

About 4 4-hour drive from Chitral Valley is the famous Shandur Polo Ground which hosts international and national polo matches every year. Polo is one of the most popular sports in Chitral Valley. Apart from this there are other small areas in Chitral city. The most famous polo ground Shandur is considered to be the highest polo ground in the world. Thousands of local and foreign tourists gather here to witness this magnificent game.

 Kalash Valley

Places to visit in Chitral Valley: Kalash Valley

The most famous valley of the Chitral region is the Kalash valley which is famous in Greek mythology. Blacks are a minority of Pakistan's population. No doubt, in Kalas Valley, they proudly live their lives in their way, practicing their religion freely. It is also located about 34 km south of Chitral Valley. The best time to visit Chitral Valley is from April to July when the Kala people celebrate three different festivals.

Koghazi and Goleen

Chitral Valley Tour: Kogazi Golan

Last on the list are Kogazi and Gulen, little known to tourists but a must-visit in Chitral. A land full of wonders. Grassy land, tall trees covered with fruits, rare botanical spices, a pleasant climate, mighty waterfalls, and cool rivers fascinate with their magical beauty.

We hope you enjoy our top 10 places to visit in Chitral. If we missed something, drop us a line in the comments section below:

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