Chitral

Places to Explore in Chitral

Lowari Top

Lowari Top also known as Lowari Pass, is a high-altitude mountain pass, The most dangerous road in the world, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It connects Chitral Valley with the rest of the country via Dir.

Lowari Pass stands at an elevation of approximately 10,230 feet (3,125 meters) above sea level.

Lowari Tunnel

To improve accessibility, the Lowari Tunnel was constructed underneath the pass. It spans around 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles) and was completed in 2017. This tunnel allows for year-round travel, bypassing the hazardous high-altitude pass.

The surrounding landscapes are breathtaking, with rugged mountains, deep valleys, and lush greenery in summer, making it a popular spot for travelers seeking adventure and scenic beauty.

Ayun Valley

Ayun Valley is a picturesque region located in Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, characterized by lush green meadows, snow-capped mountains, clear rivers, and dense forests. The valley is named after the Ayun village, which serves as a gateway to the valley and is situated along the banks of the Chitral River.

The valley is surrounded by towering peaks, including parts of the Hindu Kush mountain range, offering stunning views that attract tourists, hikers, and nature lovers.

Kalash culture

The region is home to the unique traditions of the local Kalash people, an indigenous group known for their distinct culture, colorful festivals, and historical significance.

With its untouched natural beauty, the valley offers opportunities for ecotourism activities such as trekking, birdwatching, and exploring local wildlife.

Bamburet Valley

The Bamburet Valley is one of the three main valleys in the Kalasha region, located in the Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is part of the larger Kalash Valleys, which also include the Rumbur and Bumburet valleys. Bamburet is known for its scenic beauty, surrounded by lush green hills, alpine forests, and clear streams, making it a popular tourist destination for nature lovers and adventure travelers.

Kalash Valley

Kalash Valley is a stunning region located in the Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northern Pakistan. It is home to the Kalash people, one of the smallest ethnic and religious minority groups in the country, known for their unique culture, ancient traditions, and vibrant festivals.

The Kalash people are known for their distinctive culture, which is very different from the rest of Pakistan. They follow a polytheistic religion, worshipping nature and their ancestors, and their festivals revolve around the changing seasons, such as Joshi (spring), Uchal (harvest), and Chomos (winter solstice).

Tradition Of Kalash

The Kalash also have a unique style of dress, particularly their women, who wear long black robes adorned with bright-colored embroidery and beaded headgear. Their language, Kalasha, is part of the Dardic branch of the Indo-Iranian languages.

Kalash culture is rich in folklore, music, dance, and celebrations. Their festivals are vibrant, involving dancing, singing, and feasting. These festivals are also deeply connected to their agricultural and pastoral way of life. Joshi is celebrated to welcome spring and is marked by colorful celebrations. Uchal celebrates the harvest season, while Chomos is a winter festival involving rituals and sacrifices to honor the deities and pray for prosperity in the coming year.

Chitral Gol National Park

Chitral Gol National Park is a well-known wildlife reserve located in the Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. It was established in 1984 and spans over an area of about 7,750 hectares (around 19,147 acres). The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning mountainous landscapes, which are part of the larger Hindu Kush mountain range.

Wildlife Species

The park is home to a variety of wildlife species, including the famous markhor (Capra falconeri), which is Pakistan’s national animal and a key attraction of the park. Other mammals in the park include:

Himalayan ibex, Snow leopard, Black bear, Red fox and Lynx.

The park also hosts numerous bird species, such as the Himalayan monal pheasant, snowcock, and golden eagle.

Broghil Valley

Broghil Valley is a stunning and remote region in the far north of Pakistan, located in the Upper Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near the Afghanistan border. It lies in the Hindu Kush mountain range and is known for its unspoiled beauty, high-altitude grasslands, glaciers, lakes, and rugged terrain. The valley, which rises up to about 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), serves as a natural passage to the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan.

Nature Of Broghil Valley

Broghil Valley is characterized by vast meadows, alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks. The landscape is wild and untamed, offering breathtaking views of glaciers and rivers. It’s particularly beautiful in the summer when the meadows turn green, and wildflowers bloom.

Broghil is part of the Broghil National Park, established to protect the region’s unique biodiversity. The park is home to several species of wildlife, including snow leopards, ibex, wolves, and marmots. The region is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it attracts various migratory birds.

Karamber Lake

Karambar Lake, located in the Karakoram mountain range, is one of the highest lakes in the world. Situated at an elevation of approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level, it is found in the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan, near the border with Pakistan and Tajikistan.

The lake is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and rugged landscapes, making it a popular destination for trekking and nature enthusiasts.

The region around the lake supports a variety of flora and fauna, including unique mountain species and migratory birds.

Tirich Mir Mountain

Tirich Mir is the highest mountain in the Hindu Kush range, located in the Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It stands at an elevation of 7,708 meters (25,289 feet), making it the tallest peak in the Hindu Kush and the 33rd highest mountain in the world.

The name “Tirich Mir” may have various origins, with one theory suggesting that it means “King of Darkness” in the Wakhi language, referencing its towering height and the shadow it casts.

The mountain is considered challenging due to the technical climbing required, extreme weather conditions, and remote location.

The mountain is surrounded by dramatic landscapes, including glaciers and rugged peaks.

Qalqash Meadows

Qalqash Meadows is a scenic area known for its natural beauty, located in the region of the Altai Mountains in Kazakhstan. This area is characterized by its lush meadows, diverse flora and fauna, and stunning mountainous landscapes. Qalqash Meadows is often a destination for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife observation, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The Qalqasht Festival, also known as the Qalqash Festival, is an annual cultural event held in Kazakhstan, typically in the region of Almaty. The festival celebrates the rich traditions, music, and arts of the Kazakh people, often featuring traditional performances, folk music, dance, and various cultural exhibitions.

Shandur Pass & Shandur Lake

Shandur Pass is a high mountain pass located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, situated at an elevation of about 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) above sea level. It is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and is often referred to as the “Roof of the World.”

Shandur Pass is famous for hosting the annual Shandur Polo Festival, usually held in July. The festival features traditional polo matches between teams from Chitral and Gilgit, attracting tourists and locals alike.

The pass is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including lush green meadows, snow-capped peaks, and clear blue lakes, making it a popular destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.

The area around Shandur Pass is rich in biodiversity, with various species of flora and fauna. It is also a habitat for animals such as the Markhor, ibex, and various birds.

Thing To Know About Shandur Lake

Shandur Lake is located at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) in the Shandur Pass, which connects the Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the Gilgit District of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Surrounded by mountains and lush meadows, Shandur Lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters that change color throughout the day, offering breathtaking views.

Shandur Lake is a popular destination for trekking, camping, and photography, attracting both local and international tourists looking to experience its natural beauty and rich culture.