Chitral is located on the banks of river Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is the capital of the district and holds immense importance in the history as it also served as the capital of the Chitral princely state before incorporation in Pakistan in 1947.
Interestingly, this small city was founded in ancient times and was named Qashqar. This used to be the trade route in the Gandharan times. A large Gankorineotek cemetery also exists in this region.
The Gandhara culture is evident across the region, Chitral was also associated with the iron age tribes called Daradas. The same Daradas who are said to wage a war against Arjun according to the Hindu epic Mahabharata.
Modern-day Chitral
Modern-day Chitral serves as the gateway between the rest of the country and the upper northern areas of the district, which are more remote and inaccessible because of terrain and topography. The official language is Urdu, But the spoken language is Khowar, with a small population preferring to speak Kalasha.
Let’s have a look at some of the most well-known historical places of Chitral, which attract tourists round the year.
Chitral Fort
- Also known as Shahi Qila
- Located in Chitral town, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- It is situated on the banks of the Chitral river
- It was built in 1774 under the reign of Mohtaram Shah II
- It was restored in 1911 by His Highness Sir Shuja ul-Mulk.
- Still serves as the residence for the royal family of Chitral
- Artefacts and pictures of Mehtar of Chitral are well-preserved here
- It is a private property
- The Darbar hall and staterooms were renovated after the damages sustained during the earthquake of 2015.
Shahi Masjid
- The main mosque in the town of Chitral
- Located adjacent to the bank of the Chitral river
- The mosque was built on the orders of His Highness Shuja ul-Mulk in 1924
- Architecture is Indo-Islamic and Mughal.
- Comprises of white marble and engraved art
- Architecture represents the culture and tradition of Chitral aristocrats
- Capacity is 20,000 at a time
Chitral Museum
- Located in Chitral district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- It was established on 8th July, 2010
- Museum has two galleries – an archaeological and an ethnological gallery
- Ethnological part displays the culture and mannerisms of Chitral valley
- Includes weapons, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, etc
- The other side has archaeological antiquities of Kalash valley
- It has head dresses, architectural elements, effigies of kalasha goddesses, and wooden commemoratives
Birmoghlasht Summer Fort
- Located in the Chitral district
- A historic and dilapidated fort of the former ruler of the Chitral state
- Perched on top of a hill at an elevation of about 9000 feet.
- It was built around 1910
- His highness Shuja ul-Mulk took the initiative to build this fort to enjoy the cooler temperature
- The ruler used to hold court here as well
- The fort is in close proximity to Chitral Gol National Park, home to snow leopards, markhors, ibexes, and other wildlife
- It attracts hundreds of tourists every year
Kalash Valley
- Kalash region in Chitral comprises three valleys.
- People here are related to Afghanistan.
- They speak the Dardic language.
- It’s a rugged, majestic valley capturing the beauty of the region.
- People of Rambur, Birir, and Bamboret have red hair and Armenian features.
- This civilization is centuries old and away from the technological growth.
- The mesmerizing Chilam Joshi festival attracts a lot of tourists from across the globe.
Koghazi and Goleen
- The must-visit places in Chitral.
- These two small towns are located at 14 km from the central Chitral valley.
- Land full of amazement, grassy ground, fruit-laden trees, and rare spice of flora.
- It has a tremendous waterfall that will awestruck you.
- The enchanting beauty of this region is spellbinding.
Shandur Polo Ground
- One of the most popular attractions of Chitral.
- It is located at a drive of 4 hours from Chitral valley.
- This polo ground hosts international and national polo matches every year.
- Polo is one of the most popular games in the Chitral region.
- Thousands of local and foreign tourists gather to witness fantastic polo games here.
Singur Bridge
- The remote village of Singur sits at more than 1500m above sea level.
- It is challenging to access as it is designated as a high-security alert area.
- A 2-span Mabey bridge delta was supplied and installed by the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under supervision of Military engineers and FWO.
- The delta bridge is 100 meters long and has a road width of 7.35 meters.
- This permanent structure was completed in just 21 days proving to be faster and more cost effective than traditional methods of construction that take 3 to 5 years.
Ayun Valley
- Located on the banks of river Chitral this small town is 12 km south of Chitral.
- Mountains surround this village.
- This valley is made of grassy land with waterfalls embedded here and there.
- The valley is remote, and it is not easy to access through modern means.
- Ayun valley is a hidden gem of Chitral.
Also Read: Historical Places Jhelum
