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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Chitral Valley
A remote valley at the foot of Tirich Mir, with rich Chitrali culture, hot springs, polo at Shandur and the gateway to the Kalash valleys
- Region
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Altitude
- 1,517 m
- Best time
- April – October (Shandur Polo Festival in July)
Weather
Warm summers (20–32°C in Chitral town), cooler at higher altitude. Winters are cold, and upper areas get heavy snow
Chitral lies in the far northwest of Pakistan, beneath Tirich Mir (7,708 m), the highest peak of the Hindu Kush. The town has a historic fort, the Shahi Mosque and a lively bazaar.
From Chitral you can reach Garam Chashma hot springs, the Kalash valleys, Broghil National Park and Shandur Pass (3,700 m), where the famous Chitral vs Gilgit polo festival is held each summer
Highlights
- ◆Chitral Fort and Shahi Mosque
- ◆Garam Chashma hot springs
- ◆Shandur Pass and polo festival
- ◆Tirich Mir views
- ◆Broghil Valley
- ◆Kalash valleys
How to reach
Drive from Islamabad via Dir and the Lowari Tunnel (about 10–12 hours). Flights from Islamabad exist but are often cancelled due to weather
Questions
Is Chitral safe for tourists?
It is generally considered one of the calmer northern regions, but check current local advisories.
Can I visit Chitral and Kalash together?
Yes, Kalash is about 2 to 3 hours from Chitral town.
Are flights reliable?
Not really, so keep your schedule flexible or travel by road.