Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Chitral
Region
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Best Visit
April to October
Highlight
Kalash Valleys
Access
Open to All
Chitral
— at a glance
Chitral is Pakistan's far northwest, a remote district in the Hindu Kush on the edge of Afghanistan, watched over by the 7,708 m peak of Tirich Mir. It is best known for the three Kalash valleys, home to the Kalash people and their ancient pre-Islamic culture and festivals, but it also holds the old Chitral Fort, the markhor reserve of Chitral Gol, and the road to Shandur, the highest polo ground in the world.
What to expect
Kalash ValleysHindu KushCultureTirich MirKhyber Pakhtunkhwa
Photo by Tahsin A Shah
Frequently asked questions
- What is Chitral famous for?
- Chitral is famous for the three Kalash valleys and their unique pre-Islamic culture and festivals, for Tirich Mir (the highest peak of the Hindu Kush at 7,708 m), and for Shandur, the world's highest polo ground. It sits in Pakistan's remote far northwest near the Afghan border.
- Who are the Kalash people?
- The Kalash are a small Indigenous community in three valleys near Chitral (Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir) who follow an ancient polytheistic religion and culture distinct from the rest of Pakistan. They are best known for their colourful dress and their seasonal festivals.
- Is Chitral safe to visit?
- Yes. Chitral is calm and welcoming, and foreign visitors no longer need police escorts or special registration for the Kalash valleys, though routine checkpoints exist on the roads. Normal travel precautions are enough.
Continue Exploring
Other destinations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Want a tailored itinerary for Chitral?
We'll handle the logistics. You focus on the journey.