The area is bordered by Afghanistan in the north and west, with the narrow Afghan Wakhan Corridor separating it from Tajikistan, Dir Kohistan in the south and Gilgit in the east. Chitral can be accessed via several mountain passes, the most famous being the Lowari Top (3,118m) approx, crossing the Hindu Raj (a spur of the higher Hindukush) in the south and the Shandur Pass (3,734m) forming the eastern gateway from Gilgit. Other passes include the Dorah Pass from Badakshan in Afghanistan and the Broghol (3,798m) from the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan. Although these two passes represented the main arteries of the ancient Silk Route to Yarkand and Kashqar in China and Badakhshan in Afghanistan, they are not in much use today.

Historical Chitral

The valley of Chitral in the NWFP now Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw is a fascinating combination of scenic beauty and cultural diversity, under the shadows of Tirichmir in the Hindukush mountain range. The land of apples, apricots, pears and pomegranates, Chitral stretches from 1,094m to 7778m above sea level (ASL) at Tirichmir Peak. With its collection of rugged mountains, gushing rivers, hot springs, and fruit-laden orchards, Chitral truly is an enchanting part of Pakistan.

Situated on the main crossroad to Central Asia, Chitral has a long and fascinating history. In fact, it is this strategic location that compelled invaders to capture it before any other area in the region. The recorded history of Chitral begins with the Tibetans invading Yasin Valley in early 8th century AD, followed by the Chinese in 750 AD and the Buddhists in 900 AD. Later, the Kalash also ruled Chitral for decades.

In the 14th century, Chitral became a unified independent kingdom under the rule of Shah Nasir Rais. In 1570, the Rais dynasty was replaced by the Katoor dynasty. The famous mehtar of Chitral Aman-ul-Mulk ruled from 1857 to 1892. In 1895, the siege of Chitral Fort took place and lasted a month, after which Chitral remained an independent state under British rule. Finally, in 1969 it was merged into Pakistan.

 Today, Chitral hosts ancient Chitrali Tribes as well as nomads who were invited by the mehtars to settle in the state. Chitral is also home to the ancient pagan tribe of the Kalash who are now confined to the three valleys of Bamburat, Rambur and Birir. The original state of Chitral covered a greater area, with its borders reaching as far as Badakhshan and Bashqal in the north-west and Kunar Valley in the south (these areas are now part of Afghanistan). In addition, the state extended to Sherqilla on its north-eastern front and which lies in Gilgit today.

The natural and cultural heritage of Chitral offers great tourism and trekking adventure opportunities through rugged mountains, snow-clad peaks, lush green meadows and crystal clear streams. In addition, the valleys and mountains in the area are home to many rare species of plants, animals and birds.