Introduction to Chitral

Chitral is also known as Chitrar and Qashqar. Chitral isPolo, which is its national game. It is here in Chitral
the heart of Marco Polo land, nestling between thethat the worlds famous and highest Polo ground
rugged mountains of the Hindukush- 'Slayers of thestands right on the very summit of the over 12,250
Hindus'. The region is a hidden Paradise in theft Shandur Pass. It varies in elevation from about
Hindukush range, This interesting country of1070 m (about 3500 ft) in the extreme south in
snow-peaked mountain ranges, ageless glaciers andArandu to 7,690 m (25,230 ft) at the summit of
deep green valleys through which flow the icy coldTerich Mir in the Hindukush.
and crystal clear hill torrents from mountain springsGEOGRAPHY & LOCATION
and blue white glaciers has a natural charm and(Chitral, 35°53'15"N 71°48'01"E)
attraction of its own.Chitral located in the North West of Pakistan is a
Truly speaking Chitral needs no introduction out sidebeautiful valley in the Hindukush range of Mountains,
of the world, past and present, natural and theImportant for defense due to its location. Lying just
supernatural. It has been the familiar abode of giantssouth of the Hindukush mountain range, Chitral
and fairies since times of immemorial. Its high hills stillcommands the main passes of these mountains and
preserve the huge caves where in inhibited theis therefore of great strategic importance in the
ancient giants called KASH and GABAR. It is thedefense of southern Asia. It is the northern most
home of the mysterious khow tribes who fought thedistrict of the NWFP. It is situated at about 366
armies of Alexander the Great. Here lives the ancientkilometers from Peshawar. It is also connected to
Kalash tribe in some of its remote valleys, practicing aPeshawar by air. It enjoys a unique position in the
culture and beliefs, and way of life that date back toregion because of its location and potential. The
beyond history, are yet a problem unsolved for thedistrict is strategically located in such a way that its
experts of Human Sciences or Sociologists.neighbors include Afghanistan, Central Asian States,
It is here in Chitral that stands the majestic TerichmirNorthern Areas of Gilgit and China. Chitral is mostly
Peak, 5th highest in the world, towering over 25,000inhabited by Chitrali people; however, it also has
ft. into the sky along with other sister peakssome Pushtoons in the southern areas and more
throwing a challenge to the adventure loving men ofimportantly the Kalash people in beautiful valleys of
the world. Chitral like Gilgit is famous as the cradle ofBirir, Bomburet and Rambur of Chitral sub-division.