INTRODUCTION TO CHITRAL

Chitral is also known as Chitrar and Qashqar. Chitral is the heart of Marco Polo land, nestling between the rugged mountains of the Hindukush- ‘Slayers of the Hindus’. The region is a hidden Paradise in the Hindukush range, This interesting country of snow-peaked mountain ranges, ageless glaciers and deep green valleys through which flow the icy cold and crystal clear hill torrents from mountain springs and blue white glaciers has a natural charm and attraction of its own.

Truly speaking Chitral needs no introduction out side of the world, past and present, natural and the supernatural. It has been the familiar abode of giants and fairies since times of immemorial. Its high hills still preserve the huge caves where in inhibited the ancient giants called KASH and GABAR. It is the home of the mysterious khow tribes who fought the armies of Alexander the Great. Here lives the ancient Kalash tribe in some of its remote valleys, practicing a culture and beliefs, and way of life that date back to beyond history, are yet a problem unsolved for the experts of Human Sciences or Sociologists.

It is here in Chitral that stands the majestic Terichmir Peak, 5th highest in the world, towering over 25,000 ft. into the sky along with other sister peaks throwing a challenge to the adventure loving men of the world. Chitral like Gilgit is famous as the cradle of Polo, which is its national game. It is here in Chitral that the worlds famous and highest Polo ground stands right on the very summit of the over 12,250 ft Shandur Pass. It varies in elevation from about 1070 m (about 3500 ft) in the extreme south in Arandu to 7,690 m (25,230 ft) at the summit of Terich Mir in the Hindukush.

GEOGRAPHY & LOCATION

(Chitral, 35°53'15"N 71°48'01"E)

Chitral located in the North West of Pakistan is a beautiful valley in the Hindukush range of Mountains, Important for defense due to its location. Lying just south of the Hindukush mountain range, Chitral commands the main passes of these mountains and is therefore of great strategic importance in the defense of southern Asia. It is the northern most district of the NWFP. It is situated at about 366 kilometers from Peshawar. It is also connected to Peshawar by air. It enjoys a unique position in the region because of its location and potential. The district is strategically located in such a way that its neighbors include Afghanistan, Central Asian States, Northern Areas of Gilgit and China. Chitral is mostly inhabited by Chitrali people; however, it also has some Pushtoons in the southern areas and more importantly the Kalash people in beautiful valleys of Birir, Bomburet and Rambur of Chitral sub-division.