Chitral History
Table of Contents
“Beautiful places are almost alive! When you visit them, you can feel their breaths” –Mehmat Murat Ilden
There is no doubt that Pakistan is full of many beautiful places. For instance, Chitral, a district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) is truly a paradise on earth.
This Chitral valley of Pakistan can have many other names – classical, historical, cultural, romantic, frosty, mountainous, green, and beautiful.
So, let’s take you on a tour of the Beautiful Places in Chitral, but before visiting, let’s know about Chitral History.
Geography of Chitral
First of all, it is very important to know the location before you visit beautiful places in Chitral Valley. Chitral in Malakand division is the largest district of KPK.
It shares its borders with Swat and Dir to the south-east. It also borders with China and Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan to north, north-east, and west. Gilgit Baltistan is towards its east.
Chitral is located at an elevation of 1,500 meters (4,921 ft.) above sea level. Probably, by now you are fantasizing yourself captivated in attractive valleys of Chitral surrounded by snowy and highest mountains.
Moreover, an amazing fact about Chitral is that it covers an area of 14,850 km². It means that you must take a week off from work to explore this beautiful place.
Therefore, TourMover’s here to help you for providing you with the best package to visit Chitral at lowest prices.
History of Chitral
It is a fact that different people from diverse cultures shape the culture of cities. Different people have influenced the culture of Chitral in different time periods.
Kanishka, a Buddhist ruler, occupied Chitral in the 3rd century. Likewise, Chinese overran the Chitral valley in the 4th century and it was under their rule till the 8th century.
From the 11th to 13th century, Kalashi people from Afghanistan ruled the city.
The rule by Raees started in 1320 and remained until the end of the 15th century. Katur rule succeeded the Raees dynasty and it remained same till 1969 when the city officially became a larger district of KPK.
Therefore, during your visit to Chitral, you might find the impressions of Iranians, Greeks, Chinese, Tatars, Turkish and Hindus culture in the lifestyle of Chitrali people.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Chitral
“In the valleys, I will lift my eyes to the One, who have created them so beautifully”.
Surely, Allah has made the Chitral valley of Pakistan so breathtaking that one can get relaxed after spending a vacation in Chitral.
The beautiful valleys of Chitral include Chitral valley, Bumburet valley, Rumbur valley, Kalash valley, Birir valley, Ayun valley, and Pamir valley. All of these valleys are famous for their exceptional beauty and calm environment.
Other beautiful places of Chitral are Garam Chashma, Booni, Shandur Pass, Chitral Gol National Park, Chitral Fort, Karambar Lake, Tooshi Game Reserve, Tirich Mir, Chitral Museum, Shahi Fort, Governor Cottage, and Chitral Polo Ground.
By now, you should have known that there are a lot of beautiful spots in Chitral that you will see during your visit to Chitral.
Therefore, I would suggest you to start saving part of your salary so that you won’t go out of budget during your trip. Moreover, we are here to provide you with an economical package for visiting Chitral.
People of Chitral valley of Pakistan
“To travel is to inspire and be inspired”
When you travel around the world, you inspire the locals and they inspire you too. The people of Chitral valley have diverse ethnic background due to the footprints of different nations.
The people of Chitral are lovely, hospitable, peaceful and friendly. They receive tourists with open hearts and welcome them warmly. They wear special kinds of beautiful dresses which are colorful and embroidered.
The Kalash people of Chitral have Turkish and Persian origin. There are some thoughts on their successors of Alexander – The Great.
Most of the people in Chitral live in the houses made up of stones and woods. They are very fond of music and dances. Chitrali women are famous for a special dance performed in a circle.
Mahraka (gathering of wise people) is an important element of Chitrali culture.
The Culture of Chitral valley of KPK
“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.”
Likewise, Chitral is a peaceful region of Pakistan because people of Chitral are lovely. It is unique in terms of its culture. The diversity in culture of Chitral is due to the impression of different nations.
There are two racial groups in Chitral: one of them is Kho (Indo-Aryans) and the other is Kalashi people. Both have their own unique traditions and culture.
The Kho people speak the language known as Khowar and Kalashi people use Kalash language. Kalash people celebrate their religious festivals with full zeal and zest.
I am in love with the beautiful dresses of Chitral tradition. They are loaded with embroidery, shells, pearls, beads, and mirror-work.
They are very colorful and you must take them as a gift for your females. The traditional dress of Chitral for females is Dupatta with shalwar kameez or frock. Men wear Pakool and Chuga as a traditional dress.
Music and dance are other important elements of Chitral culture. During their festivals in spring, autumn, and winter, they beat drums and dance in circles.
Most of the locals in Chitral earn their living by woodworking, weaving and knitting textiles, hand embroidery, and agriculturalists.
Another important part of Chitral’s culture is the annual polo festival. In the month of July every year, polo matches are played between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit in Shandur Polo Ground.
The popular dishes of Chitral are Pandir Muzhi made up of walnut and cheese. Zholai, Tiki, Pushor, Kali, Kawirogh, and Lazhek are other famous dishes of Chitral.
Hence, the conclusion is that Chitrali culture is the most preserving culture of Pakistan.
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