Chitral

Being on the crossroads of Central Asia, China & western side of Indian sub-continent, Chitral has seen many civilisations, from 1st BC it was under Buddhist influence; served as a trade route & passageway for Buddhist pilgrimages to Swat until 8th century AD. Later to be briefly ruled by Tibetan, Kalasha in 11th AD and finally united as an independent Kingdom by Rais Ruler in 14th AD, overthrown by Katurs in 16th century. From 16th - 18th century Islam flourished in the region due to era of Mughals in sub-continent. In mid 18th century it was under Chinese control but ruled by Katurs by paying tribute to Chinese. After the expansion of Russia in central asia, British supported Katurs to keep Russian influence out of the region. After independence of Pakistan, Chitral was a princely state later to be merged with KPK province in 1969. Local language is Khowar spoken by Kho people who lived originally along Torikho River; resemble their neighbours in north Pamirs and the ancient civilisation along Oxus river. Its a 300km valley separated by Hindukush Mountains from Afghanistan, river draining the valley rises from Borghil as Yarkhun river and after Chitral town is called Kunar River. Tirch Mir 7708m the highest mountain of Hindukush lies in backdrop of Chitral Town, i.e. a base town for expeditions to Tirch Mir, Booni Zom, Koyo Zom and trekking to Karombar Lake, Bashkorgal Lake & Wakhan Corridor.Read more