Explore Chitral & Gilgit-Baltistan

The region borders Afghanistan, China and India, and is a landscape of immense glaciers, alpine pastures, open river valleys and mountains. Rich in wildlife, more than 300 species of birds find home in this region, including multiple species of hawks, eagles, vultures, owls, ducks, waders and perching birds. Snow leopards, marmots and lynx also are found in this part of the world, along with markhors (wild goats) and the brown bear.

The Chitral Valley and Gilgit-Baltistan have a diverse array of natural values, landscapes, ecosystems and wildlife. The northern parts of the region are characterised by very dry alpine areas including immense glaciers, mountains, cliffs and permanent areas of snow cover. As you move down the elevation there are areas of Alpine Meadows, wildflowers, and Alpine scrub in between the areas of permanent snow cover. In lower elevations there are also areas of dry temperate evergreen and coniferous forests. The landscapes and habitats of the region provide habitat to over 50 species of mammals, including the elusive Snow leopard, the markhor (Wild Goat) and the Golden Marmot. There are 360 species of birds known in the region, including the magnificent Golden Eagle, along with 17 species of fish.

Due to its mountainous location, the climate of the region can tend to extremes, with significant variability seasonally and within locations in the region. The eastern part of the region is moister whereas closer to the Hindukush the climate is much drier. The region is known for spectacular colours during Autumn, harsh winters with heavy snowfall and avalanches, bright beautiful blossoms in Spring and rich juicy fruits in the valleys during Summer.

Options to reach Chitral include a 45-minute flight from Islamabad to Chitral airport, or to hire a vehicle or travel with general transportation by road from Islamabad to Chitral town. Bus services on Islamabad Chitral Road take 9-10 hours to reach Chitral. From Chitral there are vehicles available to travel to other parts of the region, such as the Tirich valley.

Chitral has been inhabited for at least 4,000 years. The people here belong to over a dozen different cultures and speak more than 14 languages. As a result of its unique location and historic links with Central Asia and Europe, the material and non-material culture of Chitral bears traces of Greek, Iranian, Mongolian, Tartar and Turk influences.