Chitral, the mythical landscape, one of the most natural famous wonders of Pakistan and one of the world’s most beautiful valley, lying in the midst of Hindukush Range. The land of fairytales is blessed naturally with luxuriantly green orchards, streams full of dancing waters, roaring rivers and meadows stretching in the quietude like that of heavens at a height which is unique feature of Chitral.
The blue of sky, the emerald of flora and the turquoise of water add to the palette, nature has used to paint this landscape full of mountains, trees and flowers with a divine composition of colors and the brightness of the rising sun, worshiped by the whiteness of the snow which, on some peaks, have never melted for millions of years.
Photo courtesy: VOI “Mastuj- Chitral”
Spring in chitral has a myriad of coleus, shapes and hues. It is a season to enjoy, celebrate and experience the height of delight , an expression of elation for your body and soul. Birds sing in spring, plants ornate with new leaves, brightly colored flowers sprout up every where. This is a scene which can’t be described in words; it’s a scene which must be experienced.
Chitral lost its royal status in 1969 and joined Pakistan. General Yahya Khan made it a settled district of the newly created Malakand Division of Khyber Pukhtunkhaw. The valley also enjoys the neighborhood of China and Tajikistan to the north and Afghanistan to the northwest and surrounded by gigantic mountains. The terrain is full of variety peaks with diversity in the heights such as the world-famous Terich Mirr (7,708m) peak is one of them which, against the calm blue sky, shimmers to the maximum and creates an illusion to captivate the eye up to a level where time seems to be stopping for ever.
Photo courtesy: Afzal Aman (Terich Mirr view)
The valley has seen invasions of the horse ridden Greeks, the Persians , the British, and sturdy Afghans and many other hordes of attackers including the Muslims. Having seen and experienced many invaders, the Chitralvadis through their spirit never allowed the other dynasty to fully sway over their affairs, which is why the loam of this area has engrossed the aroma of different civilizations and the culture of various bordering nations but retained its distinct identity.
The people of Chitral, show traces of Persian and Turkish ancestry. They are known for their peaceful, uncomplicated character and unique cultural. It’s the place of simple trustworthy people whose friendship remains with visitor for a long time. They have no greed ,they respect their guests and despise cheating anyone. Chitral is more famous, however, for the Kalash people who inhabit the southwestern part of the region. There is a common belief that the people of Kalash are descendants of the soldiers from Alexander’s army, a belief which is subject to reservations by many scholars. The Kalash are colorful and fun loving people who love music and dancing.
Polo, the “Game Of Kings” played here by skillful, daring participants which is held every year in July. Chitral has the highest Polo ground in the world “The Shandur Polo Ground” which is (4,000 meters) above sea level. There is a clear joy in watching Polo Game in the fresh air and high altitude; the atmosphere produce a marked change from the crowded cities.
Music and dance have flourished for millennia. Cultural music i.e. folksongs, folkdances, music of reed instrument and that of pure Chitrali Sitar makes the person lost in wonderland. The Peaks of Chitral appears intoxicated by taking heed to Chitrali Dhool.
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