Chitral: Gateway to the Kalash Valleys
Chitral is a town and district in the far north-west of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the Hindu Kush, reached over the Lowari Pass or from Gilgit via the Shandur Pass.
About Chitral
Chitral is the base for the Kalash valleys and the western side of the Shandur Pass. Our Hindu Kush bike tour describes the Chitral Valley at about 1,127 m between the Lowari and Shandur passes.
The Kalash festival tour, the polo festival tour, the Indus tour and the Hindu Kush bike tour all pass through Chitral.
Trips that include Chitral
Every published programme whose day-by-day itinerary mentions this destination, with its length and season:
| Programme | Days | Best time | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalash Festival | 11 | 14th – 15th May/19th – 20th August/7th – 22nd December | International Airport, Islamabad |
| HinduKush Mountain Bike | 19 | Mid-May to End-August | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Indus Civilization Tour | 15 | — | Karachi Airport, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Polo Festivals | 13 | — | International Airport, Islamabad |
What the itineraries do in Chitral
Itinerary days that mention this destination, quoted from the programmes:
Day 2: Islamabad to Dir / Chitral
Early morning departure by road toward Dir via the Swat Motorway and Lowari Tunnel, entering the realm of the Hindu Kush range. The drive offers stunning transitions from plains to alpine terrain. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Dir – Chitral Town
We begin our cycling journey along scenic river valleys, riding towards Chitral Town. Enjoy dramatic views of the Trich Mir (7,708 m), the highest peak of the Hindu Kush. Overnight in hotel.
Day 4: Chitral – Kalash Valley (Bumburet)
We bike from Chitral town into the secluded Kalash Valley. The route turns into a rough, unpaved track requiring concentration. We arrive in Bumburet and set up camp. Overnight in camp/guest house.
Day 7
Peshawar – Chitral.
Day 02: Islamabad to Chitral
Departure for Chitral via Lawari Tunnel (in case the Tunnel close then via Lawari Pass) (3118m) our today’s journey will be 10 hours drive, today we will cross some small cites and piston villages arrive in Chitral and transfer to the hotel
03: Chitral to Bumburat (Kalash)
Departure for Kalash valley, the 3 hours drive to Kalash village be through the most interesting narrow jeep trek, arrive and transfer to the hotel
08: Kalash to Chitral
After breakfast, drive back to Chitral. After lunch, we will visit the local bazaar and Shahi mosque, Built by the ul-Mulks near the end of the 19th century. Its pinkish walls and white onion dome make it one of north Pakistan’s most distinctive mosques, particularly as its minarets frame Tirich Mir in the far distance. It’s usually fine to visit, but ask permission before entering and avoid Friday prayers. Arrive and transfer to the hotel
09: Chitral to Islamabad
After breakfast, drive back to Islamabad, arrive, and transfer to the hotel
Planning notes
- The Kalash festival tour drives Islamabad – Chitral – Bumburet.
- The polo tour returns from Shandur to Gilgit via Chitral.
- Check current official travel advice for Chitral district when planning.