Garam Chashma (Hot Springs)

Elevation: 1859 meters (6,100) feet). Distance:45 km, (28 miles) north-west of Chitral. By jeep: hours. This un-spoilt enchanting valley of orchards, verdant fields and snow clad peaks is renowned for its boiling sulphur springs which are famous for healing effect on skin diseases, gout, rheumatism and chronic headaches. For the convenience of tourists “humans” (baths) have been constructed near the springs. Foreign tourists are requested to pay a toll tax of Rs.5.00 per person. BIRMOGHALASHT Elevation: 2743 meters (9,000 feet). Distance: 15 km (9 miles). Worth visiting is the fairy-tale summer palace of the Ex-Ruler perched at a height of 2743 meters (9,000) feet. It offers awe-inspiring views of Trichmir and Panoramic vistas of valleys below. The fort is approachable on foot only. WHAT TO DO Chitral is the dream-come true for lovers of mountaineering, trekking, hiking, camping, fishing and shooting. There are no facilities for hiring sports gear: tourist are advised to bring their own. MOUNTAINEERING The majestic Hindu Kush reigns supreme over the valley. The highest peak is the famous Trichmir, which soars 7700 meters (25,264 feet) high, and is a challenge to mountaineers. There are a number of other exciting peaks too-Isltornal, Banizom, Saraghar, Naushaq, Ghocharsor, Phal, Daspar and Don rising from 6096 meters to 7315 meters (20,000 to 24,000 feet). Only experienced mountaineering. In order to avoid disappointment, foreign tourists are advised to apply well in advance for permission from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad. TREKKING AND HIKING Trekking and hiking are visitor’s favourite pastime. You can take your pick-You can either go by Jeep or Walk. CAMPING There are no regular camping sites, but tourists are always welcome by the hospitable locals to camp for short durations on their lands and lawns. Before camping, tourists are requested to please get the owner’s prior permission. FISHING The rivers in Chitral are teeming with fish, especially the Lotkuh River that is famous for trout. There are also trout hatcheries in Chitral and Bumburet. Angling is allowed during the season only i.e from April to September. Fishing permits are required, please contact the Fisheries Department. FLORA and FAUNA The hills in the south are covered with pine, ‘deodar’ and fir forests, while the valleys are rich in mulberries, apricots, apples pears, grapes, pomegranates and melons. There are also Chinar and walnut trees in this area. Big game including the world renowned snow leopard (panthers) markhor, deer, ibex, urial, wolves, black bear and many more are found in the mountains, which are protected by the wildlife branch of the Forest Department. Among the famous birds are Chikor, ram Chikor and murgh Zarreen. SHOOTING There is an abundance of wildlife. In order to curb extinction, limited shooting is allowed during the specified season. Shooting of world famous snow leopard (panther), Murgh Zarreen (golden peasant) and musk deer is banned. Chitral Gol (stream) has been declared a wild life sanctuary and therefore no shooting is allowed in the area. Permits for limited shooting are required, please contact: District Forest Officer, Chitral. HOW TO GET THERE BY AIR P.I.A. operates daily flights (subject to weather conditions) between Peshawar and Chitral. The flying time is 50 minutes and the fare is Rs 120.00 for one way. Peshawar can be reached by air, rail and road form all the major cities of Pakistan. For enquiries in Chitral, please contact the PIA Booking office, Main Bazaar, Chitral. BY ROAD Chitral is accessible from Peshawar by the 365.1/4 km (227) miles) long partly metalled and partly gravel-top jeep-able road, which goes via Malakand, Director and the 3118 meters (10,230 feet) high Lowari Pass which is open during the summer months only, i.e from June to the end of October and may even close earlier due to an early snowfall. Chitral can also be reached from Gilgit via 3810 meters (12,500 feet) high Shandur Pass. Permits are required, please contact Deputy Commissioner, Chitral, Tel: 1. Some distance are given below: Distances Driving time Peshawar-Chitral 3651/4 km. By jeep-12 hours. (via Malakand-Director- (227 miles) Lowari Pass) 15 hours by jeep 250 km. Gilgit-Chitral 406km. (155 miles) from Gilgit to (252 miles) Shandur + 5 hours on horse- back or on foot. 40 ¼ km.(25 miles) from Shandur to Mastuj+7 hours by jeep 116 km (72 miiles from Mastuj to Chitral. COMMUNICATIONS Telegraph, Telephone and Postal service Telegraph, telephone and postal services contact Chitral with the rest of Pakistan. WHERE TO STAY There are two modest hotels, namely Chitral Mountain Inn and Trichmir View Hotel and a PTDC Motel in Chitral. The average room rent ranges between Rs. 100-400. in Chitral, Dorsh , Gahiret, Ayun, Brire, Bumburet and Garam Chashma, the rest-houses are furnished and equipped with crockery, cutlery and cooking facilities. Tourists are advised to carry their own supply of canned foods and other provisions. The ‘chowkidar’ (watchman) will do the cooking on payment. Visitors must also have there is no electricity except in Chitral and Dorsh. The remaining of the rest-houses are unfurnished and visitors must carry in addition to the above, their own sleeping bags or folding beds. To avoid disappointment it is advisable to reserve accommodation well in advance. WHAT TO EAT Pakistani and continental dishes are served in the hotels in Chitral. These are plenty of fruits, especially from June to October, apricots, plums, mulberries, apples, figs, pears, watermelons and pomegranates etc. WHAT TO BUY Chitral is famous for its soft hand-woven woolen material known as ‘Shu”, which is available in white black, gray and neutral colours. The best variety is made in Mogh in Lotkuh. The price ranges from Rs.20.00 to Rs. 60.00 per meter. Intricately embroidered woolen gowns known as ‘chughas’ are also very popular. Visitor’s favourite bargains also include colorful woolen rugs, exquisite embroidered household linen, bags, belts, eatch straps, shirt collars, musical instruments such as sitars, antique weapons, string bows and precious gems.