Chitral Gol National Park & Birmoglasht Trek
Snow Leopards, Kashmir Markhor, and Royal Meadows Above Chitral
From
RsΒ 88,000
7 Days
Duration
3,500m
Max Elevation
2β20 pax
Group Size
Chitral Gol, Chitral District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Region
Overview
Chitral Gol National Park, established in 1984, is one of Pakistan's most important wildlife sanctuaries β a 7,750-hectare protected area rising from the Chitral River to the peaks of the Hindu Kush. The park is the last stronghold of the Kashmir Markhor (straight-horned), one of the world's most magnificent wild goats and the national animal of Pakistan. The park is also critical habitat for snow leopards, ibex, wolves, lynx, and an extraordinary diversity of Himalayan and Palearctic birds. The trek ascends through oak and conifer forest to the high meadows of Birmoglasht β the former summer palace of the Chitral royal family, now an extraordinary picnic and camping spot with unobstructed views of Tirich Mir and the Hindu Kush skyline. The combination of wildlife, alpine meadows, Chitrali culture, and the proximity to the Kalash Valleys makes this one of KPK's most rewarding short treks.
Trip Highlights
Kashmir Markhor β national animal of Pakistan, best seen in Chitral Gol
Snow leopard habitat β dawn/dusk sightings possible
Birmoglasht (3,500m) β royal summer meadows with Tirich Mir panorama
Chitral Fort β 500-year-old royal seat of the Katoor dynasty
Kalash Valley day visit β pre-Islamic culture, unique dress and festivals
Extraordinary birdwatching β Western Tragopan, Monal Pheasant, Himalayan Snowcock
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1Islamabad β Chitral via Lowari Tunnel
π Hotel Chitralπ½οΈ Dinner
Islamabad β Chitral via Lowari Tunnel
Drive 8β9hrs. Arrive Chitral. Check in and rest. Evening walk along the Chitral River.
2Chitral Cultural Day β Fort, Mosque & Bazaar
π Hotel Chitralπ½οΈ All meals
Chitral Cultural Day β Fort, Mosque & Bazaar
Morning tour of Chitral Fort (500 years old, royal residence of Katoor family). Shahi Mosque. Old bazaar β wood-carved shops, semi-precious stones, Chitrali caps.
3Chitral Gol National Park β Lower Zone Trek
π Hotel Chitralπ½οΈ All mealsπ 12kmβ°οΈ 2,500m
Chitral Gol National Park β Lower Zone Trek
Enter the park. Trek through oak and cedar forest. Kashmir Markhor commonly sighted in lower zone. Birdwatching: Monal Pheasant, Western Tragopan, Snow Partridge.
4Birmoglasht Meadows Trek (3,500m)
π Camp Birmoglasht or Hotel Chitralπ½οΈ All mealsπ 16kmβ°οΈ 3,500m
Birmoglasht Meadows Trek (3,500m)
Ascend through park to Birmoglasht β the royal summer meadows. 360Β° view of Tirich Mir and Hindu Kush. Wildflowers in season. Camp or return same day.
5Dawn Wildlife Walk β Snow Leopard Territory
π Hotel Chitralπ½οΈ All mealsπ 14km
Dawn Wildlife Walk β Snow Leopard Territory
Early (5am) guided walk into snow leopard habitat in the upper park. Ibex flocks on cliff faces. Return to Chitral by midday.
6Kalash Valley Day Visit (Bumburet or Rumbur)
π Hotel Chitralπ½οΈ All meals
Kalash Valley Day Visit (Bumburet or Rumbur)
Jeep to Bumburet Valley (1.5hrs). Full day with the Kalash people β unique pre-Islamic culture with their own language, festivals, and dress. Visit temples and homes.
7Chitral β Islamabad
π Hotel Islamabadπ½οΈ Breakfast, Lunch
Chitral β Islamabad
Morning drive back via Lowari Tunnel. Arrive Islamabad evening.
What's Included
- All transport IslamabadβChitral return
- Licensed park guide (mandatory for Chitral Gol)
- All hotel accommodation in Chitral
- All meals
- National Park entry fees
- Chitral Fort entry and guided tour
- Kalash Valley jeep excursion
Not Included
- International airfares
- Pakistan visa
- Personal gear
- Travel insurance
- Tips
β οΈ Requirements & Prerequisites
- β’Moderate fitness β 4β5 hrs walking per day
- β’Suitable for families with older children
- β’No technical skills required
Best Season
Frequently Asked Questions
What are our chances of seeing a snow leopard?
Chitral Gol has one of Pakistan's highest snow leopard densities but sightings are rare β dawn/dusk walks give the best chance. Kashmir Markhor sightings are near-guaranteed in the lower zone. This trek is exceptional for Markhor viewing even if snow leopards remain elusive.
Can we visit the Kalash during a festival?
Yes β the Kalash have three major festivals: Chilam Joshi (May), Uchal (August), and Chaumos (December). We strongly recommend timing your visit with a festival β contact us to check exact dates as they shift each year based on local tradition.
3 people booked this trip this month
Price Calculator
$314 USD Β· 4β5 persons
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Includes guide, all meals, permits & accommodation.
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Payment Methods
30% deposit to confirm. Balance due 30 days before departure.
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