Chitral Gol National Park is one of the national parks of Pakistan. It is located on the Chitral River in the Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, a two-hour drive from Chitral City. This park is also known as Chitral National Park.
Chitral Gol National Park is a natural wonder located in the Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The park is located in the western part of the Himalayan range, covering an area of 7,750 hectares. The park is a popular destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts due to its diverse landscape and flora and fauna.
History of Chitral GOL National Park
Until 1983, Chitral Gol was considered the private property of the former Mehtar of Chitral. The status of the park has been in dispute ever since and has been the subject of ongoing litigation between the heirs of the former Mehtar and the government of Pakistan.
Chitralgol National Park was established in 1984 to protect the natural habitat of the region’s unique wildlife and plant species. The park was declared a protected area under the Pakistan Wildlife (Protection) Ordinance 1979. It is now recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its importance in biodiversity conservation.
In 1979, Gol National Park was declared a nature reserve but in 1984 it got the title of National Park. The area of the park is 7750 hectares. The surrounding Hindu Kush mountain range adds to the beauty of the park. The park is home to many animals. The park attracts the audience due to the presence of various animals under one roof.
Tourists from all over the world visit Gol National Park to see the amazing animals. This park has become a hub for wildlife lovers.
A wide variety of animals are sure to delight your visit to the park, so be sure to visit the amazing park.
Chitral Gol National Park Location
Barmogulasht is the part of the park where Mehtar’s former summer fort is located. During the existence of the Chitral state, the Mehtar and his family moved here in the summer and held courts. This fort was built to overlook the entire city.
It is located at an altitude of 2800 meters above sea level. It is a 40-minute drive from the capital Chitral. May and June are the best time to visit Barmogulasht. During these months it is spring season and during these two months, you will see a lot of greenery and flowers.
Flora and Fauna
The park boasts an impressive variety of flora and fauna with over 20 species of trees, 14 species of shrubs, and over 150 species of wildflowers. The forests of the park are dominated by pine, blue pine, fir, and birch trees. Apart from trees, the park is also home to a variety of herbs, grasses, and mosses.
The park is also home to several species of wildlife, including snow leopards, Asiatic black bears, Himalayan musk deer, and Marco Polo sheep. Other animals that can be seen in the park include lynx, red fox, wolf, and ibex. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to more than 50 species of birds, including the golden eagle, bearded vulture, and Himalayan snowcock.
This park includes three valleys. The park also has several glaciers, from which several springs flow and eventually form a river that flows for 18 km. The cold water of this river flows eastward into the Chitral River. The park is rich in trees, especially pine trees. The park also serves as a sanctuary for a great deal of biodiversity, especially the Markhor, an endangered species of wild goat. Some of the larger mammals found in the park include:
- Kashmir Markhor
- Siberian ibex
- Snow leopard
- Ladakh Urial
- Himalayan black bear
- Himalayan wolf
- Red Fox
- Otter
- Yellow-necked Marten
Birds in Chitral Gol National Park:
Common birds in the park are Lammergeier’s vulture, Bald vulture, Golden eagle, Demosille’s crane (transient migrant), Peregrine falcon, Himalayan snowbird, Himalayan monal, Snow partridge and Rock partridge.
Visitor’s Attractions at Chitral GOL National Park
Chitralgol National Park offers many activities for tourists to enjoy, from trekking and hiking to wildlife watching and bird watching. The park has several trekking routes that take visitors through its forests, valleys, and mountains. A hike up to the park’s highest peak, Chamer Khan, offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Tourists can also go on a jeep safari to spot the park’s wildlife and enjoy its natural beauty. The park has several camping sites where visitors can set up camp and spend a night under the stars.
The nearby town of Chitral offers visitors a glimpse of the local culture and lifestyle. Visitors can explore the town’s markets, museums, and historical landmarks such as the 17th-century Shahi Mosque and Chitral Fort.
Chitral Gol National Park is a natural treasure that offers visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of Pakistan’s natural landscape. Its unique flora and fauna, spectacular scenery, and range of activities make it a must-see for anyone traveling to the region. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape, Chitralgol National Park has something for everyone.
