Chitral Gol National Park is one of the national parks of Pakistan. It is located in Chitral district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan on the Chitral River, two hour drive from Chitral city. The park is also known as Chitral National Park.
Chitral Gol National Park is a natural wonder located in the district of Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The park is situated 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 park’s status has been in dispute ever since and has become the subject of ongoing litigation between the former Mehtar’s heirs and the Government of Pakistan.
Chitral Gol National Park was established in 1984 with the aim of protecting the natural habitat of the area’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 significance in preserving biodiversity.
In 1979, Gol National Park was declared a nature reserve, but in 1984 it received the title of national park. The park has an area of 7750 hectares. The surrounding Hindukush 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 incorporated under one roof.
Tourists from all over the world visit Gol National Park to witness the amazing animals. The park has remained the heartland of wildlife lovers.
The wide variety of animals is sure to delight your tour of the park, so be sure to check out the amazing park.
Chitral Gol National Park Location
Part of Birmoghlasht Park is where Mehtar’s former summer fortress is located. During the existence of the Chitral State, the Mehtar and his family move here in the summer and hold courts. The fort was built to overlook the entire city.
It is located at an altitude of over 2800 meters above sea level. It is a 40 minute drive from the capital Chitral. The best time to visit Birmoghlasht is May and June. During these months the spring season is here and there will be a lot of greenery and flowers here during these two months.
Flora and Fauna
The park boasts an impressive variety of flora and fauna, with more than 20 species of trees, 14 species of shrubs, and over 150 species of wildflowers. The park’s forests are dominated by Deodar, Blue Pine, Fir, and Birch trees. In addition to the trees, the park is also home to a variety of herbs, grasses, and mosses.
The park is also home to a range of wildlife species, including the elusive snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, Himalayan musk deer, and Marco Polo sheep. Other animals that can be spotted in the park include the lynx, red fox, wolf, and ibex. The park is also a bird watcher’s paradise, with more than 50 species of birds, including the golden eagle, bearded vulture, and Himalayan snowcock.
This park includes three valleys. There are also several glaciers in the park, through which several springs flow and eventually form a stream that flows for 18 kilometers. The cold water of this stream flows eastward into the Chitral River. The park is rich in trees, especially cedar trees. The park also serves as a sanctuary for enormous 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
- Ladash 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
Chitral Gol National Park offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from trekking and hiking to wildlife watching and birding. The park has several trekking routes that take visitors through its forests, valleys, and mountains. The trek to the park’s highest peak, Chumarkhan, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can also go on a jeep safari to explore the park’s wildlife and take in 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 into the local culture and way of life. Visitors can explore the town’s bazaars, museums, and historic landmarks, such as the 17th-century Shahi Mosque and the Chitral Fort.
Chitral Gol National Park is a natural treasure that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of Pakistan’s natural landscape. Its unique flora and fauna, stunning scenery, and range of activities make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the region. Whether you are an adventure seeker, nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Chitral Gol National Park has something for everyone.
