Chitral Gol National Park is one of the national parks in Pakistan. It is located in the Lower Chitral District of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, near the Chitral River. The park is about two hours by car from Chitral town. It is also called Chitral National Park.
Legal status
Until 1983, Chitral Gol was owned by the previous ruler of Chitral. Since that time, there has been a disagreement about who owns the park. This disagreement is still being handled through legal processes between the heirs of the previous ruler and the Government of Pakistan.
Parameters
The path to the park is very narrow and unsafe, and it becomes even more dangerous during rainy days. It is located between 1,450 meters and 5,000 meters above sea level. The area covers 7,750 hectares.
Fauna
This park includes three valleys. Many glaciers are located within the park, and several springs flow through these glaciers. These springs eventually form a stream that flows for 18 kilometers. The cold water of this stream moves eastward into the River Chitral. The park has many trees, especially cedar trees. It is also home to many different types of plants and animals, including the markhor, which is an endangered wild goat species. Some of the larger mammals found in the park are:
- Kashmir Markhor
- Siberian ibex
- Snow leopard
- Ladakh Urial
- Himalayan black bear
- Himalayan Wolf
- Red fox
- Eurasian otter
- Yellow-throated marten
Weather
The annual rainfall in the area is estimated to be 462 ml (16.3 imp fl oz; 15.6 US fl oz). In September, more rain falls on the high mountains around the park. In November, more rain occurs in the valleys and on lower mountains. Snow falls during the winter months. The snow-covered white peaks make the area more beautiful until June. The weather is generally cold and dry. Temperatures range from −12.2 to 43.3 °C (10.0 to 109.9 °F).
Birmoghlasht
The Birmoghlasht area of the park is where the former Mehtar's Summer Fort is located. During the time when the Chitral State existed, the Mehtar and his family used to move there in the summer and hold court. The fort was built so that it could see the whole city. It is located at an elevation of more than 2,800 meters above sea level. In addition to the fort, Birmoghlasht also has a wildlife hut and is a popular tourist spot, located a short drive from Chitral town.