By Engr. Paras Ahmad Khan
CHITRAL: As the sun rises over the snow-kissed Hindukush mountains, the golden mist swirls around the majestic Trichmir peak like a guardian spirit watching over the valley below.
Local tea vendors in Chitral quietly prepare for another day, while excited trekkers although their backpacks heavy but spirits high geared up to chase the morning into the tall mountains.
Chitral, long hidden in the folds of time and terrain, is witnessing a tourism transformation. Once known mainly for its remoteness and Kalash culture, the valley has now become a symbol of adventure, resilience, and hope thanks to a growing wave of mountain tourism centered around Trichmir, the tallest peak in Pakistan outside Gilgit-Baltistan, towering at 7,708 meters.
This week earlier, the second phase of the Tirichmir trekking expedition concluded successfully with 20 trekkers a mix of local and national adventurers have returned from the base camp of Trichmir.
The expedition was led by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KP-CTA) in collaboration with the Tirichmir Backpackers Club, and marks another chapter in the revival of adventure tourism in this once-overlooked region.
Their journey traced ancient pathways through Koghuzi, Reshun, Golghari, and Oweer, ending at the base of Trichmir where they spent a reflective night under a canopy of stars. Guided by seasoned local trekkers, the group completed the route safely and in doing so, lit a fire of inspiration for many more to follow.
For many like Ali Noor Chitrali, a seasoned trekker, the trek was more than a physical journey. “It was full of thrill and excitement,” he shared, his voice carrying the joy of discovery.
“This isn’t just about reaching the base camp. It’s about reconnecting with nature, with our culture, and with one another.”
Chitrali emphasized that Trichmir is ideally suited for mountaineering between May and September, and noted that alongside Trichmir, Falask Sair (5,957m) in Swat and Malka Parbat (5,290m) in Kaghan make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a haven for adventure sports.
But it’s not just the hearts of trekkers that are lifting but the local economy is too. From hotels and transport operators to porters, food and tea sellers, the impact is being felt far and wide.
Habibullah Arif, Director General of KP-CTA, proudly called the Trichmir trekking a success story for tourism and community development. “Such initiatives are helping bring international attention to Chitral’s unmatched beauty. We are seeing a resurgence in local businesses and an increase in job opportunities,” he said.
As part of Pakistan’s Jashn-e-Azadi celebrations, trekkers were also provided with national flags, T-shirts, and water bottles blending patriotism with adventure. A third group of trekkers, composed entirely of women from across the country, is set to embark on the same journey in early August.
Beyond the peaks lies a valley rich with tradition being a home to the unique Kalash culture, believed to have settled in Chitral in the 18th century. Tourists are increasingly drawn to the vibrant dress, music, and rituals of the Kalasha people, a cultural tapestry that once even charmed UK royals Prince William and Kate Middleton.
“Trichmir’s underrated beauty, coupled with cultural gems like the Kalash, can make Chitral an international tourism destination if marketed well and supported with infrastructure,” said Abu Zafar, President of the Alpine Adventure Sports Club of Pakistan.
According to KP Tourism Authority, over 20.6 million domestic and 7,600 international tourists visited KP in 2024. In the first five months of 2025 alone, nearly 300,000 domestic and 2,500 international tourists have already visited — an 18.5% increase year-over-year.
“These are not just numbers,” says Abu Zafar. “They reflect a growing belief that Pakistan, and KP in particular, is not only beautiful but peaceful, welcoming, and open for exploration.”
The government is not resting on its laurels. Massive investments are being made in tourism infrastructure, including camping pods, improved roads, and even a $200 million cable car from Madaklasht (Chitral) to Kumrat (Dir), funded by the World Bank. The 16-kilometer-long project is poised to become one of the world’s highest cable cars and is expected to attract 1.2 million tourists annually once completed.
“We are building Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZs) in Swat and Manshera, improving road access, and setting up chairlifts and eco-tourism sites,” said Omair Khattak, General Manager Investment, KP Tourism Authority. “Chitral is becoming a hub for adventure sports.”
Dr. Muhammad Naeem Khattak, economist and former head of the Economics Department at University of Peshawar, lamented how Pakistan, despite its unparalleled natural and historical wealth, has lagged in global tourism earnings.
“China earned over $814 billion from tourism in 2022. Pakistan, despite having five peaks above 8,000 meters and being home to Gandhara and Indus civilizations, is nowhere close. But we can change that,” he asserted.
He underlined the need of promoting tourism hidden sites such as Trichmir using digital media, improve accessibility, and build linkages with international tour operators which according to him the time is now.
Once nestled quietly in the shadows of towering peaks, Chitral is stepping into the spotlight. The towering Trichmir is no longer just a silent sentinel but a beacon, guiding Pakistan toward a future of sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and economic opportunity.
As the wind rustles through the pine trees and laughter echoes through the valley once again, it’s clear that Chitral has found its voice.
Edited by Ms. Sumaya Ahmad (Reporter / sub-Editor
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