Qaqlasht

You might have heard about Chitral and its beauty, especially Shandur, Kalash Valley, Broghil Valley, and Qaqlasht. In this article, we are going to introduce you to the heavenly beautiful, and mighty Qaqlasht. It is a vast plateau located between the Mulkhow and Booni valleys of Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The beautiful and serene location of this place attracts tourists and locals alike. It spans thousands of hectares and is situated above ground level. The land is lush green and grassy, but there is no water channel. So the greenery does not last long and ends by the last week of May. The growth of the greenery is dependent on the rainwater.

Despite the short lifespan of the greenery, Qaqlasht is a popular spot for various sports festivals. The local people conduct events like cricket, football, paragliding, car racing, tug of war, and many more. All the festivals held in this place are a major attraction for tourists from all over the country. Last time there were several foreigners who enjoyed the games and the area around them. The sports festivals held here are an excellent opportunity for the local people to showcase their talent. As well as to display their love for their culture by playing traditional games like polo, tug of war, etc.

Events at Qaqlasht Festival

If we talk about the events that take place in the festivals are multiple. This a six or seven days festival and increasing after every year due to getting high fame and more participation. Another reason is that more traditional games are being explored and included in it. Apart from that Khow poets arrange Khowar Mushaira in the ending days. Especially, shooting competition with a hundred-year-old gun like Sia Kaman is one of the most attractive games of all. Participation in the games is given to all the willing teams and individuals according to the terms and conditions of the games.

We have arranged a list of games that were played last year and before that.

1. Polo
2. Football
3. Cricket
4. Volley Ball
5. Tug of War

How do People Use it on other days?

Apart from the sports festivals, Qaqlasht is also utilized as a picnic spot. This is one of the biggest national parks in Pakistan. However, people use it as a common land to feed their herds in the spring season. Moreover, many people go there with their families to enjoy a day out in nature. The serene environment and heavenly look of Qaqlasht covering both the valleys around is a sight to behold. The plateau is surrounded by breathtaking views of Booni and Mulkhow valleys and Terich Mir Mountain Peak. All these make it an ideal location for nature lovers.

The location of Qaqlasht makes it accessible from both Mulkhow and Booni valleys. Another road leads to it directly from Torkhow Valley. It is situated at a distance of approximately 66 kilometers from Chitral town and 35 Kilometers from Mastuj Valley. The road leading to Qaqlasht is a bit rough and bumpy, but the journey is worth it once you reach the plateau. Most visitors use trail bikes or 4 by 4 cars especially jeeps to reach adventurously.

Road to Qaqlasht

There are two main roads that lead to Qaqlasht either from Chitral town or from Gilgit Baltistan via Mastuj. Both of the roads connect at the point of Junalikoch and head to this breathtaking place. However, the locals use many ways especially they like a hike to desired places on foot. Although it is tough and challenging to reach the top local people are used to doing it as they have been in the past.

Anyhow, it is very difficult rather impossible, to sum up Qaqlasht in a single article because there are many things to tell you about it. I wish you to keep with us and regularly open newsletters we send you through email.

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