Sights in Chitral District
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A
Chitral Fort
Chitral Fort has a commanding position on the river. It remains the seat of the mehtar's descendents so you can't enter it without an invitation, although, if you knock on the main gate one of the chowkidars may let you stick your head around the door to see the old cannons in the courtyard. The entrance on the southeast end is to the residential quarters, while the one facing Shahi Bazaar was for the royal guard.
The most interesting side faces the river and is best viewed from the far end of Naya Bazaar or from across the river. The ornate building up the road southwest towards the police station was the royal courthouse. The walls were once plastered, but its loss reve…
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B
Chitral Polo Ground
At the south end of town is the Chitral polo ground. One of Pakistan's best, practice matches are held here every few days from mid-March to early November, and real matches on weekends, always in the afternoon. On one side is a covered VIP stand, where tourists may sometimes sit (if there are no dignitaries in town). The best players are often drawn from the Chitral Scouts and the police. The best times for polo are from late May onwards, and in the run up to the Shandur and Chitral festivals.
The PTDC office or CAMAT will be able to advise on upcoming matches.
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C
Chitral Museum Of Archaeology & Ethnology
The small new Chitral Museum Of Archaeology & Ethnology is poorly signed but located next to the polo ground. It has a few local ethnographic exhibits, but is a little disappointing and keeps irregular hours (you may have to find someone to open it for you). It compares poorly with the excellent Kalasha museum (Kal'as'a Dur) in Bumboret.
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D
Shahi Masjid
Built by the ul-Mulks near the end of the 19th century. Its pinkish walls and white onion dome make it one of north Pakistan's most distinctive mosques, particularly as its minarets frame Tirich Mir in the far distance. It's usually fine to visit, but ask permission before entering and avoid Friday prayers.
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Old Royal Fort
Until 1880 (when the mehtar of Chitral took it) Mastuj was the 'capital' of the Kushwaqt state stretching eastwards into Ghizar.
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