Photo: Kamran Adil · CC BY-SA 4.0Field guides / Khyber Pakhtunkhwa / Chitral / Chitral Fort
Field guide · Heritage
Chitral Lower
Chitral Lower District · Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Chitral Fort
The fortified palace of the Mehtars of Chitral on the bank of the Chitral River, built in 1774 and restored in 1911.
Chitral Fort, also called Chitral Palace, stands on the bank of the Chitral River in Chitral town, commanding the river. It is believed to have been built in 1774 under Mohtaram Shah Katur II and was restored in 1911 by Sir Shuja ul-Mulk, and its compound once held the barracks of the Mehtar's guards. In 1895 a small British force held out here through a famous siege until relief columns came from Gilgit and Peshawar. Since Chitral joined Pakistan in 1969 it has been the private property of the Mehtar's family, and the present Mehtar has renovated its old Darbar Hall and state rooms.
Why go
- ✦The palace of the Mehtars of Chitral
- ✦Built in 1774, restored in 1911
- ✦The siege of Chitral in 1895
How to Reach
In Chitral town, on the river bank beside the Shahi Mosque.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, April to October.
Getting there, In Chitral town, on the river bank beside the Shahi Mosque.
Allow, Half an hour, with the Shahi Mosque.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Chitral Fort, within 5 km.
