Chitral National Park

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Chitral National Park is one of the national parks of Pakistan which owes its own individuality due to its unique features. It is located in the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan at the side of Chitral River , just at a distance of two hours drive from the Chitral (Urdu: چترال) , city. This park is also known as , Chitral Gol National Park . The word , Gol in local language means ' the valley'. This park constitutes many valleys thereby owing the name , Chitral Gol National Park .

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[edit] Legal status

Up until 1983, Chitral Gol was considered to be the private property of His Highness the Mehtar of Chitral. The status of the park has been in dispute since and has become the issue of ongoing litigation between His Highness and the Government of Pakistan. The most recent decission of the Supreme Court of Pakistan has been that the park in its entireity is the personal property of His Highness. Thus the legal validity of its designation as a National Park has been challenged by judicial review.

[edit] Parameters

The way leading to the park is quite narrow and dangerous , yet more risky during the rainy days. It is located above the sea level at a height that varies from point to point. The height of 1450 metres above the sea level marks the threshold of this park . At its extreme points it is about 5000 metres above the sea level. It has an area of 77.5 square kilometres.

[edit] Nature

This park is rearing three valleys in its lap. Several glaciers also lie in its realm through which several springs make their way and ultimately form a stream of 18 metres. The damn cold water of this stream falls towards the east into the Chitral River. This park is rich in trees particularly Cider trees .This park also serves to provide shelter to a vast diversity of animals especially Markhor goats[1] and many other birds and animals like kestrels ,Lammergier[2], Himalayan Griffon Vultures, Golden Eagles, Himalayan Snowcock , Himalayan Monal Pheasants, Rock Partidges and Raven’s[3] ,yellow-throated Martens ( Martes flavigula ), foxes and Otter’s ,

[edit] Weather

The annual rainfall in its region is estimated to be 462 mL. In September it rains more on the spectacular peaks surrounding the park. However, in November the rainfall is more in the valleys and on the lower peaks .There is also a session of snowfall during the winter season. The snow covered white peaks also enhance the beauty till June. After which it starts melting. The general weather is cold and dry. The temperature ranges from 12.2 to 43.3 °C.

[edit] Tourism

Chitral National Park provides the residents an entertaining and refreshing place . It also attracts the foreigners from all over the world to its extreme nature where the snow covered ' Tirich Mir, ' welcomes the visitors of this park.

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