CHITRAL, July 25, 2025 – The second phase of the Terich Mir trekking expedition has officially started, with 20 trekkers heading towards the base camp of the highest peak in the Hindukush range, Terich Mir (7,708 meters), located in Torkhow valley of Upper Chitral.
The initiative is being organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) on the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, aiming to promote mountain tourism in Chitral and support the local economy.
According to KPCTA spokesperson Muhammad Saad, the trekkers departed from Chitral and will travel through Mtoi, Koghuzi, Reshun and Golghari, reaching Pakhturi before beginning their ascent from Oveer Shabroonz. The group will camp at Shokhushal and continue to the Terich Mir base camp.
“For the first time in Pakistan’s history, a government-supported summit of Terich Mir was also being organized,” said Saad. “This is a major breakthrough for trekking and adventure tourism in Pakistan.”
Local Involvement and Official Support
The trekkers were formally seen off by Deputy Commissioner Lower Chitral Hashim Azeem, who praised the initiative and its impact on the region.
KPCTA also provided trekkers with custom t-shirts, water bottles, and on-ground support.
The first phase of the Terich Mir trekking expedition concluded in mid-July 2025, with another 20-member group completing a week-long trek to the Babu Base Camp at 4,720 meters elevation.
The journey began with a jeep ride from Chitral to Shagram Valley, followed by trekking through:
Shenyak Camp
Shoghor Biasum
Istoro Nal Valley
and finally Babu Base Camp
This marked a major achievement in organized high-altitude trekking in northern Pakistan. The participants came from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Islamabad.
An all-women group is also scheduled to trek to the base camp on August 8
🎯 KP government\’s Incentives and Vision for Chitral Tourism
To attract more climbers and trekkers to the Hindu Kush region, the KP government waived the royalty fee for climbing Terich Mir during 2025–26. Previously, international expeditions were charged $2,500 to $4,000.
KPCTA Director General Habibullah Arif highlighted the broader objectives of the project:
Promote eco-friendly adventure tourism
Engage youth and women in high-altitude trekking
Create sustainable income opportunities for Chitral’s communities
Position Chitral as a top destination for trekking in Pakistan
📍 Chitral: Gateway to Terich Mir and Beyond
With state support, growing interest, and improved infrastructure, Chitral is fast emerging as the heart of Pakistan’s adventure tourism. The Terich Mir expedition named after the tallest peak in the Hindu Kush is a landmark step toward unlocking the region’s full potential.
By combining natural beauty, cultural heritage, and professional organization, the KP government is laying the foundation for long-term tourism development in Chitral and the broader mountain belt.