Parachinar Travel Guide
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever, its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness” (John Keats).
In a Glimpse:
With its enchanting beauty, magnificent views, and alluring greenery, the place is one of the tourist attractions in our beautiful Pakistan, in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Parachinar is the capital of the Khurram District, and it got this name for the ‘Chinar trees’. It is one of the most beautiful valleys globally, surrounded by three sides of Afghan territory. The surrounding mountains provide attractive trekking opportunities. The Afghan province of Nangarhar is to the northeast of the valley, and the Afghan areas of Tora Bora and Koh-e-Safed are also nearby. It is around 110 kilometers from Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, Pakistan’s nearest point to Kabul.
History of Parachinar:
A legendary Malik from the Pashtun ‘Para Khel Tribe’ about 200 years ago planted a ‘Poplar Tree’. As a result, the Parakhel Tribe owned this tree and the territory surrounding it. More-over, the locals used to congregate around this tree for meetings, jirgas, and consultations.
Finally, with the numerous social gatherings in the vicinity, people started calling it ‘Parachinar’ rather than ‘Bazar Totkai.’
Many Mughal Emperors were fascinated by Parachinar due to its beautiful scenic views and magnificent beauty. For example, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan established a garden in Parachinar.
When the British conquered the subcontinent, they also took control of this heaven. They were astonished by its beauty, so they constructed eccentric structures in the region. For example, Chapari is a well-known skiing resort in Parachinar, built under British administra-tion in 1930 at the height of 10,000 feet.
Holy Site for Shia Community:
Parachinar is home to one of Pakistan’s most prestigious and well-known Imam Baragah, an important holy site for Shiites. During the Holy Month of Muharram, there used to be mas-sive Shia gatherings in Imam Bargah. It also has a well-known Sunni mosque that is famous for having the town’s tallest minaret.
Tribes in Parachinar:
Unis and Bangash are the two most powerful tribes in this region, who primarily rely on agriculture. The people of Parachinar are great warriors and dedicated workers who come from many communities throughout the valley. They study and offer Islamic teachings and have a strong desire to learn.
The Beauty of this Town:
Parachinar is a glimpse of heaven on earth that is still mostly unknown to the world’s tourists. Maikay, Malana Dam, Shalozan’s garden, Mast Baba in Zeran, and Chapri Bangla are some of the valley’s natural treasures. Tall, lush green trees, lovely lakes, a clean spring, and streams supply clean drinking water to Zeran and the surroundings.
Parachinar’s overwhelming beauty has a lot of tourist potential because it’s a spot where you can sense the majesty of nature. Sikaram, with a height of 15,000 feet above sea level, is the highest point in Parachinar. So many people come to this place for a picnic because of the spectacular landscapes.
It’s a heavily irrigated area with few villages, gardens, or orchards to maintain it. Neverthe-less, it is well-known for its high quality fruits and vegetables, natural resources, and valuable stones. Masunghi, a historical gate constructed by Hindu Maharaja Maan Singh, can be found in Parachinar.
Climate:
The winters are pleasant, but the summers are frequently lengthy and scorching. During the winter, the snowfall is also a delightful experience. The encircling lush green plains and mountains are brimming with life and splendor. The melodious chirping sound of the birds lightens the gloomy sky and captures the heart and soul.
Captivating Tourist Spot:
Parachinar is the best place to visit as the town’s memerizing sight will undoubtedly charm your heart. Shah Palace Hotel, Number Eleven, Hotel Sadaf, and De Kurramixia Resort are some hotels near Parachinar.
A worth seeing place:
Due to sectarian clashes and instability in the region, the spectacular beauty of Parachinar has gone undiscovered, but things are improving gradually. The administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is attempting to modernize the area to encourage tourism. However, we must never miss such a spot because of its appealing beauty, tall trees, and rivers. It’s the ideal setting for a picnic with friends and family. It has a very mild climate, and the natural attraction and beauty are in full bloom here. It is a particular spot in our country that needs to be promoted more.
It’s a worth seeing place, and everyone must explore this untouched beauty in Pakistan.
