Nestled among the rugged mountains of Upper Chitral, Booni is a vibrant blend of natural beauty, adventure, and centuries-old culture. From lush green gardens and high-altitude pastures to the echo of polo mallets and traditional Chitrali music, there’s always something to experience here.
Dive into the fast-paced world of Chitrali Polo.
Known as the polo capital of Pakistan, Chitral carries a tradition over 2,000 years old. Here, polo isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life. From our guesthouse, you can:
- Watch thrilling local matches most days in spring and summer.
- Visit nearby villages for lively tournaments.
- Meet some of the region’s top players — including members of Chitral’s royal families.
- Take the reins and learn polo with Booni’s most talented riders.
- Join us at the Shandur Polo Festival: Guests visiting in late June or early July can travel with us to Shandur, the world’s highest polo ground, where Chitral and Gilgit face off in a breathtaking mountain setting. Enjoy VIP seating and stay alongside the players and horses — a rare, behind-the-scenes experience few travelers ever have.
Visit Qaqlasht meadow and the spring festival in April.
Just outside Booni lies the breathtaking Qaqlasht Meadow, a sweeping plateau that seems to embrace the town. From nearly anywhere in Booni, you can glimpse its wide-open expanse — but the real magic is up on Qaqlasht itself. Here, two rivers converge below, villages dot the surrounding mountains, and both the Hindukush and Hinduraj ranges stretch across the horizon. On clear days, you might even spot paragliders gliding over the plain. If you’d like, we’ll arrange for you to fly with them.
“Qaqlasht” means dry plain — and for most of the year, its golden-brown surface reflects that name. But in April, it transforms: the meadow bursts into a vivid green carpet, filled with the scent of wild lavender. This is when the Qaqlasht Festival takes place — a lively celebration featuring polo matches, cricket games, and even a local version of tug-of-war.
It’s a dream for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the vibrant spirit of Chitrali culture.
Hike around the lesser-explored Zani Pass.
High above Qaqlasht lies Zani Pass, one of Chitral’s most breathtaking yet least-explored routes. From this high-altitude pass, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Tirich Mir, the highest peak of the Hindukush, along with dramatic vistas of both the Hindukush and Hinduraj ranges. On clear days, you can even glimpse into Afghanistan and ancient corridors that once connected the two regions.
Historically, Zani Pass served as a trade route — and at times, a secret path for travelers, royals, and dissidents moving between valleys. Today, it’s a paradise for trekkers and explorers seeking solitude, alpine meadows, and pristine mountain air.
Adventurous guests can take guided jeep tours or treks through hidden valleys, or camp overnight under dazzling stars with little more than the occasional shepherd nearby. Some experienced hikers even venture all the way to Tirich Mir Base Camp.
You can also join our family-run Kosak Adventure School, which empowers Chitrali youth — and welcomes visitors — to learn hiking, rock climbing, cycling, skiing, swimming, and essential mountain survival skills.
Ride horses to Shepeshun meadow and the river.
When our polo horses aren’t resting between tournaments, we offer horseback rides through Booni and its surrounding landscapes.
- Ride along the riverbank or wander through fruit gardens shaded by walnut and apple trees.
- On certain days, we can arrange longer treks to scenic spots like Shepeshun, with sweeping mountain views, a freshwater stream, and one of the best views of Booni.
Please note that horse availability depends on the polo schedule, as the same horses play in local and regional matches and need rest before and after tournaments. Generally, short rides around town or to the river can be arranged most of the season, while longer rides are subject to the horses’ training and rest days.
Reach elusive villages in the high mountains.
Climb into an open-top jeep and venture deep into the high valleys beyond Booni, where rough mountain tracks wind toward isolated settlements near the Afghan border. These valleys feel a world away from the main roads of Chitral — vast, quiet landscapes where the mountains rise steeply on all sides and the sense of remoteness is unmistakable.
The journey is unpredictable in the best way. You may find orchards tucked into narrow valleys, stumble upon little-known historic sites, or even discover elusive hot springs hidden among the mountains. Every trip is different, offering chances to meet local people along the way and glimpse the remarkable valleys they call home — places that remain largely unknown to both international and domestic travelers.
Climb untouched peaks of the Hindu Kush and Hindu Raj.
For mountaineers seeking real adventure, the mountains around Booni offer something increasingly rare in today’s climbing world: unexplored peaks. The Hindu Kush and Hindu Raj ranges surrounding Booni and nearby villages contain an extraordinary range of elevations — from giants approaching 8,000 meters to countless 6,000-meter peaks rising from remote valleys.
Each climbing season, courageous mountaineers quietly arrives in Booni from all over the world to attempt new routes and untouched summits. Many peaks here remain undocumented and unclimbed, offering a rare chance in the modern world to stand where no climber has stood before. With experienced local guides, visitors can arrange everything from technical rock climbs to ambitious mountain expeditions into these remarkable ranges.
Enjoy Chitrali music and dance.
Chitralis are known for their love of music, dance, poetry, and storytelling.
- You may find an impromptu performance right here at our guesthouse or in town.
- Every gathering is a chance to connect with locals and experience genuine Chitrali hospitality.
Get traditional Chitrali clothing tailored to you.
Booni is a wonderful place to have unique Chitrali clothing tailored just for you. We can introduce you to a local craftsman who has been making the shoka — a traditional, high-quality woolen overcoat known for its distinctive neckline — for over 50 years from a small wooden shop in the bazaar. You’ll be measured, choose your colors, and can request custom details such as extra-long sleeves or other adjustments.
We can also accompany you to local tailors for both men’s and women’s clothing, where you can select fabrics, get measured, and have garments made to your specifications. We’re happy to help translate and communicate your ideas to the tailors.
Other popular local handcrafts include Chitrali embroidered bags, colorful woolen socks, the Chitrali cap known as the pakol, vibrant rugs made from local sheep wool, traditional Chitrali rings carved from markhor horn, and more.
Coming soon to Booni:
Right next door, the first community library and cultural center in the region (opening in 2026) will feature a cozy coffee shop, computer lab, cultural events, and spaces to meet locals, play games, and learn more about Chitrali heritage. When you stay at our guesthouse or join a tour, you help support our mission to build libraries and health centers throughout Chitral.
Read more about the library at:
The library and nonprofit’s homepage: www.chitralrising.org
The library’s ongoing GoFundMe campaign: https://gofund.me/3007810b7
Please note that all GoFundMe donations are used exclusively for the library. Funds are NOT applied to the café or guesthouse — they go solely toward library programs and maintenance.