The Chitrali cap, known locally as pakol, is the most recognisable souvenir from the region: a round, flat-topped woollen cap rolled up at the brim, worn across Chitral and neighbouring parts of Afghanistan. Alongside it, Chitral's bazaars sell handwoven woollen cloth called patti and embroidered items, both made from wool that has been worked in the valley for generations. This guide covers what to look for and roughly what to expect to pay.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Chitrali cap (pakol) | Roughly PKR 800 to 3,000, depending on wool quality and finish (2026) |
| Patti cloth | Sold by the metre or as finished garments; ask for handwoven wool specifically |
| Best place to shop | Chitral town's main bazaar |
| What to check | Whether the wool is genuine Chitral wool or a cheaper synthetic blend |
The Chitrali cap
The pakol is soft, round-topped and made from rolled wool felt, with a wide band that can be worn rolled up around the head or pulled down over the ears in cold weather. It is worn throughout Chitral and across the border in parts of Afghanistan, and it has become one of the most recognisable pieces of headwear from this part of the world.
Quality and price vary with the wool used and the skill of the maker. Handmade caps from genuine local wool cost more than machine-finished versions using cheaper materials, and shopkeepers in Chitral's bazaar will usually tell you which is which if you ask directly. As a rough guide, prices in 2026 run from around PKR 800 for a simple version up to PKR 3,000 or more for a well-made one, but ask for the current price when you buy, since it varies by shop and season.
Patti: Chitral's woollen cloth
Patti is a hand-woven woollen cloth traditionally produced from wool sheared and spun locally, then woven into cloth used for coats, waistcoats and other winter wear. It has historically been one of Chitral's defining crafts, though shopkeepers increasingly stock versions made with cheaper materials, including synthetic blends and cloth bought in from outside the region, alongside the traditional wool product.
If you want the genuine article, ask specifically for handwoven Chitrali wool patti rather than assuming everything sold as "patti" is the same. Prices and quality vary considerably, and a knowledgeable shopkeeper will be able to show you the difference in feel and weave between the traditional cloth and a cheaper substitute.
Embroidery and other crafts
Beyond the cap and cloth, Chitral's bazaars sell embroidered items, including caps, waistcoats and shawls decorated with local needlework patterns. As with patti, quality and authenticity vary between shops, and it is worth looking closely at the stitching and asking where a piece was made before buying it as a genuine local craft rather than an imported design.
Where to shop
Chitral town's main bazaar is the obvious place to buy a Chitrali cap or patti cloth, with a number of shops specialising in local wool products. Prices are generally negotiable, and comparing a couple of shops before buying gives a reasonable sense of the going rate for the quality you want. Our guide to places to visit in Chitral covers the town and its bazaar alongside the district's other sights, and our five-day Chitral itinerary is a useful reference for where shopping fits into a longer trip.
A practical souvenir
Unlike many souvenirs, a Chitrali cap is genuinely useful if you are travelling on into the higher parts of the district or over Shandur Pass, where evenings turn cold even in summer. Buying one in Chitral town before heading north, rather than as an afterthought on the way out, means you get some use from it during the trip rather than just as decoration once you are home. Our trip planning notes cover packing and other practical basics for a Chitral trip.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Chitrali cap called?
Locally it is called a pakol, a soft, round-topped woollen cap worn throughout Chitral and in parts of Afghanistan.
How much does a Chitrali cap cost?
Roughly PKR 800 to 3,000 as of 2026, depending on the wool quality and how the cap is made, though prices vary between shops, so ask for the current price when you buy.
What is Chitrali patti?
A hand-woven woollen cloth traditionally made from local wool, used for coats and winter wear. Cheaper versions using synthetic or non-local materials are also sold, so ask specifically for handwoven Chitral wool if that is what you want.
Where is the best place to buy Chitrali crafts?
Chitral town's main bazaar has the widest choice of shops selling caps, patti cloth and embroidered items, and it is worth comparing a couple of shops before buying.
Is a Chitrali cap actually warm enough to wear travelling?
Yes. It is a genuinely functional piece of winter headwear, and useful if you are continuing on to higher, colder parts of the district such as Shandur Pass.
Is Chitral safe for overseas visitors?
Pakistani tourists visit Chitral throughout the season, but as of September 2026 the UK government advises against all travel on the N45 from Mardan to Chitral city, which is the main road in through Dir and the Lowari Tunnel, and within 10 miles of the Afghan border. If you hold a foreign passport, check your own government's advice before you go, because travelling against it can void your insurance. Everyone should check local news and current police advice before setting out.
