Torkhow is a river valley north-east of Booni in Upper Chitral, reached by a jeep track that leaves the Chitral–Mastuj road and climbs over a mountain shoulder before dropping to the villages of Istaru and Werkup. Wikipedia puts it about 108 km from Chitral town, bordering the Wakhan valley of Afghanistan. For visitors it is a farming valley with few facilities and several of the area's trekking trailheads, among them Khot and the road to Rua for the Shah Jinali pass.
It is not a sightseeing stop with entry tickets and hotels. It is a place to see ordinary valley life, walk, and use as a gateway to higher country, and it is best treated as part of a longer Upper Chitral trip.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Gateway | Booni, on the Chitral–Mastuj road |
| Distance from Chitral | About 108 km (Wikipedia) |
| Administrative centre | Shagram |
| Access | Jeep track; poor in places |
| Treks from the valley | Khot An pass, Shah Jinali pass (via Rua), links to Yarkhun |
| Trek season | June to September |
Where is Torkhow?
The Torkhow river runs through the valley, with most villages on its right bank and Washich on the left. Shagram is the administrative centre, and the villages listed on Wikipedia are Istaru, Werkhup (also spelt Werkup), Rayeen, Merlp, Sherjuli, Shagram, Khot, Washich, Ujnu, Rech, Buzund, Zanglasht and Shotkhar. Wikipedia describes Torkhow as the origin of the Khowar language, the main language of Chitral, a claim also made for villages in Mulkhow, so it is best read as local pride rather than settled fact.
It sits next to the Turikho system, which our Turikho valley guide describes. The two are linked by tracks and by the Booni road, which is why trekkers often combine them.
How to reach it from Booni
Everyone starts in Booni, the district headquarters; our Booni guide covers the town. From there:
- Jeep track out of Booni. The track climbs onto the shoulder of a mountain, then descends to Istaru, then Werkup shortly afterward.
- Continue to Khot, Rech or Rua. Trek reports describe a jeep road from Booni through Torkhow to Rua, four to five hours. Operators for the Khot An pass trek begin at Khot Lasht by jeep from Chitral.
- Return by public transport. A 2021 trekker walked out of the Tirich valley to Werkup and caught public transport to Booni, arriving about four in the afternoon, so some local vehicles run on this road.
You can hire a private jeep and driver in Chitral or Booni, which is what most visitors do. Our Chitral jeep rental guide explains the usual arrangements.
The state of the road
Treat the road as a real limiting factor. A Chitral news report describes the bridge at Istaru as collapsed, with a temporary bypass that had become dangerous; check whether it has since been rebuilt. In May 2025, thousands of residents of Torkhow and Tirich drove to Booni to protest decades of delay on the Booni–Buzund road, and in April 2026 local groups were still issuing ultimatums over the project. A July 2026 Chitral Today article lists the Torkhow and Tirich access roads among remote valley roads needing repair.
A government commission head said in June 2025 that the Booni–Buzund road would be completed within the year. We could not find confirmation of its completion, so ask your driver about the current state before you commit to the day. Jeep accidents on Chitral's narrow roads do happen, so use an experienced local driver and avoid driving after dark or after heavy rain.
What to do in the valley
Torkhow is mainly about walking and village life.
- Werkup: described by a Chitral writer as a beautiful village and a good tourist base. Treks start from here to Shah Jinali and Shosht in the Yarkhun valley, and from Khot toward Lower Yarkhun.
- Khot: the start of the Khot An pass trek, a 10-day operator itinerary over the Hindu Raj to Dizg in the Yarkhun valley. The pass is at 4,230 metres and the start at Khot Lasht is at about 3,050 metres.
- Rua and the Shah Jinali pass: the road through Torkhow leads to Rua, the start of our Shah Jinali Pass trek guide.
- Village walks and orchards: go with local permission and consider paying for a guide, who can introduce you to families.
The valley has no established hotel scene. Expect homestays or camping, and carry your own food for treks. For higher camps, ask for guidance in Booni.
Is it safe? UK advice and what to check
The UK government's Pakistan travel advice (updated 22 September 2026) does not name the Torkhow valley, but it advises against all travel on the N45 road from Mardan to Chitral city, against all travel within 10 miles of the Afghan border, and against all travel to Upper and Lower Dir and Swat. Torkhow borders the Wakhan valley and parts of it are close to the border. Rua at the head of the Rich Gol is within about 8 km of the Wakhan Corridor on the Shah Jinali route.
Pakistani visitors do travel here, but the province has had serious attacks in 2026, including in Lower Dir in July. Check local news and police advice before leaving Chitral, and carry your CNIC. Foreign visitors should check their government's advice, which may say not to go and can void travel insurance. Our guide to whether Chitral is safe has more on routes.
Is Torkhow worth the trip?
For trekkers, yes: the road to the trailheads is the price of reaching quiet mountains. For a family on a two or three day visit, probably not. The road is slow, facilities are basic and there are easier places to spend your time, such as the Chitral fort area and the Kalash valleys, which have their own UK advice you must read.
If your time is short, start with places to visit in Chitral or the Upper Chitral road trip guide. When you are ready for the remote valleys, see our destinations page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Torkhow valley?
North-east of Booni in Upper Chitral, bordering the Wakhan valley of Afghanistan. Wikipedia gives its distance from Chitral town as about 108 km.
How do I get to Torkhow from Chitral?
Take the Chitral–Mastuj road to Booni, then a jeep track through Istaru and Werkup. Private jeeps are the usual option, and there is some public transport.
Is there a hotel in Torkhow?
We could not verify any established hotel scene. Most visitors stay in homes, camp, or return to Booni or Chitral. Ask your driver or guide to arrange this in advance.
What treks start from Torkhow?
The Khot An pass trek begins at Khot Lasht, and the road through the valley leads to Rua for the Shah Jinali pass. Trekkers also walk from Werkup toward the Yarkhun valley.
Is the Torkhow road open all year?
It is a jeep track in a high valley, and weather and landslides can close it. Winter conditions are harder, and 2025 and 2026 reports describe damaged bridges and bypasses, so ask locally.
Is Torkhow safe for tourists?
Pakistani visitors do travel there, but the UK advises against travel near the Afghan border and on the N45, so check current advice and local news.
