Trees up to 30 m tall with a soft flaky bark 2‑5 cm thick. Leaves in clusters of 3,20‑30 cm long. Male cones c. 1.5 cm long, yellowish, in dense terminal clusters. Female cones solitary or 2‑3 at the tips of branches, mature ones woody; bract and scale distinct, umbo prominently beaked. Wing 2‑3 times longer than seed.

Type: Not indicated.

Common from 600‑1800 m, where it forms pure stands and higher up is found in association with the blue pine (P. wallichiana). Also commonly cultivated. Where pure stands of the species are found, there is very litter undergrowth. The treem due to the thick bark is quite fire resistant. The wood is not durable but is easily available and used for construction purposes. It is also valuable for its resin extract. Common name: `Chir, Chil'. F7. Per.: March‑April; Distribution: Afghanistan, the Himalaya from Chitral eastward to Bhutan, Sikkim.