Kalash Valleys (Gilgit Baltistan)

 

The Kalash Valley, surrounded by the Hindukush Range, is located in Chitral district, Pakistan, at the distance of 36km from Chitral main city on National Highway N-45. There are three valleys, Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir. From Ayun village on N-45, turn right on Bamboret Valley Road access the Kalash Valley.

The People, Kalash people, have a unique culture, language, and ancient traditions. They belong to the polytheist faith and are the smallest religious and ethnic minority of Pakistan. They are considered as the soldiers of Alexander\' Army, who were injured at that time and then had settled in this valley.

About Chitral

Chitral, a beautiful valley in the Hindukush Range, is located on the western bank of the Chitral River, in the Northwest of Pakistan at the far end border with Afghanistan. Chitral is famous for the scenic beauty of Tirich Mir mountain, which is the highest peak in the Hindukush Range, at the height of 25,289 feet and Chitral is also famous for experiencing mountaineering expeditions in Hindu Kush Range.

Before independence of Pakistan, Chitral was a princely state in the British India. Chitral was the capital of Chitral princely state. After independence of Pakistan on 14 August 1947, the Mehtar of Chitral acceded to Pakistan as a princely state of Pakistan. Then in 1969, it was integrated into Pakistan as district of Chitral.

Chitral is one of the highest regions of the World, ranging from 1,094 meters to 7,726 meters. There are more than 40 peaks having height of more than six thousands meters.

Chitral is accessed from Dir via Lowari Pass as well as from Gilgit via Shandur Pass. In winter season, both of the passes are closed, but Lowari Tunnel is opened for ten hours in a day. There are number of other passes such as Arandu Pass, Broghol Pass, and Dorah Pass to access the Chitral Valley from Afghanistan side.

Chitral has warm and dry summers and extreme cold in winter season due to heavy snowfall in Chitral Valley.

The Kalash, is an Indo-Aryan from a Dardic family, residing in the Chitral city. They are totally unique and different among the peoples of Pakistan and also considered the smallest religious community in Pakistan, having their own cultural traditions. The Kalash Valleys are three valleys Bumburet, Birir Valley, and Rumbur Valley. The Chilam Joshi is the main festival of the Kalash people in the middle of May. Tourists visit Kalash valley during this festival to observe the traditions and cultures of the Kalash Peoples.

The Chitral River, also known as Kunar or Mastuj River, is originated from the Eastern Afghanistan and enters into Pakistan from the south of the Broghil Pass in Chitral district.

Tirich Mir, 25,289 ft, is the highest mountain in the Chitral Valley in the Hindu Kush range. It's peak can be easily seen from the main bazaar of Chitral. To get the more closest view of the Tirich Mir, one must visit Tirich village.

Garam Chashma, the highest residing area in the Hindukush Range, is the most beautiful location in Chitral and famous for its trout fish and beautiful atmosphere.

Shandur Top is famous for the Shandur festival between the people of Chitral and Gilgit. There are number of traditional and cultural activities there. A polo match is also played between the Chitral and Gilgit pole teams. People from all over the World participate in this festival to enjoy the culture of Chitral and Gilgit.