Kalash Valley

Elevation: 1670-2309 meters (5,476-7,576 feet).
Distance: 32-36km. (20-22 miles) south of Chitral.
By jeep: 2 ½ hours

These are a group of three small valleys: Brir, Bumburet and Rambur. Brir lies at the southern most tip of Chitral at a distance of 34 km (21 miles) and is easily accessible by jeep-able road via Ayun. It is especially ideal for those not used to trekking. Bumburet, the largest and the most picturesque valley of the Kafir Kalash, is 36 km.(22 miles) from Chitral and is connected by a jeep-able road.

Rambur is 32 km (20 miles) from Chitral, the road is jeep-able. Foreign tourists require permits for visiting the Kalash valleys. Permits are issued free of cost by the Deputy Commissioner, Chitral, Tel: 1. Foreign visitors have to pay a toll tax of Rs.10 per person while Re. 1.00 per person is charged from domestic tourists.

These valleys have an alpine climate. The people inhabiting these valleys are the primitive pagan tribes of Pakistan, who are known as Kafir Kalash, which means the wearers of the black robes. Their origin is cloaked in controversy. A legend says that soldiers from the legions of the Macedonian conqueror, Alexander, settled in Chitral and are the progenitors of the Kalash.

They live in small villages built on the hillsides near the banks of streams. Their houses are constructed of rough-hewn logs and are double storeyed because of the steepness of the slopes. Kalash are very lively people and are famous for their lively religious festivals namely: Chilimjusht (spring), Phool (September) and Chowas (from 21st December for a week). The Kalash love music and their instruments are drums and flutes. Their colorful dances impart a feeling of peace, joy and contentment. If you join them in their dance, they interpret it as a sign friendship and will open their hearts to you and reveal some of their mysteries, their joys and sorrows. You depart with a sense of poignancy and nostalgia for these beautiful children of nature and nagging fear that all the sweetness and innocence may soon be swept away forever by the power and intolerance that often hide themselves under the banner of progress.

Attractions:
In this mountainous area close to Kalash, at Shandur Top, is the world’s highest polo ground. Each year an annual international polo tournament is played here where fans come from all over the world participate in the spectacular event. Read more about Shandur here.

How to Visit the Kalash?
How to visit the Kalash first you need a permit from the office in Chitral that overseas foreigners travel in this part of Pakistan or at the Pakistan tourist development office the one in Chitral is at the PTDC Motel, Main Bazaar, Chitral Tel: (0943) 412683.
There’s a police checkpost here, where you’ll need to show your Chitral registration and pay the Rs 200 toll levied on all visitors. This permits you to visit all three valleys. But I would recommend that you go with a guide.

A vacation in Swat Valley is an unforgettable experience!

What to eat?
If your visiting in the summer you have a variety of Pakistani food restaurants in Bamburat bazars.

Where to stay?
There are moderately priced hotels, and motels in Bumburet Valley. PTDC Motel Bumburet also booked through Chitral PTDC Motel, Main Bazaar, Chitral Tel: (0943) 412683. But I would recommend that you go with a guide. For PTDC Motel Booking Office Islamabad
(For All Over Pakistan PTDC Motels) , Tel: (0092-351) 9223223 Fax: (0092-351) ??????.

When to go?
Tourist season in the Kalash Valley begins in mid-May and closes in mid-October. The summer climate (June to September) is ideal, with maximum temperatures of 20oC and minimum temperatures of 5oC.