Kalash valley is situated in the Chitral District in the northern area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Kalash people have a very unique culture, funeral rituals, clothing style, and language and believe in an ancient form of Hinduism. For this reason, Kalash Valleys are a great source of attraction for Pakistani as well as International tourists. There are three main Kalash valleys; Bumburet, Rumbur & Acholgah, and Biriu (Birir).
Kalash people are considered the smallest religious and ethnic minority of Pakistan as they follow a different religion and their culture is linked to their religious rituals. Females wear traditional black robes with embroidered caps adorned with shells and beads. According to Kalash unique funeral rituals the departed soul wish to leave the human body and meet different souls after leaving the body. They perform a special funeral dance on special songs.
For people who prefer to go by public transport, must reach Chitral first. From Chitral’s bus station, you can get vans and taxis to reach all the three Kalash Valleys.
D.H.Q Hospital Chitral
Address: Shahi Bazar، Chitrāl, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Hours: Open 24 hours
All the three Kalash Valleys have an alpine (mountain or highland climate) climate. The average annual temperature in Chitral is almost 15.6 °C with about 418 mm of precipitation falls annually.
Bumburet is the main and the most charming valley of the Kalash. It is at a distance of 36 km from Chitral and can be reached by a jeep-able road.
Rambur is located at a distance of 32 km from Chitral, the road is easy to travel through the jeeps. Foreign tourists must have permits for visiting the Kalash valleys. Permits are issued free of cost by the Deputy Commissioner of Chitral.
Brir valley lies at the extreme south side of Chitral, 34 km away. This valley is easily accessible by jeep via Ayun.
Kalash is mostly known for its colourful festivals. They start their ceremony of Chhirpiyak, in which milk is offered, followed by dancing and singing by boys and girls. Men and women then go to Charsu, which is a dancing place in Guru Village where they dance together till night. The elders perform Bumburate charsu, another ritual to mark the end of the festival.