Kalash Valley Chitral

Saba Ghani

2 years of guide experience in Pakistan.

Overview

The Kalash Valley, bordering Afghanistan, is located in northwestern Pakistan and is the most traditional area of ??the Chitral District. If you are on a trip to Chitral valley, you must visit Kalash valley, especially Bomburit, Rambur, and Birrir valleys.

The Kalash community is one of the prominent ethnic minorities in Pakistan, who make a living from Greek culture. The three valleys have a population of about 5,000 people. Additionally. They have their own unique culture, traditions, and religions and celebrate festivals in different ways.

It's awesome when a Kalash woman comes to meet you and greet you in their traditional way. Moreover, their costumes are colorful and they wear these cultural costumes proudly.

How to get there?

If you want to travel to Kalash Valley from Islamabad, then the distance between Islamabad and Kalash Valley is 255 km. The road distance is 400.8 km. You can also take a flight from Islamabad to Chitral, then drive 1 hour 10 minutes (28.3 km) on the N-45 to the Kalash Valley.

Best time to visit to Kalash Valley?

Chitral and its surroundings have a Mediterranean feel. Furthermore, summers can be really hot here because of the mountains. Plus, winters are mild and pleasant here. Additionally, the best times to visit the Chitral region are March to May and September to November. In the Kalash Valley, the Chilam Joshi festival is usually held at the end of May.

Kalash Valley Religion

The Kalashi are an ethnic and religious minority in Pakistan. Kalash religion is a polytheistic belief, similar to the ancient form of Hinduism, where people make offerings to their deities. Hence, their culture is intertwined with their religion and includes many unique festivals and celebrations. Furthermore, People generally do not marry or live with local Muslims, but there is no hostility towards them either. As an organized tribe, the people enjoy the legal and constitutional protections of Pakistan.

Kalash Valley Festivals

There are three main festivals in Kalash. Including, Joshi Festival in late May, the Uchau Festival in the fall, and the Chawmus Festival in mid-winter.

The Kalash tribe is popularly known for its unique festivals and how to style their hair. There is a lot of dancing, old men singing legends to the beat of drums, and women dancing outside. Locally produced mulberries are drunk in large quantities. Although festival dates are rarely determined as they depend on the harvest. So you may be disappointed if you run out of time.

Furthermore, dedicated to spring, Joshi's Day lasts 4-6 days in mid-May, with Uchau on August 20 celebrating the pre-harvest cheese, corn, and wine harvest. The Chawmus Winter Solace in mid-December was the most impressive, lasting 10 days. Moreover, non-Muslim foreigners can generally participate, but for sacrifices must buy their goats.

You can check out our "4 Days Package Tour to Chitral and Kalash Valley" tour, including this amazing place.

Explore Travelpakistani's Best Chitral Travel Magazine which will provide you with all the information on Chitral.

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Kalash Valley