Kalash – The Jewel of Chitral Valley
Kalash Valley is located in the
southwest side of district Chitral of province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Kalash valley is the home of the Kafir-Kalash also known as “Wearers of the
Black Robe”, a primitive pagan tribe. The 3,000 strong Kafir-Kalash live in the
three different valleys, which are named as Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir. These
valleys are renowned for Kalash people which are oldest tribe of South Asia.
Throughout the world, Kalash people are well known for their exclusive
festivals, culture, and way of living, religion and language. The language of
Kalash people is Kalasha. The Kalash tribe in Pakistan is possibly the smallest
but one of the most glorious ethnic groups of Pakistan in terms of their
eminent and rich cultural background. Kalash tribe is well- known for their
inimitable traditions and customs. Their area is geographically known as
Kafiristan. The three valleys with their native people are one of the foremost
reasons for Chitral to be very famed for tourism.
Kalash Valley-Chitral
Bumburet is the most picturesque
and largest valley of the Kafir Kalash. It is 36 km from Chitral and probably
20 kilometers from the village of Ayun Valley. It connected to Chitral by a
jeep-able road. Most of the tourists visit it first as it is most ideal valley
of tourists visiting Kalash. There are several motels available for tourists
here and famous among all is PTDC motel. The second largest valley of Kalash is
Rambur. It is 32 km from Chitral and about 12 kilometers from Ayun Valley. The
road to Rambur is jeep-able. For visiting the Kalash valleys, permits are
required for the foreign tourists. Deputy Commissioner, Chitral issues free of
cost permits. Domestic visitors have to pay a toll tax of Rs.1.0 per person
while Re. 10 per person is charged from foreign tourists. A road turning right
on the way between Ayun Valley and Bumburet leads to Rumbur, which is located
at an altitude of 7203 feet above sea level. This valley is renowned for its
picturesque views and undisturbed natural incredible nature’s beauty. Among all
valleys, Birir is the smallest. It is situated at an altitude of 5476 feet
above sea level. At a distance of 34 km, Brir lies at the southern the most
edge of Chitral and is easily reachable by jeep-able road through Ayun. It is
particularly preferred by the people not used to trekking.
Children of Kalash Valley
Kalash live in small villages
near the banks of streams, built on the hillsides. Because of the steepness of
the slopes, their houses are doubling storeyed and are constructed of
rough-hewn logs. Kalash are very lively people and are famous for their lively
religious festivals. Their picturesque headgear is prepared by woolen black
material which is crowned with a large colored feather and adorned out with
cowrie shells, beads and buttons. Even today in certain parts of Greece, some
women sport a similar head covering. The Kalash people love dancing and music especially
on occasions of their religious festivals like Chowas (18th to 21st December),
Joshi Chilimjusht (14th & 15th May – spring) and Phool (20th – 25th
September). The valleys of Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir have an alpine climate.
Origin of the people inhabiting these valleys is concealed in controversy. A
legend narrates that soldiers from the legions of the Macedonian conqueror,
Alexander, established in Chitral and are the predecessors of the Kalash.
