Main image: Shah Tahsin Anwar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Getting There
The shortest route to reach Picturesque Kalash Valley from Islamabad is through M1, Swat Expressway & NH-45. Join M1 from Islamabad, take exit from Sher Khan Interchange & join Swat Expressway. Then leave Swat Expressway on its end & join NH-45. It will pass from Timergara, lower & upper Dir, Lowari tunnel.
By Air: The nearest airport that can be used for air travel to Kalash Valley is Chitral Airport.
By Train: If you want to go to Kalash Valley by train from any part of the country, there is no train available to go to Kalash Valley So you can get off at Nowshehra Railway station or Peshawar station and go Kalash Valley by car, bus and Jeep
By Road: Through a car, bus and Jeep you can easily reach to Kalash Valley from Islamabad Motorway M-1 in five an half hours. The distance of Kalash Valley from Islamabad is 401 Km.
What to Expect
The tourists can do a lot in the Kalash Valleys during one of the festivals, as there are many feasts. They can see and participate in dance, drink and enjoy the bright rituals.
The time of festival in Kalash Valley include Chilam Joshi (May), Uchau (September) and Choimus (around winter solstice). However, if you do not visit during festival time, you will not find much to do. However, you can enjoy the beautiful scenes. The valleys are very beautiful and amazing. You can sit there and see the nature. You can also enjoy your time in hanging out with the local people and learn about their culture.
The weather in Chitral Kalash is very pleasant throughout the year. The tourists go there and enjoy the weather even in the harsh summer. Parks and nature are the main source of attraction for visitors. You can stay in a hotel or a guesthouse. Natural food is abundant in these sites like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
History
The nearly 4000 to 5000 Kalashis living in the Hindukush mountain range near the border with Afghanistan are still a mystery to the world with respect to their origin.
One of the very few theories that hold some significance is that they are the descendants of Alexander the Great and his army. While there are several other theories to discuss, this one is considered the most probable about these blue-eyed people. Another set of theorists claim the residents of Kalash are immigrants who migrated from another land.
While these claims and theories remain unproven, the Kalash culture is safeguarded by UNESCO as it has been added to the Intangible Culture Heritage (ICH). The purpose of adding it to the list was that the younger population was not well aware of their customs and traditions. In order to keep it from becoming extinct, the safeguarding plan was also required by the state party which involved huge participation of the local community.
The Kalash people also show faith in other Gods called Balumain, Destak, Dezalik, Dewalók, Indr and Munjem. Balumain is the cultural hero of the Kalash Valley who had taught the indigenous people about celebrating the winter festival known as Chaumas. They also believe in semi-gods, deities, mountain fairies and spirits.
The Kalash offer prayers only during festivals. Their culture and beliefs are similar to that of Nuristanis that reside in Afghanistan. The polytheistic Kalash have built various shrines for their Gods and Goddesses where they make animal sacrifices regularly.
Facilities Available
- It is safe for families.
- Local guides are available
- People of Kalash are very hospitable
- The government has made Camping Pods it for tourists in Kalash valley and There are many hotels in Kalash valley
- Kalash valley can be easily accessible thought local transport and can book a car on rent.
- Tourism Department helps the Tourist/ Visitors through providing broachers in both Urdu and English languages. The local Police and the local Guides can speak multi languages (i.e local languages, Urdu, English and some of them can speak Chinese also).
- There is a bus stand in Kalash for public transportation.
- Filling stations are available in Kalash valley which includes Petrol and Diesel.
- Taxis are available in valley on daily rent basis.
- Shops are available in Kalash
