Kalash Valley is situated in District Chitral of province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Three valleys are named Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir. These valleys are famous for Kalash people which are oldest tribe of South Asia and well known throughout the world for their unique culture, religion, language, festivals and way of living. These three valleys with these indigenous people are one of the main reasons for Chitral to be very famous for tourism.
The language of Kalash people is Kalasha. Native people of Kalash Valley are residing in three valleys namely Bamuburet, Birir and Rumbur.
Bamburet is the largest valley and a large number of Kalashi people wearing black robes lives here. These valleys are present near the river Kunar. Bamburet valley of Kalash is present at a distance of 40 Kms from the Vale of Chitral and is connected by a jeep able road. It is the largest valley of Kalash is Bumburet. It is probably 20 kilometers from the village of Ayun Valley. It is most favorite valley of tourists visiting Kalash that’s why most of the tourists visit it first. There are many motels available for tourists here. One famous among all is PTDC motel.
Rumbur is the second largest valley of Kalash is Rumbur. It is about 12 kilometers from Ayun Valley. A road turns right on the way between Ayun Valley and Bumburet and leads to Rumbur at an altitude of 7203 feet above sea level.
This valley is famous for its undisturbed natural breathtaking nature’s beauty and picturesque views.
While, Birir is th smallest among all valleys and it is located at an altitude of 5476 feet above sea level. These valleys have an alpine climate.
Kalashi people are considered as the natives of Chitrali people, and their forefathers have migrated from Afghanistan in 2nd Century BC. Kalashi people claimed that they are the descendants of army of the Alexander the great or even of Alexander himself. Alexander along with his army passed through this area in 327 B.C. People of Kalash valley attract the tourists due to their way of dressing, religious beliefs, traditions and festivals.
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.
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 storey 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.