EXPLORE PAKISTAN (Explore Kalash & Chitral Valley Itinerary Page)

TOUR PROGRAMMES

Explore Kalash & Chitral Valley with Explore Pakistan Tours and Treks
Chitral is an area of outstanding natural beauty, boasting spectacular mountains and fascinating variety of peoples, Culturally and physically Chitral is the most isolated region of N.W.F.P. Only two roads connected Chitral with the rest of Pakistan, one route from Peshawar, through Dir and over Lowari Pass (3,118m) and another from Gilgit on a rough jeep track over the Shandur Pass (3,734m).

Historically the Chitral Valley was one of the main arteries of the Silk Road, across the Boroghil Pass to Yarkand and kashgar, but was later replaced by the more southern route along the Indus and through Kashmir and Ladakh due to persistent banditry and feuding in the region.

KALASH VALLEY:
Kafirstan is a geographical expression used to describe a small tract of land in the Chitral District of the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan, the climate of this valley is Alpine. The inhabitants of the area are known as the Kafir Kalash meaning "wearers of the black robes" they are primitive Pagan tribe whose origin is uncertain, it is said that when Alexander the Great passed through this region in 327 B.C. some of the soldiers from his army settled here and are the progenitors of the Kalash.

The are famous for their unique culture, customs, tradition and rites. Their funeral rites. Their funeral rites are marvelous. They do not bury their dead. The corpse is placed in a rough coffin and left in open. One year after the death of a Kafir adult, an effigy is created in memory of the departed soul. The Kalash are extremely fond of music and the instruments commonly used are drums and flutes. They love to dance and consider it as a sign of the friendship of other also joins them. They are famous for their lively religious festival. Kalash celebrated the following festivals each year.

Name of Festival                                   Date
Cheelim Jusht (spring festival)          2nd week of May
Uchal (summer season festival)       2nd week of August
Purr (autumn festival)                          2nd week of October
Cheetermas (Winter Festival)            3rd week of December

Itinerary:

01	Arive at Islamabad Airport and transfer to the hotel.
02	Drive Islamabad / Dir (10 hrs driving).
03	Drive Dir / Bumburet, Kalash valley (7-8 hrs driving).
04	Excursion in Bumburet & Rumbur Valley, kalash. Drive to Chilas (4 hrs driving). Overnight Chital.
05	Drive Chital / Dir (7 hrs driving) Overnight Dir.
06	Drive Dir / Peshawar (7hrs driving). Overnight Peshawar.
07	Sightseeing old city of Peshawar / Islamabad.
08	City tour of Islamabad / Rawalpindi, and then transfer to airport for flight.