BUMBURET/ KALASHA VALLEYS: INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

Located in Chitral District in Northern Pakistan, Kalasha valleys are surrounded by the Hindukush mountain range. The local people of the Kalasha valley are called Kalash. People of Kalasha Valley have unique cultures and languages. They follow ancient Hinduism.

Kalasha Valley has been a source of attraction for the tourists as well as the local people of Pakistan. There are three valleys in Kalasha and Bumburet is the most famous and largest valley of Kalasha. Bumburet valley is accessible by a road from Ayun in the Kunar valley. In the north of Bumburet, Rumbur is another side valley.

People of Kalasha are very strong footed about their identity and culture. Kalasha people stand out from other valleys because of their customs, traditions, festivals, and religion. They practice religion vigorously. Kalasha valley is a scenic beauty with lush green meadows and fruit farms, which attracts several tourists each year. Kalasha valley is facing economic development issues due to its distinct religious entity. The area is not given much attention and the infrastructure is continuously worsening which has lead to the beautiful valley undergo backwardness.

However, Kalasha valley tours provide an amazing cultural experience in the Hindukush mountain ranges along with the ethnic minority community of Kalasha. UNESCO declared Kalasha culture as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’. The government of Pakistan needs to take action to preserve this beautiful valley. Some of the hotels you can consider while your visit to Kalasha valley is Ayun Fort Inn, Kalasha Continental Hotel and Restaurant, Benazir Hotel, and Destida Bed and Breakfast Kalasha Valley. The average cost for a day stay at Ayun Fort Inn is 106 US Dollars. If you want to witness the variety of styles and customs, then do visit Kalasha valley and experience their strange yet beautiful festivals and traditions.