Kailash Valley, Chitral

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The Kalash People are found in 3 valleys the Rumbur, Bumburet and Birir. The Kalash are not Muslims but follow their own Religion which is made up of single creator called ‘Dezau’ with 12 male and female gods the major God is Mahandeo and some folks say this is the same god as Ares is known as Mars by the Romans. Most Kalasha are Mediterranean looking. The men wear largely traded traditional goat-skin tunics and the women wear black reaching to the ankles. They have beautiful embroidery. Here is the official position of the Pan Macedonia Society of the USA -- 13. The Kalash of the northern Himalayan region of the Hindu Kush Mountains of Pakistan are Hellenic descendants of the armies of Alexander the Great. The Kalash Indigenous people have sustained their ancient culture and traditions since the 4th century B.C.

Good overview video of this area and the Kalash

How to visit the Kalash first you need a permit from the office in Chitral that overseas foreigners travel in this part of Pakistan or at the Pakistan tourist development office the one in Chitral is at the PTDC Motel, Main Bazaar, Chitral (NWFP) Tel:(0943) 412683. But I would recommend that you go with a guide. There is one that posts on Virtual Tourist imranthetrekker his e-mail is below and you can read his page -- he might be a good person to ask. But arrangements can be made easily via your hotel I would strongly recommend that you ask for a guide form the Kalash culture itself. I found a student by the name of Afiyat but was working as a guide during her vacation. This made it very nice as I had a built in access to her family. I located here by asking in three or four place but finally from the concierge at the Hindukush Heights hotel. The trip up the Valley is about 30 Kilometer and you really need to have a 4 wheel drive. They also sell tour group excursion type engagements with 4 wheel drive in groups of 8 to 30 again your hotel will know.

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Kelash is actually a very old greek civilization. The people beloning to this civilization are called 'The Kelash'. And the place, the kelash valley. There are actually about three valleys here. I have been to one of them - Bamboret. The people are just so different from the rest of us. They have their own very distinct culture. But its not just the people, but the amazingly beautiful scenery that makes this place a must visit for everyone having a chance. The mountain is lush green with lots of streams. The valley is full of apple and appricot trees.