Kalasha Valleys, Mountain valleys in Chitral District, Pakistan.
The Kalasha Valleys consist of three main areas - Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir - surrounded by the Hindu Kush mountain range at 1128 meters elevation.
During the mid-20th century, several Kalasha communities experienced pressure to convert to Islam, yet most inhabitants maintained their traditional religious practices.
The Kalash people celebrate multiple annual festivals including Chilam Joshi in spring, Uchau in autumn, and Chaumos during winter with music and ceremonies.
Visitors can access the largest valley, Bumburet, through a road connection from Ayun in the Kunar Valley, where they pay entrance fees supporting local conservation.
The valleys support approximately 3,000 Kalash people who practice polytheistic beliefs connected to ancient Hinduism, making them a distinct minority in Pakistan.
Location: Chitral District
Elevation above the sea: 1,128 m
GPS coordinates: 35.70060,71.69140
Latest update: May 27, 2025 07:11
Pakistan offers photographers diverse subjects: mountain ranges above 13000 feet (4000 meters), Islamic architecture, desert landscapes and modern city views. The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad ranks among the largest mosques globally and displays contemporary design with white marble walls and four slender minarets. In Lahore, the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort document Mughal architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries, while Wazir Khan Mosque is known for its tile work. The northern areas present alpine settings: Attabad Lake formed in 2010 from a landslide and sits between steep mountains, the Passu Cones rise as jagged peaks above Hunza Valley, and Fairy Meadows offers views of Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain on Earth. Khunjerab Pass marks one of the highest border crossings in the world at 15400 feet (4693 meters) on the Pakistan-China frontier. The collection also includes historic fortifications and cultural sites. Rohtas Fort from the 16th century extends over 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) of walls, Derawar Fort shows 40 bastions in the Cholistan Desert, and Ranikot Fort stands as one of South Asia's largest fortifications. The Makli Necropolis near Thatta contains tombs and mausoleums spanning six centuries. In Karachi, Mohatta Palace and Frere Hall document colonial architecture, while Mazar-e-Quaid serves as the mausoleum of founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Natural areas like Deosai National Park above 13000 feet (4000 meters) and the juniper forest of Ziarat complete the photographic range.
Combat Outpost Keating
45.1 km
Terich Mir
63.7 km
Takht-i-Bahi
159.2 km
Noshaq
82.5 km
Chitral Gol National Park
26 km
Butkara Stupa
121.5 km
Gabin Jabba
85.3 km
Jarogo Waterfall
81.7 km
Chitral Fort
19.4 km
Istor-o-Nal
77.6 km
Loriyan Tangai
130.8 km
Falak Sar
98.4 km
Saraghrar
101.7 km
Buni Zom
76.4 km
Swat Museum
120.7 km
Shahi Mosque
19.4 km
Fizagat Recreation Park
118.8 km
Mahmud Ghaznavi Mosque
120.7 km
Udren Zom
96.8 km
Kalasha Dur Museum
934 m
Badwan
119.9 km
Chitral Museum
18.5 km
Youyi Bridge
150.9 km
Mastuj Fort
99.3 km
Barikot Ghundai
123.4 km
Shingardara stupa
123.2 km
Yamchun Fort
150.2 km
Fort of Raja-Gera
120.8 kmReviews
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