Kalasha Valleys

valleys in northern Pakistan

The Kalasha Valleys or Kalasha Desh (Kalasha-mondr: کالؕاݰا دیݰ Kaĺaśa Desh; Urdu: وادی کیلاش) are a number of valleys in southern regions of Chitral in northwestern Pakistan.[1] The people living there are known as the Kalash people. They have their own customs, and religions. The valleys are surrounded by the Hindu Kush mountain range and are close to the border with Afghanistan. Before they were converted to Islam, the Nuristani people living next to the Kalash people had very similar beliefs.

Kalash Valleys
وادی کیلاش
Kaĺaśa Desh
These remote valleys are home to the animist Kalash people. following the Kalasha religion.
These remote valleys are home to the animist Kalash people. following the Kalasha religion.
Kalash Valleys وادی کیلاش‎ is located in Pakistan
Kalash Valleys وادی کیلاش‎
Kalash Valleys
وادی کیلاش
Kalash Valley
Coordinates: 35°42′2″N 71°41′29″E / 35.70056°N 71.69139°E / 35.70056; 71.69139
CountryPakistan
ProvinceKhyber Pakhtunkhwa
DistrictChitral District
Area
 • Total456.58 km2 (176.29 sq mi)
Elevation
1,670 m (5,480 ft)
Population
 (2003)
 • Total9,000
 • Density20/km2 (51/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+5 (PST)

There are three main valleys.[2] The largest one, where most people live is called Bumburet (or Mumuret). There's a smaller valley, called Rumbur, to the side. Birir Valley is the third, and smallest of the three.

References

change
  1. Lines, M. (1996). The Kalasha People of North-Western Pakistan. Pakistan: Emjay Books International.
  2. Mela-Anthanasopoulou, E., Khan, T., Khan Bazik, T. (2017). The Kalasha of the Hindu Kush Valleys, Himalayas. Greece: G.C. Eleftheroudakis.