The most picturesque valley - Bamburet - inhabited by the Kalash tribe is going to be opened up shortly, for the first time, to the locals as well as foreign tourists in connection with the Visit Pakistan Year-2007.
Bamburet is situated some 40 kilometers from Chitral and connected only by a narrow road. The green fields, gushing rivers, beautiful lakes and plenty of natural beauty add to the charm and attraction of this valley.
"We are trying to facilitate the local and foreign tourists, from across the world, to visit and study the social and ethnic life style of the Kafir-Kalash", said Secretary NWFP for Tourism, Culture and Sports, Abdul Jalil Khan.
"The government is finalising ways and means to make the valley accessible to tourists and provide them with adequate facilities during their stay here," added Khan.
The tourists will find the Tourists Facilitation Center (TFC) with a much improved motel, with a beautiful reception lounge and a restaurant, offering continental and Pakistani dishes, he said.
"Creation of a motel at Bamburet is a major initiative taken by the PTDC, the five kanals belt for TFC, rooms, and entertainment facilities like swings, food and all are all part of the program to promote tourism in remote areas," he added.
It would certainly be regarded as one of the most attractive tourist destinations, he hoped, adding that the Chitral Valley, located at an elevation of 1,128 meters, is one of the most popular spots amongst mountaineers, anglers, hunters, hikers, naturalists and anthropologists. He disclosed that the 7,705 meters Tirich Mir, the highest peak of the Hindukush Mountains, dominates this 322 kilometers long exotic valley.
The Chitral district has Afghanistan at its north, south and west, a narrow strip of Afghan territory, Wakhan, separates it from Tajikistan, he added.
The tourist season in Chitral is from June-September. Chitral, the largest district of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), is one place in the scenic land where people are known for their soft-spoken gestures and hospitality.
While unveiling the details, he said "One of the major attractions of Chitral, is the famous Kalash Valley - the home of the Kafir-Kalash or "Wearers of the Black Robes", a primitive pagan tribe, their ancestry enveloped in mystery.
A legend says that five soldiers of the legions of Alexander of Macedonia settled in Chitral and are the progenitors of the Kafir-Kalash. Kalash these tribes are in very deferent from the people contrast rest of the country.
Their culture, religion, customs and habitat are unique and appealing. Over 3,000-strong Kafir-Kalash live in the valley of Birir, Bamburet and Rambur, south of Chitral. While Bamburet, the largest and the most picturesque valley of the Kafir-Kalash, as well as Birir and Rambur are located at a distance of 34 and 40 kms respectively from Chitral.
"There exists a centuries old tradition and culture which is a real attraction for the local as well as foreign tourists but it is not properly highlighted for the world to know which is what we want to do", Khan added.
The Kalash are a friendly and cheerful bunch that love music and dancing, particularly on religious festivals, like the Joshi Chilimjusht, to be held in the mid of December.
Polo is the most popular sport of Chitral and it holds similar importance amongst the Chitral and Gilgit populations. Polo matches are a great attractions and festive occasion for all tourists.
Even if you don't have a knack for this game, you will surely love the atmosphere it creates. A regular Polo tournament is the main feature. Polo at the roof-top (Shandur) is held every year in the first week of July, at Shandur Pass, he added.
He said that the government is trying hard to enhance its attraction for tourists, like for trekking in the valleys, as it has known trekking peaks like the Thui-Ann Pass (4500m), Shahjinali Pass (4259m), Darkut Pass (4575m), Chilinji Pass (5160m), Asumbar Pass (4400m), Karumber Pass (4343m), Owir Pass (4338m), Uwin Pass (3840m), Baroghil Pass (3798m), Dainter Pass (3660m).
He said that they had restructured and rationalised the budget. It was now decreased to Rs 6.9 million from earlier Rs 9.8 million annually because of their own resources. The Sarhad Tourism Corporation (STC) had opened Dounga Gali and leased out Kund Park, which have been generating Rs 2 million annually, besides the forming of TFC, upgrading restaurants.
Till-date five TFC have been working, besides four more in the pipeline in order to facilitate the tourists, he disclosed. He said that they are now self-sufficient with the amount touching Rs 10 million mark. With such development, we intended to prepare a force of technocrats, while up-grading the lives of the workers associated with tourism.
He said that they had adopted various measures for the employees as well. They had also planned to have a village on the land at Bamburet with facilities including a TFC, cafeteria, doctor, furnished rooms and a mini-museum. After holding a seminar at Abbottabad, in the mid of June, regarding the Kalasha festival, Shindur polo will follow in July, and a cycle rally from Naran to Babo Sir in August.
For the promotion of touris, a web site has been developed and work is in progress for a documentary on the scenic sites of NWFP.
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