Ethnographic trip to Pakistan: from Punjab to the Kalash Valleys

Discover the highlights of this ethnographic trip to Pakistan

► We will meet different ethnic groups in Pakistan

Kalash tribe

The Kalash tribe is the last ethnic group of animist religion in the Hindukush. The physical appearance of men and women is surprising (fair skin, green and blue eyes, many blondes and blondes ...). There is an unproven theory that they are descendants of soldiers of Central European origin who were part of the troops of Alexander the Great, who passed through this region on his way to India.

Nuristani tribe

Among the Nuristani traditions that they still maintain, the practice of buzkashi stands out. It consists of a sport in which riders fight over a dead goat. We will explore these two villages and try to see how they practice buzkashi.

Gypsies or Hana Badosh

The origin of the Gypsy or Romani nation is here, in Pakistan, according to historians and ethnographers. The Gypsies, or Hana Badosh, are nomads who set up camps on the outskirts of Peshawar, as well as in many other large Pakistani cities. They live doing marginal jobs and begging. We will visit a nomad camp to learn about its social reality. We will enjoy dancing and local music.

► We will discover historical cities of Pakistan

Lahore

Lahore is the cultural capital of Pakistan and the second-most populous city in the country. We will visit bazaars, Mogul-style mosques, houses in the old town, the Badshahi Mosque (1647), and we will take an urban tour of the walled center of the city. In addition, we will visit two sites titled "World Heritage Sites": the Fort Complex, made up of several palaces, and the tombs of Jahangir, surrounded by Persian gardens.

Taxila

During this ethnographic trip to Pakistan, we will have the opportunity to visit the ruins of Taxila, the center of Gandhara culture. This was an ancient civilization that emerged from the encounter between Greece and India. We will visit the Jaulian monastery and the archaeological museum.

Peshawar

We will begin our tour of Peshawar at the gate of Kabul. From there, we will reach the storytellers' street and walk to the Mughal mosque. We will walk through the different market areas, as well as the old Hindu and Christian neighborhoods. Also, we will visit the National Museum, which displays interesting pieces from the Gandhara period and Kalash totems from the remote hills. Finally, we will move to the truck workshop, where artisans decorate all types of trucks so that they look beautiful and 'protect' them from accidents.

► We will enjoy the landscapes of the Kalash Valleys

We will pass through the impressive landscapes of the Kalash valleys, located in the Himalayan mountain range.

© Photos by Pau Clavero, Aníbal Bueno and Xavi de las Heras taken during an ethnographic trip to Pakistan.

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