▷ Ethnographic trip to Pakistan with Last Places

02nd - 14th April 2023 (13 d. / 12 n.) / TRIP COMPLETED

Ethnographic trip to Pakistan designed to explore the ancient city of Peshawar and learn about the culture and way of life of the animist tribal communities of the Kalasha Valleys in the Himalayan region.

The journey will begin in the historic city of Peshawar, founded over 2,000 years ago. It is a key stop market of the silk road. We will walk its streets to enjoy the Mughal and colonial architecture, as well as palaces and some Hindu temples. We will head up the hill towards the small kingdoms of Dir. We will stop at different villages to learn about local daily life and the strict code of behavior of the Pashtun people.
We will visit three of the remote and unknown valleys of the Kalasha: Birir, Bumburet and Nuristan. We will have the opportunity to get closer to the ancient culture of the Kalash. We will enjoy the beautiful vernacular architecture and the aesthetics of animist women. We will also meet the most unknown ethnic minority in Pakistan: the Nuristani. Despite becoming Muslim, they still maintain some traditions that distinguish them from their Kalash neighbors. We will end our trip visiting the remains of the ancient kingdom of Ayun.

This ethnographic trip to Pakistan is meant for lovers of mountain landscapes, architecture, and traditional ethnicities. Throughout the trip we will travel in a comfortable minibus, except in remote mountainous areas where we will use a 4x4 vehicle. In the trip itinerary you will find all the details. Download it using the form that you will find below. Click here to easily reach the form.

The guide for this trip will be Begoña F. Colmeiro, an expert on Pakistani ethnic minorities. More information about the guide.

Historical city of Peshawar

In this city we will visit different points of interest: the market, the walled city, the colonial neighborhood, that of the jewelers, of the Hindus, of the Christians. We will witness how local artisans decorate all kinds of trucks. We will admire buildings from different periods and architectural styles. We will also have the opportunity to visit the National Museum.

Karakorum route and valleys of the Himalayas

Hana Badosh Gypsy community
These are the local nomadic Gypsies who live on the outskirts of Peshawar and many other large Pakistani cities. The origin of the Gypsy or Romani nation is here in Pakistan according to historians and ethnographers. They live doing marginal jobs and begging. We will visit a nomad camp to learn about its social reality. We will enjoy some local dances and music.

Kalasha Valleys of the Himalayas

Route through impressive Himalayan landscapes. We will penetrate the heart of the Birir, Bumburet and Nuristan Valleys.

Last animist tribes

the Kalash
They are the last people of the Himalaan 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.

The Nuristani
They live in the Nuristan Valley, “the land of light”, near the border with Afghanistan. Among the 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 some villages and sleep in a local house.