Kho Communities of the Hindu Kush Region

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Communities

Kho Communities of the Hindu Kush Region

Who they are

The Kho communities have a population of about 370,000 individuals residing in more than 30 valleys and side valleys of the Hindu Kush Mountains. Their language is Khowar of which 30 percent is made up of Persian words and they have their cultural roots in different Central Asian States such as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. Their facial features, language and politeness distinguish the people of Chitral from those in the immediate neighbourhood to the south. The people of Chitral have their own delicious traditional cuisine. The people of Chitral are well known for being hospitable, peaceful, friendly, and inherently non-aggressive.

Traditional free style polo is one of the famous sports played throughout the year amongst the Kho communities in the Hindu Kush. During Jashan-e-Chitral, Jashan-e-Shandur, Jashan-e-Broghil and Jashan-e-Qaqlasht free style polo is played with great fever and enthusiasm. Their songs, dances, and particularly their music played on reed instruments, are equally famous throughout the world.

What they offer

- Adventure tours
- Trekking information & services
- Cultural tours
- Traditional music
- Paragliding
- Horse riding
- Wildlife watching
- Cycling from Chitral to Gilgit
- Vehicle services
- Guiding services
- Tour Kalasha Valleys
- Tour Northern Chitral
- Tour Northern Areas

Location

Chitral is in the northernmost district of NWF Province of Pakistan. By road you can start your travel from Peshawar or Rawalpindi. Whilst travelling by air, you have to catch a flight either from Peshawar or Islamabad to Chitral. It takes 50 to 35 minutes respectively to reach Chitral. The flight is really sensational through the snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Great photographic opportunities.

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What to bring

- Sleeping bag
- Mosquito net
- Torch

Accommodation & Amenities

There are a variety of options: Village guesthouses, family homestay and camping.
When staying at hotels and the guest houses their are good bathing facilities with showers. There are also nice places for outdoor bathing. There are both Indian squat toilets and European toilets.
There is electricity
There is a choice of traditional, international, vegetarian and Indian food.
Guest house: PKR 1,000.00 per night (US$11.80); Food: PKR 300.00 per meal (US$3.50). Transportation costs will vary from PKR 4,000.00 (US$47.00) to PKR 22,000 (US$260.00) depending on the place.