CHITRAL, September 14, 2026: The Special Purpose Kalash Valleys Development Authority (SP-KVDA) is working on a proposed heritage trekking trail linking Gambak in Bumburet with Birir as part of efforts to promote community-based, eco-friendly and sustainable tourism in the Kalash Valleys.
The initiative is being pursued under the special directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi and Special Assistant Adil Khan, with the SP-KVDA technical wing recently completing a detailed topographical survey of the proposed route.
The approximately 7.5-kilometre trail is expected to take around four to six hours to complete and will pass through dense forests featuring ancient Deodar, Oak and other indigenous vegetation.
According to the SP-KVDA, the route includes several elevated vantage points and reaches a peak elevation of around 10,000 feet above mean sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, mountain ranges and natural landscapes.
A comprehensive feasibility report is currently being finalised based on the field surveys and technical observations. The assessment is focusing on the natural gradients of the terrain, preservation of the trail, forest conservation, effective drainage, visitor safety and protection of the area’s environmental and cultural heritage.
The proposed trail is expected to create a scenic connection between Bumburet and Birir while providing new opportunities for nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation.
The initiative could also contribute to local economic opportunities by attracting domestic and international visitors interested in trekking, forests, mountain landscapes and the unique cultural heritage of the Kalash Valleys.
SP-KVDA has emphasised that the development will prioritise environmental protection and cultural preservation alongside tourism promotion, with the broader objective of establishing the Kalash Valleys as a sustainable destination for nature lovers and trekkers.
