Ethnies

People of the Skardu region, also known as little Tibet, they are 300 000. They abandoned Buddhism 5 centuries ago. Their culture is similar to that of Ladakis, but not their fine and very Western features which are not Tibetan. They work a lot as porters for trekking companies operating in this sector. They are Shiites.

Where to find them : Skardu – Kaplu - Hushe

Burushakis / Hunzakuts

2000 years ago, 3 soldiers of Alexander the Great would have married Persian women and their descendants would have populated the valleys of Hunza. They are now 80 000, their language has its roots in the mists of time. Autarchic people, Hunzakuts built in valleys of terraced gardens, and for watering them an incredible water system piping. Thus they grow, collecting the waters of melting glaciers. Longevity and health of Hunzakuts are legendary. They belong to the Ismaili branch of Islam, recognizing Aga Khan as their spiritual leader.

Where to find them : Hunza – Misgard

Gujars

Nomadic people who migrated from Afghanistan, they kept a vocation of breeders. They are Sunni Muslims and marry only with members of their group.

Where to find them : Vallée de Kargah

Kailash

It is the only non-Muslim ethnic group of Pakistan. They live in three valleys in the south of Chitral. Their belief is rooted in the Vedic religion. Kailash believe that the creator god Dezau came into the valleys of the Indu Kush on a horse with two heads. They have two principles, pure and impure. Women who give birth or have their periods are considered impure and sent some time in the Bashali for a few days, a construction outside the village.

There are about 3000, subject to a fierce Islamization.

Where to find them : 3 vallées au sud de Chitral

Kho

IThey are 350 000 inhabiting 80% of Chitral valley. Its people are highly renowned for their culture and poems. Most of Kho is Sunni, except in the northern valleys where they are Ismailis.

Where to find them : Chitral

Pachtounes

Ethnic group with archaic customs, they represent over 10% of the population of Pakistan. They are grouped into the plains, especially in the region of Peshawar and its tribal areas close to Afghanistan. They were made famous by the Taliban, who are spearheading their warrior. Travelling in the tribal territories is not really a good idea; people are heavily armed and hostile to foreigners, to avoid.

This is for the official and often bloody version. When you dig a little more on the spot by asking one or another there are different sounds of bells.

Ils ont été rendus célèbres par les Talibans, qui sont leur fer de lance guerrier.

Pashtuns are the ethnic groups that brought the notion of hospitality very high. Being the guest of a person is to be the guest of the whole village, the community. Unfortunately, they are not in very good terms with the Westerners and it is a bad idea to go for a ride on their territories. If you are invited respect more than anywhere else the dressing restrictions inherent to their conservative community, hijab etc ...

Avoid their weddings, they are used to empty their Kalashnikovs into the air, and the balls always fall somewhere!

Where to find them : Peshawar, zones tribales…

Shinas

They are about 300 000 living in the valleys of Gilgit. Shinas are Sunni in majority.

Where to find them : Diamir, Kohistan…

Wakhi

They also call themselves Xik and have migrated from the Wakhan corridor in Afghanistan. They are about 12,000 in northern Pakistan. Among the most famous, the new “Sherpas” of the country are Shimshali. They are now recognized among alpinists; in 2006 more than 25 of them climbed an 8000 peak. They are Ismailis.