The Kalasha people celebrate the Kalash festival. Kalasha people live in the Kalash valley of Pakistan. The Hindu Kush mountain range surrounds Kalash valley. The Kalash festival occurs thrice a year, in spring, summer and winter. The spring festival is called the Chilam Joshi, which starts around 13 May. Summer festival called Uchal festival, which starts on 20 August. The winter festival is called Choimus Festival, which starts on 15 December. During the festival, people not only drink, dance and have fun in general, but they also worship their Gods and spirits, giving offerings and even sacrifices. Also, young men and women choose their future husbands and wives during this festival.
Trip Maker has been organizing tours to Kalash valley to witness the Kalash festival for 40 years. We operate an 8-10 days long private and solo group, Tours to Kalash. All our festival tours and other holidays in Pakistan are on a full-board basis. Depending on your available time and travel requirements, the duration may be longer or shorter. You can follow our standard Kalash festival itinerary, or our travel advisor can customize an itinerary according to your travel needs.
Our Kalash festival Tour starts from Islamabad. Islamabad is the purpose-built capital of Pakistan. Your guide will meet and greet you at the Islamabad International Airport and then transfer you to the group hotel. The rest of the day is free to recover from the journey. We will meet again in the afternoon to give you a briefing about the Kalash festival tour. The following day you will be transferred to the airport to catch the spectacular 1-hour mountain view flight to Chitral. Flights to Chitral are dependent; in case of cancellation, you will drive to Chitral. Arrive in Chitral, check into your hotel, and the rest of the afternoon is free to explore the town.
The next day you will drive to Kalash valley. You will spend a few days exploring and enjoying the Kalash festivals, meet the PEGANS, and then follow the same itinerary back to Islamabad. Night stay in Islamabad, then the next morning, we will transfer you to Islamabad international airport for your flight back home.
The Kalash festival tour is one of the top cultural retreats in the world. This beautiful valley and the friendly Kalasha people will make your holiday once-in-a-lifetime journey.
During the winter season, the picturesque region of Chitral, in northern Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, transforms into a winter wonderland. Chitral experiences significant snowfall during the winter months, especially from December to February. During this enchanting snowfall, tourists come from far and wide to witness the stunning landscapes clothed in white.
A few areas in Chitral have experienced snowfall levels as high as 1.5 metres (nearly 5 feet). In the peak winter months, temperatures hover around -4°C (24.8°F), creating an ideal environment for snow accumulation. Chitral experienced one of its heaviest winters in decades in 2019, with snowfall exceeding 2 metres in some regions.
Numerous winter sports enthusiasts flock to Chitral because of its snow-capped peaks and serene valleys. Trekking, skiing, and snowboarding are some of the activities that visitors participate in. Moreover, the famous Kalash Valley, within Chitral, provides a unique cultural experience in the backdrop of snowy mountains, making Chitral the perfect destination for adventurous travelers.
Kalash festivals such as the Chilam Joshi Festival are particularly important. In addition to Chilam Joshi, the Kalash Spring Festival is as Kalash Festival. This four-day festival is celebrated by the Kalash people across Rumbur, Bumburet, and Birir valleys. Each year, thousands of domestic and foreign tourists attend the Chilam Joshi festival.
The first day of Chilam Joshi is “Milk Day”. People in the Kalasha region store milk 10 days before the festival. People from Kalash offer libations on the day of the festival. Festivals reflect the unique cultural richness of a people, the harmony of their society, and the message of peace they wish to send to others around the globe. In their prayers, they ask for personal blessings from God and pray for the health and safety of their cows and agricultural enterprises.
As the Kalasha festival of Chilam Joshi is primarily focused on finding a spouse, it helps Kalasha men and women find their perfect partner. Traditionally, women wear brightly colored clothes and hairdressers with floral patterns Besides wearing headgear and dresses with beaded necklaces, they also wear beaded necklaces.
Woolen waistcoats are worn by men with traditional Shalwar Kameez. As drumbeats are played, they dance together and sing in a circle. As the festival’s last day brings an opportunity for bachelors and spinsters to choose their life partners and announce their names, it brings smiles to the faces of Kalash Valley tribes.
To immerse yourself in the culture of Kalasha, take part in festivals such as Choimus and Chilam Joshi. Visit a traditional dance performance, a ritual, or a unique custom.
This historic mosque, reflecting the rich Islamic heritage of Chitral town, offers stunning architecture and tranquility.
Experience the history of the region as you take in panoramic views of Chitral and its surrounding mountains.
Known for their natural healing properties, Garam Chashma’s thermal springs are therapeutic and rejuvenating.
At the Shandur Polo Festival, you can watch thrilling polo matches alongside the awe-inspiring backdrop of the “Roof of the World.”.
Take a panoramic photo of Tirich Mir, the highest mountain in the Hindu Kush range, an absolute photographer’s delight.
Visit Ayun Valley, the gateway to the Kalash Valleys, to discover lush greenery and the confluence of the Chitral and Bumburet rivers.
The Chitral Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history, culture, and traditions of the Kalasha people through exhibits and artifacts.
The scenery at Booni, Upper Chitral, is breathtaking, along with the warm hospitality. Make memories that will last a lifetime by enjoying the traditional lifestyle.
| Trips Type | Days / Nights | Cost Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chitral Festival Group Tour Package | 3 Days / 2 Nights | Rs.14500 |
| Chilam Joshi Kalash Festival Package | 3 Days / 2 Nights | Rs.18500 |
| Kalash Choimus Festival Online Package | 4 Days / 3 Nights | Rs.21500 |
| Chitral Kalash Online Tour Package | 6 Days / 5 Nights | Rs.25500 |
| Chitral & Kalash Trip Package | 5 Days / 4 Nights | Rs.28500 |
30% advance for reservation of Tour. Remaining at the Departure time you will have to pay.
Yes you can change the travel dates 2 days before the departure day.
Yes. It is totally family & kids friendly tour with complete security, privacy & family environment.
This group tour has fixed departure dates and days (Once in a week).
