Kalash Chilam Joshi Festival

Kalash Chilam Joshi Festival Tour

Kalash Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

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Duration

10 Days 09 Nights

Languages

English, Urdu

Overview

The Kalash Chilam Joshi Festival Tour is a rare cultural journey into the heart of Pakistan’s Hindu Kush mountains, where one of the most unique and ancient communities in the world celebrates the arrival of spring. The Kalash people, known for their distinct traditions, polytheistic beliefs, and vibrant attire, have preserved a way of life unlike any other in the region. Each May, their Chilam Joshi Festival marks a joyful time of renewal, thanksgiving, and spiritual reflection.

This ten-day tour begins in Islamabad, then winds through the green landscapes of Swat Valley, the rugged mountain passes of Chitral, and finally reaches the secluded Kalash Valley. Along the way, travelers explore natural wonders like Chitral Gol National Park, ancient Buddhist ruins at Takht-e-Bahi, and heritage sites reflecting centuries of cultural evolution.

In Bamburet Valley, the largest of the Kalash valleys, travelers experience the highlight of the journey—the Chilam Joshi Festival. The festival opens with rituals to purify the valley, such as sprinkling milk over the land. Locals don their finest embroidered robes and beaded headdresses, filling the air with music, dancing, and traditional storytelling. More than just a celebration, Chilam Joshi is a vital expression of the Kalash people’s gratitude to their gods for a safe winter, healthy livestock, and hopes of a prosperous year ahead.

Beyond the festival, the tour offers an intimate look at the daily life, architecture, mythology, and spiritual beliefs of the Kalash community. It also provides a broader view of northern Pakistan’s rich cultural and ecological diversity—from the high mountains of Chitral to the lush plains of Swat.

Perfect for travelers seeking cultural authenticity, natural beauty, and meaningful encounters, the Kalash Chilam Joshi Festival Tour is more than a trip—it’s a deep cultural immersion into one of Pakistan’s most enchanting and resilient traditions.

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the stunning Swat Valley and its key attractions.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Chitral Gol National Park.
Experience the unique culture and breathtaking landscapes of the Kalash Valley.
Learn about the daily life of the valley’s residents and explore the architectural heritage of the Kalash valleys.
Uncover the rich history of the Kalash community and join in the vibrant CHILUM JOSHI festival, gaining cultural and religious insights into this major annual celebration.
Explore the capital city of Islamabad.

Itinerary

Arrive in Pakistan’s modern capital. Meet and greet at the airport, followed by a transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a brief orientation or at leisure. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Depart early from Islamabad and drive through the scenic Malakand Pass to reach Swat Valley, often called the "Switzerland of the East." In the afternoon, visit Mingora’s bazaar or stroll along the banks of the Swat River. Check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Venture into a scenic drive north toward Chitral, passing through winding mountain roads and picturesque valleys. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Later in the afternoon, explore the town center and take in views of Tirich Mir, the highest peak of the Hindu Kush. Overnight in Chitral.

In the morning, explore Chitral Gol National Park, known for its snow leopards, ibex, and breathtaking vistas. Later, drive to Bamburet Valley, the largest and most accessible of the Kalash valleys. Upon arrival, settle into a local guesthouse or hotel for overnight stay.

Spend the day exploring the cultural heart of the Kalash people. Visit the Kalasha Dur Museum, ancient graveyards, wooden temples, and traditional homes that reflect the valley’s unique architectural style. Engage with locals and learn about daily life, mythology, and customs. Overnight in Bamburet.

Enjoy the Chilam Joshi Festival, as the valley erupts in vibrant colors, dance, and music. Witness rituals like milk-sprinkling ceremonies and spiritual purification. Enjoy the rhythmic drumbeats and mesmerizing dances performed by Kalash men and women in traditional attire. This is a rare opportunity to witness one of the most authentic cultural events in the region. Overnight stay in Bamburet.

Bid farewell to Kalash Valley and retrace your journey to Swat, passing lush valleys and highland settlements along the way. Arrive in Swat by evening and check in at the hotel for overnight stay.

Drive back to Islamabad with a stopover at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Takht-e-Bahi, a well-preserved Buddhist monastery dating back to the 1st century CE. Continue onward to Islamabad for overnight stay at the hotel.

Spend the day exploring Islamabad’s modern and cultural landmarks. Visit Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, the Pakistan Monument, and enjoy panoramic views from Daman-e-Koh. Return to your hotel for a farewell dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your homebound flight. Depart with unforgettable memories of a rich cultural adventure into the sacred valleys and traditions of northern Pakistan.

Included/Exclude

Domestic and international airfare, airport taxes, and visa application fees.
Personal travel insurance (mandatory for international participants).
Visa processing costs and related documentation.
Meals, snacks, and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary, including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Personal clothing, gear, and equipment (e.g., jackets, footwear, backpacks).
Additional hotel nights beyond those specified in the itinerary.
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs.
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, and support staff.
Costs arising from delays, cancellations, or unforeseen events beyond human control.
Any extra services or items not clearly listed under the “Services Included” section.

Hotel accommodations on a twin-sharing basis throughout the trip.
All ground transportation during the tour, including airport transfers.
All meals as outlined in the itinerary—breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Light refreshments such as coffee, green tea, cookies, and nuts.
Bottled water provided throughout the journey.
Entry tickets and admission fees for all sites and attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide, with support staff if required.
Porterage at hotels and airports.
All applicable tolls, local taxes, and parking charges.
Basic first aid kit available for emergency use.
Visa assistance, including the provision of a Letter of Invitation (LoI) for the Pakistan Tourist Visa.

Tour's Location

Kalash Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

FAQs

The Kalash Chilam Joshi Festival is a four-day celebration open to everyone, with no restrictions based on age, gender, or religion. Participants are simply asked to respect the Kalash community's customs and traditions during the festival.

Please share your plan, dates and other people planning to travel with you so that we can arrange accordingly.

You are traveling to one of the most beautiful yet culturally sensitive valleys in Pakistan, rich in nature, history, and heritage. During the festival, the people of Kalash demonstrate their culture and heritage that has been preserved for centuries. You will also have the opportunity to explore a variety of historic monuments and connect with both local people and tourists from around the world.

Since the festival takes place during May, a time of the year when the days are warm enough and nights are pleasant. You will enjoy a balanced weather during Chilam Joshi.

The weather is moderate in the Kalash Valleys; you may pack up ordinary things including

● Important medicine/first aid kit
● Sunglasses
● Sunblock and lip balm
● Water bottle
● Cap/hat, and scarf (to avoid scorching sun)
● Full sleeves shirt
● Comfortable shoes and flip-flops
● Warm Layers of clothing (in case or rain)
● Camera with additional batteries (optional)
● Cell phone with charger and charging bank (optional)

We do. We can organize customized tours for solo tourists and groups of any volume, but we prefer not more than 20. All we need is the information on the interest, dates, and number of persons with special instructions if any.

The maximum size of our groups is 20 persons. The average size of our groups is 10 members.

During this tour, all three meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be served to the participants. A combination of Foreign and Pakistani meals will be included in our food plan in the big cities like Islamabad and Swat. Breakfasts will have coffee, cereal, tea, eggs, muesli/porridge, bread/chapatti included. Lunches include fresh meat and veggies, chapatti, rice etc. The dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant or at a famous food outlet in the vicinity of your hotel. In the Chitral and Kalash Valley, the best available organic meals will be provided.

Accommodation will be arranged as per the commitment. We always try not to compromise on services and provide the highest standards of accommodation. In Islamabad, Swat, and Chitral, there are standard tourist class hotels. However, in the Kalash Valley, we have no other choice than local guest houses. However, the rooms are of good tourist class standards.

On this tour, each day is filled with exciting adventures as you explore a new destination along the Chitral Road. Every morning begins with breakfast at your hotel, followed by a drive according to the itinerary. Lunch is provided at a convenient and quality location, while dinner is a lavish affair at the best available venue. We strive to offer a variety of cuisines, ensuring a rich and diverse culinary experience throughout your journey. During the day, guided tours will be provided to the nearest attractions and in the Kalash valley, particularly, festival will be enjoyed during the evening and tours will be enjoyed during the day.

All nationalities must obtain a valid visa for entry into Pakistan. Tourists are advised to contact the nearest Pakistan Embassy/High Commission/consulate in their respected country/city. For the detailed information on visa, please refer to https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ Pakistan does have visa on arrival facility for a number of countries. Please check the details here https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/visa-on-arrival-tourist/

Tipping in Pakistan is not obligatory; it is entirely at one’s own discretion. Staff generally expects to be tipped at the end of the tour. If the staff during the trip performed well, a good tip is considered well-deserved. However, there is no defined amount as it depends on the situation, number of days spent and performance of the staff. With groups clients can join in to add to an amount.

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