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Chilam Joshi Kalash Festival Tour

Kalash Valley

Nestled in the heart of Chitral, the Kalash Valley is home to a unique community known as the “Wearers of Black Robes.” With around 3,500 inhabitants living in the isolated valleys of Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir, the Kalash people are renowned for their rich culture, distinct traditions, religious practices, and vibrant festivals. The most famous of these festivals is the Chilam Joshi Kalash Festival. These valleys, surrounded by lush green landscapes and fruit farms, offer serene beauty and remarkable cultural diversity, making them an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of natural wonder and human heritage.

Chilam Joshi Festival

The Chilam Joshi Festival is an annual springtime celebration in the Kalash Valley, held in May. This vibrant festival is a spectacle of colors, music, dance, and cultural traditions, symbolizing the transition from the cold winter months to the warmth of spring. During Chilam Joshi, the Kalash people gather to pray for a bountiful harvest, seek protection for their fields and animals, and participate in the unique tradition of young Kalash individuals choosing their life partners. The valley comes alive with the joy and energy of the Kalash people, creating a rich tapestry of cultural experiences amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the Kalash Valley.

Tour Details:

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad – Beginning the Adventure

  • Activities: Arrival in Islamabad in the morning, transfer to the domestic departure for a flight to Gilgit (1 hr). In case of no flight availability, drive to Besham the same day (7 hrs).
  • Hotel Options in Islamabad:
    • Serena Hotel Islamabad
    • Marriott Hotel Islamabad
    • Ramada by Wyndham Islamabad
  • Overnight Stay: Islamabad or Besham (if driving).

Day 2: Journey to Karimabad Hunza/Gilgit – Scenic Exploration

  • Activities: Drive to Karimabad Hunza (2 hours) or from Besham to Gilgit (9 hrs).
  • Hotel Options in Karimabad Hunza:
    • Hunza Serena Inn
    • Eagle’s Nest Hotel
  • Overnight Stay: Karimabad Hunza.

Day 3: Karimabad Hunza Exploration – Forts and Views

  • Activities: Visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort & Duiker for panoramic views of the Hunza Valley.
  • Hotel Options in Karimabad Hunza:
    • Hunza Serena Inn
    • Eagle’s Nest Hotel
  • Overnight Stay: Karimabad Hunza.

Day 4: Karimabad to Gulmit and Back – Lakes and Bridges

  • Activities: Explore Atta Abad Lake, Gulmit, Hussain Bridge, and Passu. Drive back to Karimabad for overnight.
  • Hotel Options in Karimabad Hunza:
    • Hunza Serena Inn
    • Eagle’s Nest Hotel
  • Overnight Stay: Karimabad Hunza.

Day 5: Karimabad to Phander – En Route to Phander

  • Activities: Drive to Phander (7 hours), transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
  • Hotel Options in Phander:
    • PTDC Motel Phander
    • Lake Inn Hotel Phander
  • Overnight Stay: Phander.

Day 6: Phander to Chitral – Towards Chitral

  • Activities: Drive to Chitral (6-7 hours), transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
  • Hotel Options in Chitral:
    • PTDC Motel Chitral
    • Hindukush Heights Hotel
  • Overnight Stay: Chitral.

Day 7: Chitral to Bumburet Kailash – Chilam Joshi Festival

  • Activities: Drive to Bumburet Kailash to witness the Chilam Joshi festival (1.5 hours).
  • Hotel Options in Bumburet:
    • Kalash Continental Hotel
    • Kalash Guest House
  • Overnight Stay: Bumburet.

Day 8: Bumburet – Immersed in Chilam Joshi Festival

  • Activities: Explore and immerse yourself in the unique festivities of the Chilam Joshi festival.
  • Hotel Options in Bumburet:
    • Kalash Continental Hotel
    • Kalash Guest House
  • Overnight Stay: Bumburet.

Day 9: Swat via Lowari Tunnel – Heading to Swat

  • Activities: Drive to Swat (7 hours) via the Lowari Tunnel.
  • Hotel Options in Swat:
    • Swat Serena Hotel
    • Rock City Resort
    • Hotel Swat Regency
  • Overnight Stay: Swat.

Day 10: Swat Exploration – Historical Sites

  • Activities: Visit Buddh Kara and Swat Museum in the morning. After lunch, drive to Peshawar via Takht-e-Bhai.
  • Hotel Options in Peshawar:
    • Pearl Continental Hotel Peshawar
    • Shelton’s Rezidor
  • Overnight Stay: Peshawar.

Day 11: Peshawar to Islamabad – Discovering Peshawar

  • Activities: Half-day city tour of Peshawar, then drive to Islamabad via Taxila.
  • Hotel Options in Islamabad:
    • Serena Hotel Islamabad
    • Marriott Hotel Islamabad
    • Ramada by Wyndham Islamabad
  • Overnight Stay: Islamabad.

Day 12: Full Day in Islamabad – Exploring the Capital

  • Activities: Full-day city tour of Islamabad & Rawalpindi, visiting historical and cultural landmarks.
  • Hotel Options in Islamabad:
    • Serena Hotel Islamabad
    • Marriott Hotel Islamabad
    • Ramada by Wyndham Islamabad
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