Kalash Valley:

Nestled in the heart of Chitral, the Kalash Valley is famous for its Kalash festival, home to a unique community known as the "Wearers of Black Robes." Comprising around 3,500 people living in the isolated valleys of Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir, the Kalash people stand apart due to their rich culture, distinct traditions, religious practices, and vibrant festivals, with the most renowned being the Chilam Joshi Kalash Festival,Uchal Festival Kalash.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.

Choimus Festival Kalash:

Celebrated in the Kalash Valley during mid-December, it is a culturally significant event for the Kalash people. This three-day festival is of spiritual importance, marked by rituals like offerings to ancestral spirits, ritual bathing, and celibacy enforcement. Men have a purification ceremony, and special Choimus bread is prepared. Traditional attire, intricate costumes, dances around bonfires, Choimus songs, and face painting are integral parts of the festival. Visitors are welcome to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Kalash community during this festive celebration in the Himalayan region.

Season: Celebrating the Arrival of Spring:

• Festival Date: 

The Choimus Festival, celebrated in mid-December, unfolds during the winter season in the Kalash Valley.

• Nature's Reawakening:  

While Choimus doesn't align with spring, it embraces the essence of winter with cultural rituals, traditional attire, dances, and songs that enrich the valley's winter landscape, offering a unique and vibrant cultural experience.

Activities: A Kaleidoscope of Traditions:

• Dance and Music:

The Choimus Festival comes alive with traditional dances, rhythmic drumbeats, and musical tunes that fill the valley with joy and cultural expression.

• Cultural Rituals: 

During Choimus, you can witness the Kalash people's unique and deeply rooted rituals, such as the symbolic act of spreading milk on Gods' shrines and the heartfelt exchange of blessings among families.

• Life Partner Selection: 

Chilam Joshi is when unmarried Kalash youth take the significant step of choosing their life partners. The festival reaches its joyful climax with the announcement of these unions, creating a sense of unity and excitement within the community.

History: Deep Roots in Kalash Culture:

The Choimus Festival has a rich historical background, with its origins deeply entrenched in the Kalash culture, passed down through generations.

• Ancient Heritage:

This festival reflects an ancient heritage withstood the test of time, connecting modern-day Kalash with their ancestors' traditions.

• Cultural Resilience:

The Choimus Festival exemplifies the cultural resilience of the Kalash people, who continue to celebrate their unique heritage despite changing times.

Cultural Significance:

Beyond its cultural beauty, Choimus holds deep cultural significance, embodying the identity and values of the Kalash community.

• Religious and Agricultural Symbolism:

The festival bridges religious and agricultural symbolism with rituals that pay homage to ancestral spirits and seek blessings for the harvest season.

• Communal Harmony:

Choimus fosters a sense of unity and communal harmony as the Kalash people come together to celebrate their culture.

Tourist Attraction:

While rooted in tradition, the Choimus Festival has become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.

• Global Appeal:

This celebration transcends borders and appeals to a global audience, offering a glimpse into a unique cultural world.

• Vibrant Traditions:

The Choimus Festival is a vibrant display of the Kalash people's traditions, featuring colorful attire, dances, and music that breathe life into their heritage.

Tour Detail:

Day 01: Arrival in Lahore

• Arrive in Lahore and take a short rest.
• Explore Lahore with a half-day city tour.

Day 02: Exploring Lahore

• Spend a full day sightseeing in Lahore, including the famous Wagah Border flag ceremony.

Day 03: Lahore to Islamabad via Khewra Salt Mines

• Drive to Islamabad with an en-route visit to the Khewra Salt Mines and Ketas Temple.

Day 04: Islamabad City Tour

• Immerse in the capital city with a full-day tour of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Day 05: Islamabad to Swat via Takht-i-Bhai

• Depart for the picturesque Swat Valley, stopping at the important archaeological site, Takht-i-Bhai.

Day 06: Swat to Kailash Valley

• Continue your journey to the Kailash Valley to witness the Choimus Festival.

Day 07: Choimus Festival in Kailash Valley

• Immerse yourself in the full-day celebrations of the Choimus Festival.

Day 08: Kailash to Chitral via Bamburet

• Spend half a day celebrating in Bamburet before driving to Chitral in the afternoon.

Day 09: Chitral to Peshawar

• Drive to Peshawar and enjoy a half-day city tour of this vibrant city.

Day 10: Peshawar to Islamabad via Taxila

• Travel back to Islamabad, visiting the Taxila archaeological site and museum en route.

Day 11: Homebound Journey

• Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight, concluding your 10-night, 11-day journey through Lahore, Islamabad, Swat, Bamburet, Chitral, and Peshawar while experiencing the Choimus Festival in the Kailash Valley.