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Kalash Festivals

🌿 Introduction

In the hidden mountain valleys of Chitral, where emerald rivers hum ancient songs and cedar forests guard timeless secrets, lives the Kalash community – a people with a culture as bright as their legendary headdresses.
Their festivals are not mere celebrations; they are living enchantments that weave together myth, music, and mountain magic.
Among their many traditions, three stand out like jewels in the crown of the year: Chilam Joshi, Uchal, and Choimus.

🏞 Where Are the Kalash Festivals Celebrated?

These festivals bloom in the remote Kalash Valleys of Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir in Chitral District, Pakistan.

Surrounded by the mighty Hindu Kush mountains, the valleys echo with drums and laughter when festival season arrives.

Travelers are welcomed like old friends, drawn into a world where time feels ancient and alive.

🌺 1. Chilam Joshi Festival – Spring’s Awakening

Time: Mid‑May
Spirit of the Festival:
Chilam Joshi marks the arrival of spring, a time when the earth stirs from her winter slumber.
As blossoms open, the Kalash offer gratitude to their deities for livestock and harvest blessings.

What Happens:

Women dress in shimmering embroidered black robes adorned with beads and cowries.

Men beat goatskin drums, and villagers dance in circles, their steps carrying ancient rhythms.

Rituals of purification take place, symbolizing leaving behind the old and embracing the new season.

Standing in Bumburet valley during Chilam Joshi feels like stepping into a fairytale where nature herself is dancing.

🌾 2. Uchal Festival – The Summer Tribute

Time: Late August
Spirit of the Festival:
Uchal is a thanksgiving for the harvest, when golden wheat fields sway like spells cast by the sun. The Kalash honor their deities for food, livestock, and life’s bounty.

What Happens:

Milk from the season’s first livestock is offered to the gods.

Bonfires glow under starry skies as songs rise into the warm night air.

Dancers form long lines, their chants echoing against the cliffs, weaving joy into the summer winds.

The air during Uchal carries a golden light, as if the mountains themselves are rejoicing.

❄️ 3. Choimus Festival – Winter’s Sacred Fire

Time: Mid to Late December
Spirit of the Festival:
Choimus is the Kalash winter solstice festival, a mystical time when the sun stands still, and the year turns toward light once more. It is a celebration of purification and renewal.

What Happens:

Sacred fires are lit in the heart of the valleys.

Elders chant prayers to Balomain, the ancestral spirit who blesses the land.

Children and adults alike join in night‑long dances, celebrating survival through the year’s darkest nights.

To witness Choimus is to see humanity’s ancient bond with fire, stars, and the turning of seasons.

🧭 Best Time to Visit

To experience the magic of these festivals, plan your journey around:

🌱 Chilam Joshi: May

🌾 Uchal: August

❄️ Choimus: December

Each season brings its own enchantment and cultural richness.

🛡 Tips for Visitors

Respect local customs; dress modestly and always ask before taking photographs.

Learn a few greetings in Kalasha or Khowar to connect with locals.

Travel with a local guide for cultural insight and easier navigation in the valleys.

A Living Heritage

The Kalash Festivals are not just events; they are living legends whispered from generation to generation.
To join them is to step into a realm where the boundaries between humans, nature, and the divine blur into pure celebration.

In the chronicles of Pakistan’s cultural wonders, the Kalash Festivals stand as vibrant spells – timeless, joyful, and unforgettable.

Detailed Itinerary:

D-1.  ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN:

Welcome to Pakistan. Most of the international flights arrive at Islamabad International Airport in the mornings. Your Guide will meet and greet you at the airport and then transfer you to the hotel for a rest. The rest of the day is free to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about the Kalash Festival tour. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad, A purpose-built City in 1961 as the new capital of Pakistan.

  • ACCOMMODATION
  • Hill View Hotel or similar
  • MEALS
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
D-2 ISLAMABAD TO CHITRAL FLIGHT, 1 HOUR:

After Breakfast, you will leave the purpose-built Capital City Islamabad behind and drive to the airport to take a spectacular mountain flight to Chitral (subject to weather). It is an hour’s flight with a spectacular mountain view. After checking in to the hotel, we will spend the day visiting the local bazaar and historical places.

In case of flight cancellation, we start our journey by road. We will pass through Mardan, Malakand, Bathkhela, and Dir, then enter Chitral through the Lowari Tunnel. The night will be spent in Chitral.

  • ACCOMMODATION
  • Ptdc Hotel or similar
  • MEALS
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
D-3  SIGHTSEEING IN CHITRAL:

Chitral is the capital of the Chitral District, situated on the western bank of the Kunar River (also called Chitral River). The town is at the foot of Tirich Mir, the highest peak of the Hindu Kush, 25,289 ft (7,708 m). Today, you will visit Chitral Fort, Shahi Masjid, and Chitral Museum and explore the old Chitral Bazaar. If there is time left, visit Chitral Gol National Park and photograph from the highest viewpoint of Chitral City.

  • ACCOMMODATION
  • Ptdc Hotel
  • MEALS
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-4. CHITRAL TO KALASH VALLEY:

In the morning, you continue your journey towards Rumbur by Jeep. Rumbur is part of the Kalash Valleys, roughly 50 km from Chitral. You will spend our day visiting local shops and communities and with the very hospitable and warm-welcoming Kalash tribes, who have been living in these valleys for centuries.

  • ACCOMMODATION
  • Guest House
  • MEALS
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
5-6. FESTIVAL DAY IN KALASH:

Full day to explore the majestic Kalash valley. Meet the local people of Kalash and learn their culture and rituals. You will be staying in Bumburet/Ayun/Chitral for the night. In the evening, you will experience the best bonfire and local traditional dances.

  • ACCOMMODATION
  • Guest House
  • MEALS
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-7. DRIVE BACK TO CHITRAL:

After two days of Kalash festival at the Kalash valley, you will drive back to Chitral with lots of good memories. You will follow the same route back to Chitral Town.

  • ACCOMMODATION
  • Ptdc Hotel
  • MEALS
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-8. FLIGHT BACK TO ISLAMABAD:

Leaving The Chitral Valley behind, you will drive to the airport to catch the spectacular mountain flight to Islamabad. There is a possibility of sightseeing in Islamabad. If the flight is cancelled, we will drive to Islamabad for a night stay.

In case of flight cancellation, start our journey by road.
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • Hotel De Papae or similar
  • MEALS
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
D-9. DEPARTURE DAY-FLIGHT BACK HOME:
After Breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your flights back home. End of “Kalash festival tour”:

    TERMS & CONDITION:

    Chogholingsa Trek &Tours promulgates its terms and conditions for any kind of trip, trekking, mountaineering, hiking, rafting, wild safaris and other services being operated so far by the company. The terms and conditions set forth will bring forward its limitations before any interested visitor advances for the programs alluded.

    What should our clients do for reservation of any kind of services provided by the company?

    40% of payment in advance should be made up 1 month earlier or as soon as the trip is confirmed, since it is a proof that you are sure to attempt the trip. It should be done as alluded so that the company can manage all the necessary documents, permissions and required field staffs.

    The full settlement of the payment should be cleared before the client proceeds for the trip or any kind of service at the arrival in Pakistan.

    The advance payment is not refundable in case of overturning the trip in any condition on behalf of the client.

    The advance payment is only refundable if the holding company shows any technical impediments regarding the trip.

    No refund is made for 40% deposit amount in case of delay arrival, no show or cancellation of trip for any other else reason.

    For any consideration regarding the terms alluded, a bilateral negotiation can be attempted between the hosting company and the client
    The advance payment can be directly deposited to our bank account through any bank in the world.
     

    1: REFUND:

    No refund will be made for 50% deposit amount in case of cancellation of trip for any other else reason. Having paid full amount of any trip, you’re entitled to incur refund in case if you want to cancel your trip. Still, cancellation charge is invoiced to you. Written notification of your cancellation should be made to cancel any trip. Nevertheless, you’re imposed cancellation charge as advised below: –

    2: SUPPLEMENT CHARGE:

    On our holidays tour / trek packages, rooms or tents are provided in twin sharing basis. Thus, single room supplement charge will be imposed to client who does not have another tour participant to share room / tent with.

    3: INCOMPLETE TOUR:

    No refund will be made to clients who drop out from the journey regardless of whatever portions remain unused in the itinerary.

    4: CLIENTS’ RESPONSIBLE:

    A tour / trek guide who represents Chogholingsa trek & Tours deserves all authority during your tours. If you commit any unlawful act, you are compelled to leave the tour. No refund will be made in such case.

    5: IMPACT ON YOUR JOURNEY:

    We put our every effort to ensure comfortable traveling of yours,but it is must to understand that what you might be accustomed to in the western affluent countries, the Asian countries can’t afford such facilities. Weather is another factor that directly impact on your journey. Hence, patience in mind, enthusiasm and proper preparation before head is must to venture into journey.

    6:  TRAVEL INSURANCE:

    You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance package against medical, natural calamity, helicopter evacuation, personal accident, trip cancellation etc. This is  suggested to all our esteemed clients.

    7: TOUR AMENDMENT:
    To make alterations of any trek / tour itinerary, prior notice is requested. You’re advised to stay in touch with us thus. But occasionally, you may be obliged to do so en route under certain circumstance for instance bad weather etc.

    8: PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS:

    All necessary documents should be presented in sequence for example to issue visa, necessary permits etc. We’re not accountable in case of any trip formality not completed in time before the trip departs on the absent of essential papers and documents.

    9:  RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY:

    Your safety and enjoyment is our prime concern. We therefore carry out our responsibility honestly & sincerely to ensure your holiday trouble–free as well as you have desired. Nevertheless, unless stated otherwise, trip may be change under uncertain and inherent circumstances such as land-slides, road blockage, flood, snow political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay arrival, sickness or accidents etc. Any extra cost incurring there is your personal responsibility and should be borne on the spot.

    10: FLIGHT DELAY / CANCELLATION:

    There is virtually possibility of flight delay or postponement for notorious weather in Karakoram & Himalayan Mountain regions of Pakistan which could be happened,  especially during off season, you’re highly advised to reserve extra days to prepare with some delays and avoid frustrating consequence. In case of flight cancellation pre-tour/post-tour, you need to meet your accommodation and food costs yourself.

    Chogholingsa trek & Tours puts every effort to ensure your comfortable traveling, but it is must to understand that what you might be accustomed to in the other affluent countries, the Asian countries can’t afford such facilities. Weather is another factor that directly impacts your journey. Hence, patience in mind, enthusiasm and proper preparation before beginning is must to venture into journey.

    01  RESERVATIONS / PAYMENTS:

    A non-refundable deposit of $300 or 15% of the tour is required in order to make a reservation with the company. Total balance is due 3 weeks prior to departure. When price once fixed then any extra expenses will not be charged to the client
    →02  MODE OF PAYMENT:   Bank Transfer:

    Account Details

    Bank Name:

    Habib Bank Pvt.LTD.

    Account Title:

    Chogholingsa

    IBAN NO:

    PK73 HABB 0004767901352403

    swift code

    HABBPKKA Or HABBPKKA476

    Branch Code

    0476

    Branch name:

    Main Bazar Branch Skardu