Kalash Festival

Kalash Valley in Pakistan, nestled amidst the enchanting Hindu Kush mountains, celebrates three key festivals: Chilam Joshi in May, Uchal in August, and Choimus in December. These festivals are cherished events with their own special significance.

Chilam Joshi, celebrated in spring, is a time when people dress in vibrant attire and dance joyfully amidst the blossoming flowers. It's a way of saying thanks to nature for its beauty. Uchal, held in August, is all about celebrating the harvest. The Kalasha community gathers to dance, sing, and enjoy the bountiful crops, sharing happiness and gratitude.

As winter descends in December, Choimus ushers in a festive spirit amid snowy landscapes. It's a time for special rituals and hoping for good things in the coming year. The snowy surroundings create a magical setting for prayers and reflection.

These festivals are more than just joyful gatherings; they hold a deep cultural importance for the Kalasha people. They're moments for young people to meet and choose life partners, continuing age-old traditions. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Kalash Valley's natural beauty, these celebrations not only display ancient customs but also showcase the Kalasha people's resilience and their strong connection to nature's wonders.

The Kalash festival is a special event celebrated by the Kalasha people, who live in the Kalash valley in Pakistan, surrounded by the Hindu Kush mountains. This festival happens three times a year during spring, summer, and winter.

1. Spring Festival (Chilam Joshi): The spring festival, known as Chilam Joshi, begins around May 13th. During this festival, people have fun by dancing, singing, and enjoying themselves. But it's not just about having a good time; they also worship their Gods and spirits, making offerings and even sacrifices. This is also a time when young men and women choose their future life partners. Women wear colorful traditional dresses with flower patterns, along with beaded necklaces. Men wear traditional outfits and dance together, providing them an opportunity to select their life partners and announce their choices on the final day of the festival.

2. Summer Festival (Uchal):

The Uchal summer festival, starting on August 20th, mirrors the vibrant spring celebrations. It encompasses cultural revelries, religious customs, and a distinctive tradition where young individuals participate in selecting their life partners. This festive affair showcases colorful cultural performances, rhythmic music, traditional dances, and the indulgence in local delicacies. Amidst religious rituals seeking blessings for prosperity, families and communities come together, strengthening social bonds and fostering unity. The unique aspect of young people choosing their life partners during Uchal adds a special cultural significance, emphasizing unity, commitment, and familial harmony within the community.

3. Winter Festival (Choimus):

Choimus, the winter festival, spans from December 15th to December 22nd and shares resemblances with other cultural celebrations. This festivity embodies a rich tapestry of cultural activities, religious observances, and a unique custom involving the selection of life partners among young individuals. The festival atmosphere is animated with colorful cultural performances, spirited music, traditional dances, and the enjoyment of local cuisines. Amidst religious rituals seeking blessings for well-being and prosperity, Choimus serves as a gathering where families and communities unite, fortifying social bonds and fostering a sense of togetherness.

An intriguing tradition during Choimus is the practice where young people are given the opportunity to choose their future spouses with the involvement and consent of families. This tradition holds significant cultural value, symbolizing unity, mutual respect, and the essence of familial ties within the community. The festival's blend of cultural elements, religious significance, and the practice of selecting life partners contribute to the festive spirit, creating an event that signifies communal harmony and tradition preservation.

Kalash Festival

For those interested in experiencing these festivals, Imagine  Karakorum Tours has been arranging tours to the Kalash valley to witness these celebrations for many years. We offer private and solo group tours lasting 8-10 days. These tours are full board, which means your meals and accommodations are covered. The tour duration can be adjusted based on your availability and travel needs. You can opt for their standard Kalash festival itinerary or have a custom one created by their travel advisors.

The tour starts in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Your guide will meet you at the Islamabad International Airport and transfer you to the group hotel. You'll have some free time to recover from your journey, followed by a briefing about the Kalash festival tour in the afternoon. The next morning, you'll be transferred to the airport for a one-hour mountain view flight to Chitral. In case of flight cancellation due to weather, there's an option to drive to Chitral. Upon arrival in Chitral, you'll check into your hotel and have free time to explore the town.

The following day, you'll embark on a drive to the Kalash valley, where you'll spend several days immersing yourself in the festivals, meeting the local people, and then follow the same itinerary back to Islamabad. There will be a night's stay in Islamabad, and the next morning, you'll be transferred to Islamabad International Airport for your flight back home.

The Kalash festival tour is considered one of the top cultural retreats globally, offering a unique experience in a beautiful valley with welcoming Kalasha people.

Festivals Costs and Date

Chilam Joshi Festival

Chilam Joshi, also known as the Kalash spring festival, is a vibrant celebration that takes place in three Kalash valleys: Bumburet, Birir, and Rumbur. During this festival, Kalash girls and boys come together to dance to the traditional beats of drums, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere.

The Chilam Joshi festival serves as a vibrant showcase of the Kalash people's cultural wealth, with a myriad of colors and an underlying message of peace. Women adorn themselves in traditional attire, featuring vividly hued clothing, gold and silver jewelry, and intricate headgear. Men, on the other hand, opt for traditional shalwar kameez paired with woolen waistcoats.

These Kalashi festivals have earned global recognition for their unique traditions and celebrations. Among these festivals, Chilam Joshi holds particular significance, celebrated over four days in the month of May. Uchal Festival occurs during the autumn season, while Choimos Festival marks the midwinter festivities.

Date and Cost Chilam Joshi Festival(Spring Festival)

Choimus Festival

The Choimus Festival, also called the Chitirmas festival, is a special winter celebration that's a big deal for the Kalasha people. During this festival, the Kalasha tribe comes together to celebrate with traditional dances, delicious foods, and prayer chants dedicated to the Balomain spirit. They also perform purification rituals at the beginning of the new year.

The Choimus Festival lasts for several days and is not only a joy for the local people but also a unique experience for tourists and travelers. You can join in the fun by dancing around large bonfires while the drum beats in the background, and you can savor some locally brewed mulberry wine. The women in the tribe play a significant role in the festival, wearing black robes decorated with colorful threads and large headwear made of shells and beads.

At the start of the new year, tribal elders gather on hilltops to watch the sunrise. Afterward, they make goat sacrifices to the Goddess "Jastak," and the blood from the sacrifices is sprinkled at the Jastarkhan temple. It's a special time for the Kalasha people to come together, celebrate their traditions, and welcome the new year.

Date and Cost For Choimus Festival(Winter Festival)

Uchal Festival

The Uchal Festival is among the most significant cultural celebrations in Pakistan, cherished by the Kalasha tribe, who mark numerous festivals throughout the year. The Uchal Festival serves as an expression of gratitude to the Almighty for the bountiful harvests and nourishing crops they've received. To commemorate this occasion, they craft special dishes like cornbread, cheese, and buttermilk, and jubilantly honor the spirit of Uchao.

Annually, the Kalash Uchal Festival is observed during the harvest season, typically in August, when barley and wheat are in abundance. The festivities are characterized by lively singing and dancing, as well as the profound acknowledgment of nature's generosity.

During the Uchal Festival, traditional clothing-clad women engage in captivating dances, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. The festival commences with prayers and a procession that leads to a high plateau located outside the village in Balangkuru. This elevated location sets the stage for a long night of exuberant dancing and merriment. The celebrations endure for several days, as the festivities progress to different locations within the valleys.

Date and Cost For Uchal Festival(Summer Festival)

K2 Trekking Holiday Packages

If you're interested in exploring K2 holiday packages, we offer various K2 circuit trekking packages. Below is a table displaying these trekking packages along with their respective prices. You can opt for solo/private travel or join our fixed departures for these packages. To learn more about each trek, click on the trek's name provided in the table. Discover detailed information about our trekking packages.

Highlights

- Engage in the vibrant spring festival of the Kalash ethnic minority community.
- Join the celebration and dance to the melodious tunes of Kalasha music.
- Admire the panoramic view of numerous towering peaks, including the grand Tirich Mir at 7,708 meters, within the Hindukush Range.
- Take in the convergence of mighty rivers such as the Kunar, Chitral, Gilgit, and Indus, along with their winding tributaries and babbling streams, enriching the landscape.
- Traverse the rugged landscape through the historic Malakand Pass or opt for the modern convenience of the 10.4-kilometer-long Lowari Tunnel, all while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Lowari Pass at 3,118 meters.
- Explore the enchanting valleys of Khyber, each with its unique charm and cultural identity, including Dir, Chitral, Shandor  and the captivating Kalash Valley.
- Witness the historical forts, including the enduring structures of Malakand, Nagar, Ayun, and Chitral forts, reflecting the region's rich heritage. Additionally, appreciate the architectural beauty of the Shahi Masjid and other mosques, representing the region's spiritual and cultural diversity.

See Our All Trips

Trip Details Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Islamabad, Pakistan
Your Pakistan adventure begins! Most international flights land in Islamabad in the morning. A warm welcome awaits you at Islamabad International Airport, where your guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. The rest of the day is yours to recover from your journey. Later, when all travelers have arrived, we'll gather for a group briefing about the exciting Kalash Festival Tour. Depending on our schedule, we might have the chance to explore Islamabad, a city that was purpose-built to be Pakistan's new capital in 1961.

Accommodation: Hill View Hotel or a similar option
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 2 - Islamabad to Chitral - Flight (1 Hour)
After breakfast, we'll leave the planned city of Islamabad and head to the airport for an amazing mountain flight to Chitral (weather permitting). The one-hour flight offers breathtaking mountain views. Once we arrive and check in at our Chitral hotel, we'll spend the day exploring local markets and historical sites. In case of flight cancellation, we'll journey by road, passing through Mardan, Malakand, Bathkhela, Dir, and entering Chitral through the Lowari Tunnel. We'll spend the night in Chitral.

Accommodation: PTDC Hotel or a similar option
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 - Sightseeing in Chitral
Chitral, located on the western bank of the Kunar River, is the capital of the Chitral District. It's nestled at the base of Tirich Mir, the highest peak in the Hindu Kush at 25,289 feet (7,708 meters). Today, we'll visit Chitral Fort, Shahi Masjid, Chitral Museum, and explore the old Chitral Bazaar. If time allows, we'll also visit Chitral Gol National Park and capture some stunning photographs from the city's highest viewpoint.

Accommodation: PTDC Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 - Chitral to Kalash Valley
In the morning, we'll continue our journey by jeep towards Rumbur, which is part of the Kalash Valleys, located about 50 kilometers from Chitral. During the day, we'll visit local shops, engage with the warm and hospitable Kalash tribes, and learn about their centuries-old way of life.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 - Festival Day in Kalash
A full day is dedicated to exploring the enchanting Kalash Valley. You'll have the opportunity to meet the local Kalash people, immerse yourself in their culture and traditions, and stay overnight in Bumburet, Ayun, or Chitral. In the evening, prepare for a memorable bonfire and experience local traditional dances.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 - Return to Chitral
After two days of experiencing the mesmerizing Kalash festival, we'll drive back to Chitral, filled with wonderful memories. We'll follow the same route back to Chitral Town. 

Accommodation: PTDC Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 - Flight Back to Islamabad
Leaving the Chitral Valley behind, we'll head to the airport for a scenic mountain flight to Islamabad. If time allows, we may indulge in some sightseeing in Islamabad. In case of a flight cancellation, we'll embark on a road journey to Islamabad for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel De Papae or a similar option
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 - Departure Day - Return Home
After breakfast, we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight back home. This marks the end of your memorable "Kalash Festival Tour."

Inclusions

✈️ Airport transfers in Islamabad on the first and last days of your journey.
🚗 All domestic road transfers during your travel within the country.
🏨 Accommodation in hotels with twin-sharing rooms.
🍽️ Full board throughout your stay, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
👤 Guided by a licensed and knowledgeable professional guide.

Exclusions

✈️ Excludes international airfare and airport taxes.
📜 Visa fee for Pakistan and personal insurance of the clients are not included.
💰 Tips for drivers, porters, and staff are not covered.
🛏️ Single Supplement is an additional cost if applicable.
🚖 Transfers to and from airports for participants making individual air arrangements are not provided.
🌟 Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour are at an extra cost.
🛍️ Miscellaneous expenses, including drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenirs, etc., are not included.
🏨 Room service and gratuities for personal services are not part of the package.
🛎️ Any other service not mentioned in the list above is not covered in the tour package.