Chilam Joshi Festival
KALASH CHILAM JOSHI FESTIVAL (MAY 14, 15, 16)
The Kalash people are an indigenous group residing in the Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They follow a unique cultural and religious heritage that distinguishes them from the surrounding Muslim-majority communities. The Kalash people are renowned for their festivals, rituals, and distinctive customs.
One of the major festivals celebrated by the Kalash people is “Chilam Joshi,” also known as the Kalash Spring Festival. This festival typically takes place in May and marks the arrival of spring. The Kalash community celebrates with various rituals, dancing, and feasting during this time. The festival is characterized by vibrant and colorful traditional clothing, music, and dances. The Kalash people believe that Chilam Joshi brings about the balance of nature and ensures the fertility of the land.
During the festival, the Kalash people perform rituals to honor their gods and goddesses. They make offerings, sing songs, and engage in traditional dances. The festival provides an opportunity for the community to come together, strengthen social bonds, and pass on cultural traditions to younger generations.
The Kalash people and their unique culture have attracted the interest of anthropologists and cultural enthusiasts. However, their way of life faces various challenges, including external influences and the impact of globalization. As with any cultural information, it’s recommended to check for the latest details and updates from reliable sources if you plan to attend or learn more about specific festivals celebrated by the Kalash people.
Dates & Cost - Chilam Joshi Festival
| Chilam Joshi Festival 2023 | Cost (USD) | Cost (EUR) |
| Chilam Joshi Festival (09 Days) – ALL INCLUSIVE | US$ 1,190 | € 1,145 |
| Chilam Joshi Festival (14 Days) – ALL INCLUSIVE | US$ 1,820 | € 1,730 |
- Experience the spring festival of ethnic minority community of Kalash
- Participate and dance to the tunes of Kalasha music
- View of hundreds of peaks including Tirich Mir (7,708m) in the Hindukush Range
- Rivers (Kunar, Chitral,), tributaries and streams
- Malakand pass, Lowari Pass (3,118 m) or Lowari Tunnel (10.4 kms)
- Valleys of Khyber including Dir, Chitral and Kalash
- Views of forts (Malakand, Nagar, Ayun & Chitral) and Mosques (Shahi Masjid)
Welcome at Islamabad airport and transfer to hotel. Afternoon proceed for city tour of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which includes famous Faisal Mosque, Shakar Parian, Pakistan monument, Damen Koh, Lok Versa, Museum, Rawalpindi old bazaar, Raja Bazaar.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Swat 4-5 hours, en route visit Taxila; which includes Jaulian, Mohra, Moradu and Sirkap and Museum. Arrive Swat transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing in Swat valley.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Chitral 254 km, after refreshment continue drive to Kalash valleys 60 km, arrive Bomburate and transfer to hotel
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will start exploring the Bomburate Valley. We will visit the local Museum. The Kalasha Graveyard and the Town Centre. Later we will join the mega festival as all the tribes will gather in Bomburate. Enjoy dance, do photography and interact with the Kalasha Tribe and experience this unique culture firsthand
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Rambur valley, visit community house, Rumbur village and enjoy Chilam Joshi festival, where men and worm sing and dance. You will interact with local people to exchange their cultural and custom. Enjoy photography and evening drive to Chitral 60 km.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning visit Shahi Mosque, Chitral Museum, Chitral Fort, later on drive to Swat 254 km. Arrive Swat and transfer to hotel
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive from Swat to Peshawar 195 km, today we visit well preserved monastery of Takhat-e-Bai and continue drive to Peshawar via Malakan Pass.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning city tour of Peshawar, which included Bala Hisar fort, Kissa Khani bazaar and Peshawar Museum. Afternoon drive to Islamabad 172 km
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Islamabad airport for return flight.
- Airport transfer on first and last day in Islamabad
- All domestic road transfers
- All hotel accommodation (twin sharing room)
- All hotel meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Licensed professional guide
- International airfare and airport taxes.
- Visa fee for Pakistan and personal insurance of the clients.
- Tips for drivers, porters and staff
- Single Supplement
- Transfers to and from airports for participants making individual air arrangements
- Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour
- Miscellaneous (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
- Room service, gratuities for personal services, items of a purely
- Any other service that is not mentioned in the list above.