Kalash Valleys Festival Tour
The Kalash valleys of Chitral at festival time — Chilam Joshi in spring, Uchal at harvest and Choimus at the winter solstice.
The people of the Hindukush
The Kalash are a small community living in three valleys near Chitral, with their own language, religion, dress and calendar of festivals. Their celebrations — dancing, music and feasting that go on for days — are the best time to visit, and our guides know the families of the valleys well.
We ask every guest to follow local customs: photograph only with permission, and respect the parts of each festival that are closed to outsiders.
Festival dates
Chilam Joshi
The spring festival, welcoming the new season with flowers, milk and dancing.
Uchal
A harvest festival marking the return of the herds from the summer pastures.
Choimus
The longest and most important festival, held around the winter solstice.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Islamabad
Arrival and rest.
- Day 2
Chitral
Fly to Chitral, or drive via Swat and the Lowari tunnel if flights are cancelled.
- Day 3
Chitral town
The fort, the Shahi mosque, the museum and the bazaar.
- Day 4
Into the valleys
By jeep to the Kalash valleys and a guesthouse in the village.
- Days 5 – 6
Festival days
Two days of dancing, music and village life.
- Day 7
Back to Chitral
Return to Chitral.
- Day 8
Islamabad
Fly back to Islamabad.
- Day 9
Departure
Transfer to the airport.
Let’s build your package together
Tell us about your event or holiday and we will design a program that fits your needs, interests and budget.