General

Chilam Joshi Festival (2024-25) – 15 Days

Chilam Joshi festival is one of the top cultural festivals of Pakistan. Kalasha tribe celebrates many festivals around the year. The three main Kalash Festivals are Chilam Joshi (spring festival), Choimus (winter festival) and Uchal (summer festival). The spring festival of Chilam Joshi is an amazing cultural experience in the Hindukush mountain ranges. UNESCO listed Kalash culture as “Intangible Cultural Heritage” in November 2018. The decision was announced during the 13th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee meeting organised in Mauritius.

Our events (fixed departures) for Kalash valley are given in the table below.

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Dates & Cost – Chilam Joshi Festival (15 Days)

All seasons are considered good for exploring the Kalasha culture. Considering the flow of tourists and interest in Chilam Joshi festival, we carefully choose our dates for the spring festival. The start and end dates in the table below are your dates of arrival and departure from Pakistan. We have at least 1 guaranteed departure for the spring festival. Our dates and costs for Chilam Joshi festival are given below.

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Holiday Information

Foreign travelers (non-Pakistani)

  • Implementation of government SOPs/Guidelines in case of new pandemic variants.
  • Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
  • Airport transfer on first and last day in Islamabad
  • All domestic road transfers
  • All hotel accommodation (twin sharing rooms)
  • All hotel meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • Support staff (assistant(s) etc)

Domestic travelers (Pakistani Nationals)

  • Licensed professional guide
  • Road transport (Islamabad to Islamabad)
  • Hotel accommodation according to itinerary
  • Hotel meals according to itinerary
  • Support staff (assistant(s) etc – according to need)

Foreign travelers (non-Pakistani)

  • Travel Insurance (recommendations only)
  • Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents will be offered)
  • International airfare
  • Personal equipment (clothes, boots, etc)
  • Tips for guides, porters, staff, etc
  • Miscellaneous (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenir, etc)

Domestic travelers (Pakistani Nationals)

  • Airport transfers in Islamabad (can be arranged – additional charges)
  • Sightseeing in Islamabad and surrounding areas (can be arranged – additional charges)
  • Hotel accommodation in Islamabad (can be arranged – additional charges)
  • Hotel meals in Islamabad (can be arranged – additional charges)
  • Travel insurance (recommendations can be requested)
  • Visa to Pakistan (not required)
  • International airfare for overseas Pakistani
  • Personal equipment (warm clothes, boots, etc)
  • Tips for guides, porters, staff, etc
  • Miscellaneous (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenir, etc)

 

Highlights – Chilam Joshi Festival 

Chilam Joshi festival has a lot to offer. Given below are main highlights of Chilam Joshi festival.

  • Experience the spring festival of ethnic minority community of Kalash
  • Participate and dance to the tunes of Kalasha music
  • Enjoy Kalasha and Pakistani cuisine
  • Hear stories from Kalasha community members including men and women
  • Juniper, Oak and Pine forest in Kalash
  • View of hundreds of peaks including Tirich Mir (7,708m) in the Hindukush Range
  • Rivers (Kunar, Dir, 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)
  • Churchil Picket, Malakand
  • Experience the culture of ethnic minority communities of Hunza
  • Participate and dance to the tunes of Hunza drums
  • Enjoy Hunzai and Pakistani cuisine
  • Opportunity to interact with Hunza's community members including men, women and children
  • View of hundreds of peaks including Rakaposhi (7,708m) and Passu Sar (7,478m) and Ultar Sar (7,388m) in the Karakoram Range
  • Rivers (Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Indus, Kunhar), tributaries and streams
  • Babusar Pass (4,173m), Khunjerab Pass (4,733m) and Attabad tunnel (7km)
  • Valleys of northern Pakistan including Hunza, Nagar, Naltar, Besham/Kaghan and Naran etc
  • Lakes including Attabad, Lulusar, Borith, Shandur, Khalti, Phandar and Batura
  • Glaciers including Bualtar, Passu, Batura and Hussaini etc
  • Khunjerab National Park
  • Sightseeing of forts (Altit and Baltit)
  • Bazaars of Karimabad, Aliabad and Naran
  • Karakoram Highway and Ancient Silk Route
  • Drive through the towns of Haripur, Abbottabad, Mansehra etc
  • Sightseeing in Islamabad & Rawalpindi
  • Make new friends
  • Discounted culture travel
REGISTER NOW & PAY LATER

 

Itinerary – Chilam Joshi Festival

The itinerary for Chilam Joshi festival is given below.

Day 01: Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m

On the first day of this great adventure we will start by exploring Islamabad in the afternoon. We will visit Heritage Museum to understand and explore the culture of multi nations living in Pakistan. Afterwards we will have lunch and go ahead to explore Pakistan Museum. Later, we will visit Faisal Mosque, the famous landmark of the city and then continue to drive towards the highest view point of Islamabad (Pir Sohawa/Daman e Koh). We will also explore Super Market and after a taste of traditional food we will call it a day after having a scoop of ice cream from a famous ice cream shop.

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Day 02: Drive to Swat Valley

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 975 m

This day we will set towards Swat which is a beautiful hill station in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province formerly known as NWFP. We will drive on the newly constructed motorway that has shortened the journey from Islamabad to Swat. Swat was a former princely state and also a center of Buddhist Civilization centuries ago. We will explore the white palace, archaeological sites of ancient Buddhist civilization and the bazar.

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Day 03: Drive to Chitral

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 1,050 m

Today we will set from Swat to Chitral. We will travel through the Lowari Tunnel which is about 10.4 kms long that connects Dir and Chitral. In the past before the construction of the tunnel the passengers travelled via Lowari Pass and more over the Chitral Region was disconnected from rest of the country for 6 months. We will reach Ayun this day. Ayun is the closest villages to Kalasha Tribes and also a beautiful valley to experience and explore the place. Our stay will be in the Ayun Fort that has beautiful biological gardens and its location offers a bird eye view of the valley and river. We will spend the night at the Ayun Fort.

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Day 04: Drive to Rumbur Valley to experience Chilam Joshi Festival

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 1,100 m

Today we will go to Rumbur Valley one of the main villages of Kalasha Tribe to experience the Chilam Joshi Festival. It is one of the main festivals of Kalasha Tribe and it is celebrated to welcome spring in the region. We will walk to the town center to experience the unique culture of the people of Kalasha. Today we will have lunch in a local house and experience the Kalasha Food. Later in the evening we will go and stay in Bumburet.

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Day 05: Explore Bumburet Valley, Kalash

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 1,100 m

On this day we will start exploring the Bumburet 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 Bumburet. We will dance, do photography and interact with the Kalasha Tribe and experience this unique culture firsthand. Later we will travel to Chitral and stay at night in Pamir Hotel alongside the Chitral River.

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Day 06: Explore Chitral

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 1,494 m

Today we will explore Chitral Town. We will visit Chitral Fort the capital of ancient kingdom of Chitral. The region was ruled from this fort. Later we will visit Shahi Mosque of Chitral which is in the premises of the fort. We will then travel to Birmoglasht which is on the mountain top. It offers a bird eye view of the valley as well as we might have a sighting of Markhor that are indigenous to this region. We will have lunch at Birmoglasht on this day. If there is an ongoing polo match in Chitral Town we will visit the polo ground and experience the thrilling polo event. Later we will explore Chitral Bazar. We will have dinner in the hotel.

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Day 07: Drive to Mastuj Village

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 2,359 m

On this day we will travel from Chitral Town to Mastuj. Mastuj is main village of Yarkhud Valley that borders Gilgit-Baltistan on one side and Afghanistan on the other. We will travel passing many villages of Chitral along the river gorge. Once we arrive in Mastuj we will take a walk around the village, meet and greet local village and community. We will stay in Mastuj for the following night.

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Day 08: Travel towards Ghizer District via Shandur Pass

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 2,217 m

On this day we will travel from Chitral to Gupis which is also known as Khalti. Khalti is part of Ghizer District of Gilgit – Baltistan Region. We will travel via Shandur Pass and drive through many villages of Laspur. We will make a short stop in Shandur where we will experience the high alpine Shandur Lake and the Shandur Polo Ground which is the highest polo ground on the planet. We will pass through high land pastures and meadows of Barsit, Langar and Teru. We will also make a short stop at Phandar Valley which is lush green and has a very beautiful still lake. Upon arrival at Khalti, we will check in to hotel and after some rest we will go to explore the nearby villages and take some good photographs on the Khalti Lake. We will have Trout Fish as one of our cuisines on this day.

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Day 09: Drive to Gilgit

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 1,500 m

On this day we will travel from Khalti to Gilgit. Gilgit is the capital city of Gilgit-Baltistan Region. Upon arrival we will check in to hotel and have some rest. After the lunch we will go to visit Kargah Nala and the famous Buddha Carving. Later we will go to explore the Gilgit Bazaar and will taste the “Mantu” (Dumplings). We will relax and stay at Gilgit for the night before we start the journey to the “ Land of Legends” – Hunza.

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Day 10: Drive to Hunza Valley

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 2,500 m

This day will be different and exciting as we will be travelling to Hunza now. Let me tell you that Hunza is a full package that offers beautiful scenery, glaciers, high rising mountains, lakes, culture, heritage, an international border and the 8th wonder of the world that is called the Karakoram Highway. As we start our journey on the Karakoram Highway, we will see the old silk route used for trade which was made centuries ago. We will make a stop at Rakaposhi View Point an enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and feel the breeze coming from the Mother of Mist. As we travel ahead towards Hunza we will have a view of magnificent peaks from the window seat and as we arrive in Karimabad. The view of Rakaposhi will stun every nature lover as this ultra-visible peak will glance over your head. We will visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort this day and also explore Karimabad Market and later we will visit the famous Eagle’s Nest View Point to experience the sunset over the mighty peaks.

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Day 11: Explore Hunza

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 2,700 m

On this day we will travel to Northern Hunza, we will do boating in the Atabad Lake. The pristine glacial water and the color of lake with the barren mountains will leave you stunned. We will continue travelling further passing through many villages of Upper Hunza and enter Khunjerab National Park at Deh. We will experience the amazing journey on the Karakoram Highway. On our return we will stay at Passu.

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Day 12: Explore Passu Village

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 4,693 m

On this day we will start our day by walking around the Passu Village. We will experience people working in the field we will also visit a local house to experience the architecture and way of living of the Wakhi Community of Pakistan. We will visit Borith Lake another alpine lake with beautiful colors. We will also take a walk on the Hussaini Suspension Bridge to experience the thrill of the mountains. We will further travel to Hopper Valley and get stunned with its beauty. We will hike to Bualtar Glacier. On this night we will enjoy dances and music of people of Hunza.

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Day 13: Drive to Besham from Hunza

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 2,409 m

On this day we will travel to Besham from Hunza. Besham is another beautiful hill station with beautiful views. We will have short stops on the way.
Besham

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Naran
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Day 14: Drive towards Islamabad

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m

On this day we will travel to Islamabad from Islamabad. On our way we will visit Taxila Museum and ancient Buddhist sites from Gandhara Civilization. We will then continue to Islamabad which is on a distance of 45 minutes from Taxila and have our farewell dinner at Monal Restaurant.

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Day 15: Fly to home country

On this Day

GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m

Everything good thing has to come to an end. This is the day when we finally bid farewell to our guests and fellow members. The tour ends this day.

Why Register Now?

1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost less than peak-season. 

2: Limited Space in Peak Months: The peak months in the peak season attract the highest number of international guests and are therefore sold out earlier. Due to our revised Covid-19 guidelines, we have restricted our group size to a maximum of 12 travelers. We are taking registrations on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

3. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan: In these unusual times, we appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Pakistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.

4. Deposit valid for 3 years: We understand the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic (Covid-19). As part of our relaxed booking conditions following Covid-19, deposits are valid for 3 years. 

5. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change accordingly:

  • 1st October: USD 110
  • 1st November: USD 150
  • 1st January: USD 180
  • 1st March: USD 260
  • 1st May: USD 340

Note: The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.

Deposit (Advance) for Pakistani nationals

The deposit for Pakistani nationals is PKR 40,000 or 30% of the total price, whichever is greater. The deposit is non-refundable but valid for 3 years according to our relaxed booking conditions following Covid-19.

Refund Policy for All

Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable (but valid for 3 years) as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements. In the case of visa rejection, a refund/partial-refund (if costs incurred) will be considered. In such cases, a valid proof of visa rejection must be submitted to our office within 72 hours of rejection. For Pakistan nationals, the deposit is non-refundable (but valid for 3 years) in all cases.

Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Pakistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.

Currency

All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).

Single Supplement

Separate accommodation (single supplement) will cost an additional USD 523. This includes all nights. This payment should be made with the balance upon arrival in Pakistan.

 

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Chilam Joshi Festival 2020-2021 Dates

Chilam Joshi Festival 2020 Dates

The people of Kalash will celebrate the festival from 13 – 16 May, 2018 in the valleys of Kalash, Pakistan. The ceremonies will begin at 08:15 am in the morning. Register Now!

Chilam Joshi Festival 2021 Dates

The people of Kalash will celebrate the festival from 13 – 16 May, 2019 in the valleys of Kalash, Pakistan. The ceremonies will begin at 08:15 am in the morning. Register Now!

You might want to check out our fixed departures for Shandur Polo Festival.

 

Overview – Chilam Joshi Festival

Chilam Joshi Festival, also known as Chilimjusht, Chilim Jhust and Kalash spring festival is one of the most awaited festivals in Kalash. Kalasha people organize Chilam Joshi festival to honor and praise their God. The Kalasha People welcome the spring season with gratitude and in hope of blessings from the God. Tourists from all around the world gather after scheduling their travel dates according to the festival. We take pride in organizing several guided-tours to Kalash Valley every year.

During the Chilam Joshi Festival, the community and the elders emphasize the most on purity of the people so when the Balomain visit the valley the Kalasha followers must have a pure mind. People take ritual baths a week prior to the festival. During the purification ceremony a men must not sit all day and later at night his face is sprinkled with the blood of a sacrificed goat. Men actively participate in the cooking during this festival. Men bake special bread and distribute it in the three valleys of Kalash.

The event is followed with singing and dancing during the festival. The young men and women dance together and find themselves spouses during this event. They announce the names of their partners at the end of the event.

 

Website Last Updated: February 15th, 2024
Summary
product image
Rating
1star1star1star1star1star
User Rating
4 based on 5 votes
Company
Apricot Tours Pakistan
Adventure
Chilam Joshi Festival
Price
USD 1690
Product Availability
Available in Stock

Tour review scores and score breakdown

10 / 10

Based on 11 reviews

Guest reviews are written by our customers after their tour of Chilam Joshi Festival.

Overall
10   
Accommodation
10   
Transport
10   
Meals
10   
Guide
10   
Value for money
10   
Program accuracy
10   

Guest reviews

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    M Shahmeer
    2018-06-27

    I booked a tour for my family with this company. The best part of their service was that they were always in contact throughout our tour.

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    ThomasNef
    2018-03-20

    Chilam Joshi Festival was no doubt the best choice for a pakistan holiday that offered colors, love, respect, care, hospitality, lots of food, mountains, rivers etc. Pakistan is under-rated! Unbelievable hospitality. God bless you all!

    The government security persons roaming around was unnecessary. They can be more discreet. Not your fault!

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    Su Woo Yeon
    2017-11-26

    Love from Korea. Thank you Pakistan.

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    Agnes Johnson
    2017-08-03

    I have visited Chitral in 1994 with my late husband. We visited again with the help of Mr. Lala in 2015. The infrastructure is better than before so does the hospitality of the locals. Thank you Mr. Lala of apricot tours. I wish you success in your endeavors. Agnes & Tim

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    Warda Qayum
    2016-07-29

    Our group had fun throughout the trip. The stops made near loweri tunnel was tiring, other than that the whole group had fun and we will recommend you for our corporate tours in future.

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    Emma Thomas
    2016-02-12

    We took a flight to Chitral from Islamabad. The jeeps and our guide was there at the airport to pick us up, I like the arrangements made by the company.

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    Samia Khan
    2015-09-18

    I was happy with the professional attitude and services provided by this company.

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    Tina W
    2014-10-29

    The tour was very planned and executed. Thank you apricot tours.

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    Nastia Lightbody
    2014-09-05

    This company is the best out there. We were satisfied with the services provided.

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    Alicia Owens
    2012-11-17

    I had the time of my life, thank you for suggesting hunza tour along with kalash tour. Pakistan Rocks.

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    Kirsten Otto
    2009-09-21

    My Kalash chilam joshi festival tour was amazing. I didn’t like the road travel from Islamabad to Chitral. Other than that, they valleys are beautiful and locals were always welcoming.

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