General
Choimus Kalash Winter Festival (2024-25) – 15 Days
Choimus Kalash Winter 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). Choimus Kalash Winter Festival 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.
| Festivals & Tours | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) | Minimum required to Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chilam Joshi Festival (Kalash spring festival) - 15 days | US$2,590 | EUR 2,590 | 2 participants |
| Festival of Uchal (Kalash summer festival) - 15 days | US$2,590 | EUR 2,590 | 2 participants |
| Festival of Choimus (Kalash winter festival) - 15 days | US$2,590 | EUR 2,590 | 2 participants |
| Kalash Valley Tour - 15 days | US$2,590 | EUR 2,590 | 2 participants |
| Festivals & Tours | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) | Minimum required to Guarantee |
Dates & Cost – Choimus Kalash Winter Festival (15 Days)
All seasons are considered good for exploring the Kalasha culture. Considering the flow of tourists and interest in Choimus Kalash Winter Festival, we carefully choose our dates for the winter festival. The start and end dates in the table below are your dates of arrival and departure from Pakistan. We have at least 1 guaranteed departure for the winter festival. Our dates and costs for Choimus Kalash Winter Festival are given below.
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Minimum required to Guarantee | Deposit | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15-Dec-2024 | 29-Dec-2024 | US$ 2,590 | Limited Space | 2 participants | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
| 15-Dec-2025 | 29-Dec-2025 | US$ 2,690 | Available | 2 participants | US$ 100 | BOOK NOW |
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Minimum required to Guarantee | Deposit | Registration |
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 – Choimus Kalash Winter Festival
Choimus Kalash Winter Festival has a lot to offer. Given below are main highlights of Choimus Kalash Winter Festival.
- Experience the winter 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
Itinerary – Choimus Kalash Winter Festival
The itinerary for Choimus Kalash Winter Festival is given below.
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.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
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.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Shelton's Rezidor (see pictures), PTDC Motel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Swat. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
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.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Pamir Inn (see pictures), Tirich Mir View Hotel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Chitral. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 1,100 m
On this day the participants will continue to be a part of the Choimus festival. On this day they will explore the surrounding areas.
The guest will meet local people of Kalash they will have the opportunity to learn their culture and rituals. The guest will be staying in Bumburet for the night. The nights will continue with bonfire and dances.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at PTDC Motel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Kalash. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
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.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Pamir Inn (see pictures), Tirich Mir View Hotel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Chitral. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
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.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Pamir Inn (see pictures), Tirich Mir View Hotel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Chitral. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
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.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at PTDC Motel Mastuj (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Mastuj. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
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. 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 which freezes in winters. We will have Trout Fish as one of our cuisines on this day.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at PTDC Motel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Gupis. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
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.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Riveria Hotel Gilgit (see pictures), MarcoPolo Hotel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Gilgit. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,500 m
This day will be different and exciting as we will be travelling to Hunza. 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.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Hilltop Hotel Hunza (see pictures), World Roof Hotel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Hunza. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,700 m
On this day we will travel to Northern Hunza, we will walk on the frozen Attabad Lake. 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.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Sarai Silk Route (see pictures), Passu Ambassador Hotel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Passu. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
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.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Sarai Silk Route (see pictures), Passu Ambassador Hotel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Passu. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
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
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing tent/cottage at Besham Hilton Hotel (see pictures), PTDC Motel (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Besham. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Naran
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Parhena Cottages (see pictures), Hotel deManchi (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Naran. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
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.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
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.
As Featured In:
| Apricot Tours' Social Responsibility |
| 1 foreign participant = 5 trees |
| Apricot Tours will plant five trees for every foreign tourist who visits Pakistan for attending any one of the three festivals of Kalash Valley. The trees will be planted in the northern areas of Pakistan starting from 2019 as part of our CSR initiative. We aim to contribute to "Goal 13: Climate Action" of UN's Sustainable Development Goals by taking part in the massive government campaign to plant 10 billion trees during the next five years to tackle climate change. Pakistan's adverse climate impacts are very much visible through changing temperatures, prolonged droughts, increased floods and extreme weather conditions especially in Pakistan's mountain regions. Pakistan stands 7th on the list of countries that are mostly likely to be affected by global warming and has one of the highest deforestation rates in Asia. Decades of tree felling have reduced the country's forests to less than 3 percent of its total land area. How planting trees will make a difference? Planting trees will help save energy and money, cool our cities, reduce carbon emissions, reduce soil erosion, provide habitat for species of many kinds, provide clean water and add to the beauty of Pakistan's mountain region by simply being there. Our participants can also donate separately. Details on this initiative can be requested. |
Website Last Updated: February 15th, 2024
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