Kalash Choimus Festival
The Kalash Choimus Festival is also called Chitirmas. It is a colourful and culturally rich winter birthday celebration found by using the Kalasha human beings. It is held annually. This pageant is a time for locals and visitors to come together in the spirit of tradition. The event is filled with energetic dances, ritualistic chants, and traditional meals. All are dedicated to honouring the Balomain spirit. The Kalash Choimus Festival is more than simply a celebration; it’s a unique cultural experience that brings together historic traditions and communal joy in a setting that connects deeply with nature and spirituality.
One of the highlights of Choimus is the bonfire gatherings, in which humans dance to the rhythmic beats of drums whilst sipping the locally brewed mulberry wine. Women maintain a unique vicinity at this party, often seen dressed in extraordinary black gowns and complicated headpieces. The fruits of the pageant are marked through a symbolic amassing of tribal elders, who ascend the hilltops to greet the primary sunrise of the brand new year. This moment is observed via a sacred ritual of offering goat sacrifices to the Goddess Jastak at the revered Jastarkhan temple.
Kalash Choimus Festival-Highlights
· Immerse yourself inside the unique spring competition of the Kalasha ethnic minority.
· Enjoy traditional Kalasha tracks and participate in colourful cultural dances.
· Marvel at breathtaking views of the towering Tirich Mir height (7,708m) inside the Hindukush Range.
· Explore scenic rivers together with the Kunar, Chitral, Gilgit, and Indus, at the side of their tributaries and streams.
· Journey via the historical Malakand Pass, Lowari Pass (three,118m), or the well-known Lowari Tunnel (10.4km).
· Discover the captivating valleys of Khyber, Dir, Chitral, and Kalash.
· Visit iconic forts like Malakand, Nagar, Ayun, and Chitral, in addition to significant mosques along with the Shahi Masjid.
Detailed Itinerary Kalash Choimus Festival
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport and receive a warm welcome from your tour guide. After completing the airport formalities, transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, embark on a city tour of Islamabad, visiting landmarks such as the iconic Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh for panoramic views, and Shakarparian Park. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast, leave Islamabad and begin your scenic drive to the lush and serene Swat Valley, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Pakistan.” On the way, enjoy picturesque views of terraced fields, rivers, and the magnificent mountains of the region. Arrive in Swat and check in to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Mingora or take a stroll along the riverbanks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Today it goes on as you drive through the mountains on the Swat Chitral route that passes through one of the most culturally enriched areas in Pakistan. This rather long but scenic drive gets you across the Lowari Pass with amazing views of the Hindu-Kush mountains. Travel to Chitral and check into your accommodation, take a bit of a nap for the fabulous festival which is to follow immediately.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Heading to the Rumbur Valley to witness the early part of the Choimus Festival of the Kalash people for the winter solstice. The Indigenous people of Kalash dance in colourful shawls and towering hats which symbolize the gods and ancestors. Explore the culture and see the celebrations happen in real life. The night is spent over a ‘standard’ Kalash meal in the valley itself.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast, take a drive to Bumburet Valley, the largest and most accessible of the Kalash Valleys. Known for its natural beauty and the warmth of its people, Bumburet offers a deeper insight into Kalash culture. Visit the local museum to learn more about the rich history and traditions of the Kalash people. In the evening, join the locals in more Choimus Festival celebrations, including bonfires and night dancing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Go back to Chitral for a whole day tour options. Explore … Several places of interest include the Chitral Fort, and the Shahi Mosque which has royal strength to show. It is also worth visiting the local bazaar to buy souvenirs and handicrafts, shawls, and jewellery. The day will conclude with a leisurely walk along the Chitral River, followed by a traditional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
On day 07, depart from Chitral and drive to Mastuj Village which is beautiful and is situated in the background of high mountains. This remote village seemed to be a real thing for people living in the mountains without any modernization. Enjoy home visits, make friends with the locals and enjoy the fresh and natural environment in the vicinity. Overnight at Mastuj, the same as any other normal village.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Embark for an exciting trip to the northern end through the Shandur Pass which is alternatively known as the roof of the world. This pass links Chitral with the Ghizer District and from this pass one can have stunning views of mountains and glaciers. Once in Ghizer spend a couple of hours touring its valleys and rivers before you retire for the weekend in your preferred hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast, proceed towards Gilgit, an active town, well–famed as the gateway to some of the highest mountain ranges in the world. Take a transfer to the hotel, and spend the tour’s first half sightseeing – the markets of Gilgit, the Kargah Buddha, and Asia’s longest suspension bridge – Gilgit Bridge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Depart Gilgit and proceed to the beautiful valley of Hunza which is famous for its picturesque, fruit-laden trees, beautiful people, and natural beauty. Accommodation in a hotel; take a stroll around the Karimabad town which is the biggest town of Hunza. /view the historical building of Baltit Fort situated on the hill with an impressive view of the valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Spend the day visiting villages and viewpoints nearby including Duikar Village and Altit Village. To watch the majestic Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and other mighty snow-enchanted mountains. But you will also be able to talk to the people and find out how they live and what the culture in Hunza is.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
In the morning after having breakfast visit the Passu village, this village is well famed for having the Passu cones and also the Passu glaciers. Go for a short-duration walking tour near the glacier or the village which is colorful, historic, and famous for its stone-made houses. The best way to spend a picnic lunch and also enjoy the beauty of the surrounding geography.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
After that, it is time to leave Hunza and start the journey back to Besham. During the journey, you will have such a viewpoint in the different surrounding views of the Karakoram Highway and the most famous Nanga Parbat. Reach Besham in the evening and you will camp here.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
On your final leg of the journey, drive from Besham back to Islamabad. Upon arrival, take time to relax and reflect on the incredible experiences of the past two weeks. You may also want to visit any sites missed on your first day in Islamabad.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight back to your home country, carrying with you unforgettable memories of the Kalash Choimus Festival and the beauty of Northern Pakistan.
Meals: Breakfast
- Arrival and departure transfers in Islamabad
- All ground transportation within Pakistan
- Accommodation in twin-sharing rooms (hotel stays)
- Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
- Services of a licensed, professional guide
- International airfare and airport taxes.
- Visa fee for Pakistan and personal insurance of the clients.
- Tips for drivers, porters, and staff during the festival tour.
- Single Supplement.
- Transfers to and from airports for participants making individual air arrangements.
- Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour activities.
- Miscellaneous (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
- Room service, gratuities for personal services, and any items of a personal nature.
- Any other services that are not explicitly mentioned in the list above.
Important Notes
Why Attend the Kalash Choimus Festival Now?
1. Early Bird Offer: There are some great deals for a while. Such information hence transforms into being changeable depending on the proximity of festival dates. What is local to the services in accommodations and transport is that they tend to raise their rates earlier enough, especially as the festival approaches. If you want to book your place early and also wish to save money on transport then book your place now.
2. Limited Availability During Festival Season: A few hour’s drive from the capital, and across the famous Khyber Pass, the small but vibrant and colourful Choimus Festival has attracted hundreds of international travelers to the Kalash Valley. To give our participants an experience like no other, we limit our team travellers and guides to a maximum of ten per tour. First come first served only applies to the reservations, so don’t pass it up!
3. Limited Domestic Flights: This means that people book their flights to the Chitral Valley during the time of the festival very quickly. Due to the few flight offerings daily, it is important to book them in advance. Your deposit is accepted to guarantee your domestic travel-related services.
4. Flexible Payment on Arrival: We know the feeling that comes with travelling internationally. Therefore, the remaining balance is only payable once you arrive in Pakistan. Only a deposit is required to confirm your booking before your trip.
5. Secure Your Spot with a Minimum Deposit: Take advantage of early booking rates by securing your place with a minimum deposit. Prices may rise later, so book now and lock in the best deal for the festival!
Deposit (Advance) for Pakistani Participants
The required deposit for Pakistani nationals is PKR 80,000 or 25% of the total cost, whichever is higher. The deposit is non-refundable and ensures your spot on the festival tour.
Refund Policy for All
· Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable since it is used for essential trip arrangements. For Pakistani nationals, the deposit is also non-refundable in all cases.
· Balance: The remaining balance is payable upon your arrival in Pakistan on the first day of the trip. Details for the final payment will be shared before the trip.
Currency
International travellers can pay in US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), or British Pounds (GBP). Pakistani travellers will be charged in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) as per the exchange rate on the payment date.
Single Supplement
· Private Hotel Rooms: For a single occupancy room during the festival, an additional charge of USD 250 applies, which covers all nights.
· Private Tent Accommodation: If you prefer a single tent, an additional cost of USD 150 applies. This also covers extra baggage handling. Payments for these can be settled upon arrival.