Chilam Joshi Festival is one of the top cultural festivals of Pakistan, celebrated by the ancient Kalasha tribe in the remote valleys of Chitral. The Kalasha people observe several festivals throughout the year, but the three main Kalash festivals are Chilam Joshi (spring festival), Uchal (summer festival), and Choimus (winter festival). Among them, Chilam Joshi holds special importance as it welcomes the arrival of spring and the renewal of life.
The spring festival of Chilam Joshi is a breathtaking cultural experience set in the majestic Hindukush mountain ranges. During the festival, the Kalash valleys come alive with traditional music, rhythmic dances, colorful handmade dresses, floral headpieces, and ancient rituals that reflect the Kalasha people’s deep connection with nature. It is a time of joy, gratitude, and community celebration, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into one of the world’s rare living cultures.
The global significance of this festival is internationally recognized. In November 2018, UNESCO listed Kalash culture as “Intangible Cultural Heritage”, acknowledging its historical and cultural value. This decision was announced during the 13th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee, organized in Mauritius, further highlighting the importance of preserving the unique traditions of the Kalash people.
• Experience the vibrant Chilam Joshi Spring Festival of the Kalash community in Chitral.
• Participate in traditional Kalasha dances and enjoy local music.
• Witness colorful tribal costumes and floral headpieces of the Kalash people.
• Interact with the Kalasha community and learn about their rituals and traditions.
• Taste authentic Kalasha and Pakistani cuisine during village visits.
• Explore the scenic Hindukush mountains, rivers, and alpine valleys.
• Drive through historical routes including Lowari Tunnel, Malakand Pass, and Shandur Plains.
• Visit Swat Valley and the ancient Buddhist ruins of Taxila.
• Stay in Chitral, Mastuj, Phander, Gilgit, Passu, and Hunza in riverside lodges and hotels.
• Admire breathtaking peaks including Tirich Mir, Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and Ladyfinger Peak.
• Travel along the Karakoram Highway, witnessing Attabad Lake, glaciers, and high-altitude passes.
• Discover Hunza Valley with visits to Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and Karimabad Bazaar.
• Experience serene valleys like Phander, Shandur, and Upper Hunza.
• Pass through Khunjerab Pass, the Pakistan–China border, and spot high-altitude wildlife.
• Explore rivers, tributaries, and streams including Kunar, Dir, Chitral, Hunza, and Indus.
• Drive through picturesque Northern Pakistan towns like Besham, Gilgit, and Chilas.
• Capture photography opportunities with festivals, mountains, valleys, and cultural moments.
• Explore local bazaars for souvenirs in Karimabad, Aliabad, and regional towns.
• Enjoy guided tours with professional local guides for cultural insights and safe travel.
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2026 | May 24, 2026 | $2,350 | Available | $500 |
Register Now |
*Price is based on twin sharing room.
*Single room supplement: $350 per person.
Arrive in Islamabad and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after the international journey or enjoy a short city orientation, including views of the Margalla Hills.
Overnight: Islamabad
Hotel: Envoy Continental / similar
Meals: Dinner
Distance: ≈ 300 km | Drive time: 7–8 hours
After breakfast, depart Islamabad for Swat Valley, with a short visit to the ancient Buddhist ruins of Taxila en route. Continue driving to reach Swat.
Overnight: Swat
Hotel: Royal Lodge Swat / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: ≈ 215 km | Drive time: 7–8 hours
Breakfast at hotel. Travel from Swat to Chitral through scenic mountain terrain, crossing the Lowari Tunnel, which connects Dir with Chitral. Enjoy dramatic landscapes and river valleys along the way.
Overnight: Chitral
Hotel: Pamir Riverside Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: ≈ 80 km (round trip) | Drive time: 3–4 hours
Full-day excursion to the Kalash Valley to experience the vibrant Chilam Joshi Spring Festival, featuring traditional dances, music, and cultural rituals of the Kalash people. Return to Chitral in the evening.
Overnight: Chitral
Hotel: Pamir Riverside Hotel / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: ≈ 80 km (round trip) | Drive time: 3–4 hours
Another full day in the Kalash Valley to further explore the festival celebrations, local villages, and unique traditions. This allows deeper cultural interaction and photography opportunities.
Overnight: Chitral
Hotel: Pamir Riverside Hotel / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: ≈ 115 km | Drive time: 4–5 hours
Depart Chitral and travel north along the Chitral River toward Mastuj, passing through quiet mountain villages and scenic valleys.
Overnight: Mastuj
Hotel: Hindukush Heights / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: ≈ 150 km | Drive time: 6–7 hours
Continue your journey toward Phander, crossing the Shandur region, known for its wide plains and alpine scenery. Arrive at beautiful Phander Valley, famous for its lake and trout streams.
Overnight: Phander
Hotel: Rover by Roomy / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: ≈ 185 km | Drive time: 6–7 hours
Drive from Phander to Gilgit via Ghizer Valley, following the river and enjoying lush green landscapes before reaching the regional hub of Gilgit.
Overnight: Gilgit
Hotel: Kalisto Hotel / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: ≈ 150 km | Drive time: 4–5 hours
Travel along the Karakoram Highway toward Upper Hunza, passing Rakaposhi viewpoint and Attabad Lake. Arrive in Passu, known for its iconic cathedral-like peaks and glaciers.
Overnight: Passu
Hotel: Passu Tourist Lodge / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: ≈ 300 km (round trip) | Drive time: 6–7 hours
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Khunjerab Pass (4,693 m), the Pakistan–China border, enjoying high-altitude landscapes and wildlife sightings. Return south to Hunza Valley for the night.
Overnight: Hunza
Hotel: Hilltop Hotel / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Breakfast at hotel. A full day to explore Hunza, visiting Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Karimabad Bazaar, and enjoying panoramic views of Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and Ladyfinger Peak.
Overnight: Hunza
Hotel: Hilltop Hotel / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: ≈ 425 km | Drive time: 8–9 hours
Depart Hunza and drive south along the Karakoram Highway toward Besham, passing through dramatic river gorges and mountain scenery.
Overnight: Besham
Hotel: Hotel Besham Inn / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: ≈ 270 km | Drive time: 6–7 hours
Continue the return journey to Islamabad, descending from the mountains into the plains. Arrive in the capital by evening.
Overnight: Islamabad
Hotel: Envoy Continental / similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight back to your home country.
Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
Airport transfers on the first and last day
All road transport with fuel, toll tax
Hotel accommodation (twin sharing rooms)
Meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Entrance Fee for sites and national park as per itinerary
Bottled water during meals and journey
Travel Insurance (recommendations only)
Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents offered)
International airfare
Personal equipments (list provided on registration or request)
Tips for guides, porters, staff etc
Miscellaneous (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
Deposit: The deposit is non-refundable, but it can be applied toward a future tour departure since it is used for in-country arrangements.
Balance Payment: The remaining balance is payable upon arrival in Pakistan on the first day of your tour. Detailed payment instructions will be provided ahead of time.
Currency: International travelers may pay in US Dollars (USD), or the equivalent in Euros (EUR) or British Pounds (GBP). Pakistani travelers will pay in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) at the applicable rate.
Single Room Supplement: Guests requiring single accommodation will incur an additional USD 350 for the entire tour. This amount is payable with the balance upon arrival in Pakistan.
The Chilam Joshi Festival is the spring festival of the Kalash tribe, celebrated to welcome the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. It takes place in the Kalash Valleys of Chitral, Pakistan, including Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir Valleys. The festival features traditional dances, music, colorful costumes, floral headpieces, and rituals that honor nature and the community. It is a centuries-old cultural tradition reflecting the Kalasha people’s deep connection with their land, spirituality, and social life.
Tourists usually stay in Chitral, Ayun, or local guesthouses in the Kalash Valleys, with options ranging from standard hotels to riverside lodges. Overnight stays during the festival include comfortable hotels close to the festival sites, allowing easy access to all celebrations.
Visitors can drive to Chitral. By road, the journey passes through Taxila and Swat Valley, including the scenic Lowari Tunnel, and finally reaches Chitral, offering travelers stunning views of mountains and river valleys along the way.
Yes! The festival tour includes mountain drives, river valleys, alpine scenery, and the Karakoram Highway through Hunza, making it perfect for adventure seekers and photographers. The itinerary also includes Phander Valley, Attabad Lake, and Khunjerab Pass, providing breathtaking adventure opportunities throughout northern Pakistan.
Tourists can enjoy:
Traditional Kalasha music and dances
Colorful tribal costumes and floral headpieces
Local cuisine and food experiences in Kalash villages
Interacting with the Kalasha community
Photography in scenic valleys and mountain landscapes
The festival provides an authentic glimpse into the unique traditions of the Kalash people.
Yes! We can customize the Chilam Joshi Festival tour according to your preferences, including travel dates, accommodation, duration, and activities, to create a personalized experience that suits your interests and schedule.
(+92) 0335 5101659
tours@saiyah.com.pk
The Chilam Joshi Festival tour was an unforgettable journey. The drives through Swat, Chitral, and Hunza were breathtaking, with stunning rivers, valleys, and mountains at every turn. Our hotels and lodges were comfortable and cozy, making long drives relaxing. Experiencing the Kalash culture, dances, and festivals in such a vibrant setting was truly magical. Every day was perfectly planned, blending adventure, culture, and comfort.
