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Choimus Kalash Winter Festival (2026-27) – 09 Days

(2 Reviews)
  • 09 Days
  • 2-10 pax
  • 13 Dec – 21 Dec
chilam Jusht
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Choimus Kalash Winter Festival is one of the top cultural festivals of Pakistan, celebrated by the indigenous Kalasha tribe in the beautiful Kalash Valley of Chitral. The Kalasha people celebrate many festivals throughout the year, but the three main Kalash festivals are Chilam Joshi Festival, which is the spring festival, Uchal Festival, celebrated in summer, and Choimus Festival, which is the winter festival. Among these, the Choimus Kalash Winter Festival holds deep spiritual and cultural importance as it marks the end of the year and the winter season.

Celebrated during the cold months, the Choimus Kalash Winter Festival is an amazing cultural experience set in the dramatic Hindukush mountain ranges of northern Pakistan. During the festival, Kalash villages come alive with sacred rituals, traditional music, ceremonial fires, and spiritual gatherings that reflect centuries old beliefs and customs. The festival focuses on purification, gratitude, and welcoming the new year, offering travelers a rare and meaningful insight into Kalash culture.

The cultural importance of the Kalash people is recognized worldwide. In November 2018, UNESCO listed Kalash culture as Intangible Cultural Heritage. This historic decision was announced during the 13th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee meeting held in Mauritius, highlighting the global value of Kalash traditions, festivals, and way of life.

Our Choimus Kalash Winter Festival Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to witness one of Pakistan’s most authentic winter festivals while exploring remote mountain valleys and experiencing the warmth of Kalash hospitality. This tour is ideal for cultural explorers, photographers, and travelers seeking an immersive cultural journey in Pakistan.

Highlights

  • Experience the sacred Choimus Kalash Winter Festival in Kalash Valley

  • Witness traditional Kalash winter rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations

  • Interact with Kalash community members including men and women

  • Explore the remote and culturally rich Kalash Valley, Chitral

  • Enjoy traditional Kalash and authentic Pakistani cuisine throughout the journey

  • Travel through the scenic valleys of Swat, Dir, Chitral, and Kalash

  • Drive through dramatic mountain landscapes of the Hindukush Range

  • Pass through the Lowari Tunnel, a vital connection to Chitral

  • Enjoy panoramic views of rivers, streams, and mountain valleys

  • Visit the ancient Buddhist ruins of Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Explore Takht-e-Bahi Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Discover the historic city of Peshawar and its cultural landmarks

  • Walk through Qissa Khawani Bazaar, one of the oldest bazaars in South Asia

  • Visit Mohabbat Khan Mosque and Peshawar Museum

  • Enjoy a guided city tour of Islamabad including Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Daman-e-Koh, and Lok Virsa Museum

  • Stay in comfortable, well-selected hotels throughout the tour

  • Travel with a licensed professional guide for cultural insight and safety

  • Experience winter landscapes, local hospitality, and authentic cultural encounters

Start Dates End Dates Price (USD) Availability Deposit Registration
Dec 13, 2026 Dec 21, 2026 $1550 Available $500
Register Now

*Price is based on twin sharing room.
*Single room supplement: $250 per person.

Itinerary – Choimus Kalash Winter Festival

Day 1 - Arrive Islamabad

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from your international journey.
Overnight: Islamabad
Hotel: Envoy Continental / similar
Meals: Dinner

Day 02: Islamabad – Taxila – Swat

Distance: Approximately 300 km
Drive Time: 7 to 8 hours
After breakfast, depart from Islamabad towards Swat Valley. En route, visit the ancient Buddhist ruins of Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue the journey through scenic countryside and mountainous landscapes before arriving in Swat.
Overnight: Swat
Hotel: Royal Lodge Swat/ similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03: Swat – Chitral

Distance: Approximately 250 km
Drive Time: 6 to 7 hours
After breakfast, travel from Swat to Chitral through stunning mountain terrain. Cross the Lowari Tunnel, an important route connecting Dir with Chitral, while enjoying dramatic valleys and river views along the way.
Overnight: Chitral
Hotel: Pamir Riverside Hotel/ similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 04: Excursion to Kalash Valley – Choimus Festival

Distance: Approximately 80 km round trip
Drive Time: 3 to 4 hours
Today, enjoy a full day excursion to Kalash Valley to experience the Choimus Kalash Winter Festival. Witness traditional dances, ritual ceremonies, and vibrant cultural expressions of the Kalash people. Return to Chitral in the evening.
Overnight: Chitral
Hotel: Pamir Riverside Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 05: Kalash Valley Excursion – Choimus Festival

Distance: Approximately 80 km round trip
Drive Time: 3 to 4 hours
Spend another full day in Kalash Valley to further immerse yourself in Choimus Festival celebrations. Explore local villages, interact with the Kalash community, and enjoy excellent opportunities for cultural photography.
Overnight: Chitral
Hotel: Pamir Riverside Hotel/ similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 06: Chitral to Peshawar

Distance: Approximately 360 km
Drive Time: 7 to 8 hours
After breakfast, depart for Peshawar via the Malakand Pass. En route, visit Takht e Bahi Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue onward to Peshawar and transfer to your hotel upon arrival.
Overnight: Peshawar
Hotel: Fort Continental
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 07: Explore Peshawar - Islamabad

Distance: Approximately 200 km
Drive time: 2–3 hours
After breakfast, explore the historic city of Peshawar, including Qissa Khawani Bazaar, Kabuli Gate, Sethi House, Gor Khatri, Peshawar Museum, and Mohabbat Khan Mosque. In the late afternoon, drive to Islamabad and arrive by evening.
Overnight stay: Islamabad
Hotel: Envoy Continental/similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 08: Islamabad City Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a comprehensive city tour of Islamabad. Visit Faisal Mosque, Daman e Koh, Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa Museum, and Raja Bazaar.
Overnight: Islamabad
Hotel: Envoy Continental/ similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 09: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight, marking the conclusion of the tour.
Meals: Breakfast

Included
Excluded

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)

Important Information

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 250 for the entire tour. This amount is payable with the balance upon arrival in Pakistan.

FAQ

What is the Choimus Kalash Winter Festival, where is it celebrated, and why is it celebrated?

The Choimus Kalash Winter Festival is one of the most important cultural festivals of the Kalash people in northern Pakistan. Celebrated annually in Kalash Valley, Chitral (Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir), it marks the winter solstice and honors ancestors and nature. During the festival, locals wear traditional attire, perform sacred dances, and take part in centuries-old rituals. Travelers can experience authentic Kalash culture, stunning Hindukush mountains, and unique winter traditions.

Where can tourists stay during the Choimus Kalash Winter Festival?

Tourists usually stay in Chitral or local guesthouses in the Kalash Valleys, with options ranging from standard hotels to riverside lodges. Overnight stays during the festival include comfortable accommodations close to the festival sites, allowing easy access to all celebrations. Popular options include Chitral Inn, Hindukush Heights, Pamir Riverside Hotel, Chitral Guest House, and Tirich Mir Hotel.

How can I reach the Choimus Kalash Winter Festival from Islamabad?

Visitors can drive from Islamabad to Chitral. By road, the journey passes through Taxila and Swat Valley, crosses the Lowari Tunnel, and finally reaches Chitral, offering travelers stunning views of mountains, rivers, and scenic valleys along the way.

 

Is the Choimus Kalash Winter Festival suitable for adventure travelers?

Yes! The Choimus Kalash Winter Festival tour includes mountain drives, river valleys, snow-covered valleys, and the scenic Lowari Tunnel, making it perfect for adventure seekers and photographers. The itinerary also covers Swat, Chitral, and the remote Kalash Valleys, providing breathtaking adventure opportunities throughout northern Pakistan.

What cultural experiences can tourists enjoy at the Choimus Kalash Winter Festival?

Tourists attending the Choimus Kalash Winter Festival in Kalash Valley can enjoy a wide range of cultural experiences, including:

  • Observing sacred winter rituals and ceremonies unique to Choimus

  • Traditional Kalash dances and chanting performed during the festival

  • Wearing and learning about the Kalash black winter attire with colorful embroidery

  • Tasting authentic Kalash winter dishes and local Pakistani cuisine

  • Interacting with the Kalash community, including men, women, and elders, to understand their spiritual and cultural traditions

The festival offers an authentic insight into the ancient winter traditions and spiritual heritage of the Kalash people.

Can I customize Choimus Kalash Winter Festival trip?

Yes! We can customize the Choimus Kalash Winter Festival tour according to your preferences, including travel dates, accommodation, duration, and activities, to create a personalized experience that suits your interests and schedule.

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John Carcino

Couple Traveller

The Choimus Festival tour was absolutely unforgettable! We loved every moment, from the colorful festival celebrations to the breathtaking mountain scenery. Sarosh organized everything perfectly – he was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole trip so smooth. We felt completely safe throughout the journey and made so many amazing memories. Choosing Pakistan for our honeymoon was the best decision, and we’re so grateful to Sarosh for making it truly memorable!

January 4, 2026

Gia Rocco

Solo Traveller

I can’t stop thinking about my Choimus Kalash Winter Festival tour! Every part of the trip was incredible, from driving through Swat and Chitral, to exploring the Kalash Valleys and experiencing the festival firsthand. The dances, rituals, and the warmth of the Kalash people were truly magical. I felt completely safe the whole time & the best thing was the comfortable journey, very well planned trip.

December 28, 2025
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