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- Hopar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan
8 Days · May, August or December · Cultural Tour
Dance, music, colorful dress and ancient rituals. Join the Kalasha people for one of their seasonal festivals in the Kalash Valleys of Chitral, with local guides who know the community well.
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Start & End
Islamabad
Festivals
May · August · December
Focus
Living Culture
Tour Type
Private / Small Group
Tour Overview
The Kalash festivals are among the most colorful cultural events in Pakistan. Celebrated by the Kalasha people of Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir, they mark the seasons with days of singing, drumming and circle dances, prayers and offerings, and gatherings where families meet and young people choose their partners.
There are three main festivals each year. Chilam Joshi welcomes spring in mid-May, Uchal celebrates the summer harvest in late August, and Chaumos, the most sacred, is held in December at the winter solstice. Exact dates can shift slightly each year, so we confirm them before you book.
Our 8-day Kalash festival tour includes Islamabad, a mountain flight or scenic drive to Chitral, sightseeing in Chitral town and two to three days in the Kalash Valleys, timed for the main festival days.
Day-by-Day Plan
An 8-day plan built around the festival days, with a road backup if mountain flights are cancelled.
Day 1
Your guide meets you at Islamabad International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. Group briefing about the festival and, time permitting, sightseeing in Islamabad. Overnight in Islamabad.
Day 2
A spectacular one-hour mountain flight to Chitral, subject to weather. If the flight is cancelled, we drive via Mardan, Malakand, Dir and the Lowari Tunnel. Afternoon in the local bazaar. Overnight in Chitral.
Day 3
Explore Chitral, the district capital on the Kunar River at the foot of Tirich Mir. Visit Chitral Fort, the Shahi Mosque, Chitral Museum, the old bazaar and, time permitting, the Chitral Gol National Park viewpoint. Overnight in Chitral.
Day 4
By jeep to Rumbur or Bumburet, around 50 km from Chitral. Meet the Kalasha community, visit local homes and shops and settle into your guest house. Overnight in the Kalash Valley.
Day 5
A full day at the festival with our guide: music, dances, rituals and celebrations. Evening bonfire and traditional dances. Overnight in the Kalash Valley.
Day 6
Morning in the valley, then drive back to Chitral with plenty of memories. Overnight in Chitral.
Day 7
Mountain flight back to Islamabad, or drive if the flight is cancelled. Time permitting, sightseeing in Islamabad. Overnight in Islamabad.
Day 8
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home. End of the Kalash festival tour.
Festival Calendar
Chilam Joshi (spring festival): usually around 13 to 16 May.
Uchal (summer festival): usually around 20 to 22 August.
Chaumos (winter festival): usually in mid-December, lasting around a week.
Festival dates are set by the Kalasha community and can change slightly each year. Contact us and we will confirm the exact dates for your travel year.
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Why Pakistan Tours and Treks
Born and raised in Nagar and Hunza, our team knows every valley, road and season.
Friendly local guides who share the history, culture and stories behind each place.
Change the dates, hotels, pace or route. Every private tour is planned around you.
Quick replies on WhatsApp and email, from first question to final airport drop.
Good to Know
Chilam Joshi in May is the most popular with visitors, with green valleys and flowers. Uchal in August is smaller and more relaxed. Chaumos in December is the most sacred and some parts are closed to outsiders.
Visitors are often welcome to watch and sometimes to join the circle dances. Always follow your guide’s advice and ask before taking photos.
Mountain flights depend on the weather. If the flight is cancelled we travel by road via the Lowari Tunnel, and the itinerary is planned to keep the festival days safe.
In clean, simple local guest houses, which gives you a chance to experience village life closely.
Most international travelers need a Pakistan tourist visa, which can be applied for online through the official Pakistan Online Visa System. Once you book, we can share your confirmed itinerary and hotel details to support your application.
Gilgit-Baltistan is widely regarded as one of the most peaceful and welcoming regions of Pakistan and receives many international visitors every year. You travel with our local guide and an experienced driver throughout.
Tell us your travel dates and group size. We will send a personalized itinerary and price within 24 hours.
Also explore: Kalash & Chitral Tour · Gilgit-Baltistan Tour · Hunza Cherry Blossom Tour
A locally owned tour operator from Gilgit-Baltistan, welcoming travelers from every corner of the world to Hunza, Skardu, Nagar, Fairy Meadows and the Karakoram. Private tours, family trips, honeymoons and guided treks, planned by people who were born here.
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