Chilam Joshi Festival Kalash/ Chitral

Covid-19 Guidelines: As per the SOP's set by the Government of Pakistan, a negative Covid-19 PCR test is required for entry in Pakistan

Chilam Joshi Festival Kalash/Chitral

Known to have descended from the Greeks, many historians believe that Kalaasha were part of the raging armies of Alexander of Macedonia who decided to settle in this part of the world.

These tribes are pagans and have retained their culture and traditions through thousands of years. The open Graveyard, Kalash Museum, old Mosque and the beautiful lush green valleys of Hindukush are a treat for the visitors. Tirich Mir at 7708m- one of the highest peaks of Hindukush Range standing tall in the background of mesmerizing Karakul valley.

One of the world renowned festivals celebrated in Kalash is the Chilam Joshi festival during the month of May. The Kalasha believe that the pastoral god Sorizan protects their herds during autumn and winter, and so they host a winter festival to thank the God, Sorizon. Their other God, Goshidai protects the herds during summer and spring seasons and is thanked at the Chilam Joshi festival.

Quick Facts:

There are two possible ways of reaching Chitral valley from Islamabad.

Fly from ISB to Chitral (subject to flight availability/cancellation/bad-weather)
By road via Swat/Lowari Tunnel

Tour duration: 13 days (12 Days & 13 Nights)
Route : Chose from Routes A/B with slight variation in cost and Tour duration

Difficulty level: Evening walks
Min Age limit: 12 years

Chilam Joshi Festival : May 11th-17th

Cost Per Pax: 900USD (for group of 10- Detailed costs below)

Advance Deposit: 200USD

Tour Itinerary:
Day- 1

Arrival at Islamabad International
Airport Transfer
Overnight Stay at Explorers Lounge Islamabad

Day- 2 (ISB-Swat : travel duration 04 hours)

Departure for Swat Valley via Swat Motorway @0700hrs
Arrival in Swat
Hotel Check-in
Sightseeing in Swat/Kalam

Day- 3 (Swat-Chitral/Ayun : travel duration 08hours)

Breakfast at 0700hrs
Departure for Chitral Valley via Lowari Tunnel
Arrival in Ayun Valley Chitral
Lunch enroute
Hotel Check-in

Day- 4 (Ayun-Kalasha/Rumbur/Bumburet Village via 4×4 Jeeps)

Breakfast @0700hrs
Departure for Rumbur Village, the first of many Kalasha villages where the festival is held in all its splendor. Walk towards the town center, experience the local food and cuisines, experience the culture and living habits of the local People)
Departure for Bumburet (our second Kalasha Festival Village on the tour) in the evening
Arrival in Bumburet
Hotel Check-in

Day- 5 (Bumburet-Chitral Mega : Festival Day)

Breakfast @0700hrs
Town Center where the Mega festival event takes place with all Kalasha tribes gathering in Bumburet.
Nightlife, cultural dances, local cuisine, local music, festival rituals, photography etc
Visit the Historic Kalasha Graveyard
Departure for Chitral in the evening
Hotel Check-in

Day- 6 ( A Day in Chitral)

Breakfast @0700hrs
Visit of historic sights in Chitral including Chitral Fort, Shahi Mosque, Birmoglasht, Chitral Bazaar etc
Overnight Stay in Chitral

Day- 7 (Chitral-Mastuj : border town between Afghanistan and Pakistan)

Breakfast @0700hrs
Drive to Mastuj- a central town in Yarkhund Valley in the heart of Hindukush Mountain Ranges enroute to Shandur Pass
Overnight Stay in Mastuj

Day- 8 (Mastuj-Ghizer via Shandur Pass)

Breakfast @0700hrs
Drive to Ghizer through the legendary Shandur Pass (old Silk Road)
Witness the beauty of Ghizer, Phandur, Gupis, Phander Lake, Khalti Lake, Shandur Polo Ground-the highest Polo Ground in the world and much more
Overnight Stay in Ghizer

Day- 9 (Ghizer-Gilgit)

Breakfast @0700hrs
Departure for Gilgit
Arrival in Gilgit
Visit of Kargah Buddha-ancient Buddha rock statue, Gilgit Bazaar, Local cuisine for lunch
Hotel Check-in
Overnight Stay in Gilgit

Day- 10 (Gilgit-Hunza)

Breakfast @0700hrs
Departure for Hunza
Lunch at the stunning Rakaposhi View Point
Visit of the Junction Point-confluence of three highest mountain ranges in the world, Nanga Parbat View Point near Jaglot and much more
Arrival in Hunza
Hotel Check-in
Visit of Baltit Fort/Ganesh Village
Overnight Stay in Hunza

Day- 11 (Hunza-Khunjerab Pass-Passu)

Breakfast @0700hrs
Departure for Khunjerab Pass-Pakistan-China Border, also the highest border crossing in the world at 4800m ASL
Lunch near the stunning Passu Cones aka Cathedral/Topopdan Peaks
Spotting wildlife in the beautiful Khunjerab National Park
Return to Hunza
Hotel Check-in
Overnight Stay in Hunza

Day- 12 (Hunza-Islamabad via Karakorum Highway)

Breakfast @0700hrs
Departure for Islamabad
Lunch Enroute
Arrival in Islamabad
Overnight Stay in Explorers Lounge Islamabad

Day- 13 (Fly Out)

Breakfast @0700hrs
Airport Transfer
Fly out

*********************End of Itinerary***************

Terms & Conditions

Cost:

For 02 persons: 2000 USD per person (Independent Group)
For 04 persons: 1700 USD per person (Independent Group)
For 06 persons: 1500 USD per person (Independent Group)
For 08 persons: 1200 USD per person (Independent Group)
For 10 persons: 900 USD per person (Independent Group)

Cost Includes:

Visa invitation letter/permits/NOC’s/Briefing/De-Briefing at Alpine Club etc
All meals Breakfast/lunch/dinner (Continental/Desi 2-course) throughout the tour
Air-conditioned luxury Coaster (22-seater/09-seater)/Airport Transfers
All 4×4 Jeep travel
All hotel accommodation (double/triple sharing)
On-board snacks and drinks (ice box) during long travels
Licensed Tour Guide from Ministry of Tourism
All entry tickets including forts and National Parks
Satellite phone for incoming & outgoing on payment

Cost does not include:

Air tickets (national or International)
Visa fee
Travel Insurance
Personal clothing
Laundry
Rescue/evacuation

Essentials to bring along:

Warm clothing, fleece, jackets, headgear. Gloves
Sunglasses UV protective
Sunblock SPF 60+

Pakistan Explorer disciplinary policy:

In wake of unexpected and incidental scenarios e.g. heavy rains/landslide/road blockage/security concerns, PE management will take appropriate measures to continue or disengage the tour (cancellation/refund rules applicable)
Hotel rooms on double sharing
Camps on double sharing
While Guests are encouraged to photograph and record places during their visit, they must respect the local community/houses and their privacy
Guests are strictly advised to use life jackets while swimming or engaging in water sports. PE will not be responsible for any accident encountered in such a scenario
Guests are bound to follow the instructions of the team leader/guide/HAP while crossing dangerous routes or else he/she will not be allowed to proceed further

Cancellations:

All cancellations must be notified in writing to Pakistan Explorer. Cancellation charges will be levied as follows:-

If canceled by the client;

Whenever canceled by the client, the bank charges for both sides from the advance will be paid by the client
If canceled by the client any time after the commencement of the trip, or after deposit of advance due to any reason whatsoever, No refund will be given on any unutilized services other than hotels, meals which are subject to cancellation charges accordingly
If the trekking/expedition is cancelled by the client, government rules will be applied for the refund of Trekking Fee/climbing permits etc.

If canceled by Pakistan Explorer;

If the tour is canceled by Pakistan Explorer citing unfavorable conditions e.g. accident, landslide, flooding, incident of terrorism, wide spread epidemic and other such happenings which are truly incidental and has no participation of either client or Pakistan Explorer, and no alternate destination/arrangement/tour has not been mutually agreed upon by both client and Pakistan Explorer, client will be refunded for whatever unutilized service like hotel accommodation, meals, transportation etc. however, charges for trekking fee/climbing permits and other nonrefundable government charges will not be refunded

Liabilities and Responsibilities of Pakistan Explorer:

Pakistan Explorer, its agents, employees or any of the affiliates or subsidiary companies shall neither be responsible nor liable for any loss, damage, injury, sickness or death caused to any member or the property of the group directly or indirectly due to any delay, accident, acts of God, dangers, fire, landslide, avalanche, machinery failure, declared or undeclared hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, theft, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, delays, cancellations or changes in itinerary or schedules, Govt. restrictions or due to any causes beyond the control of Pakistan Explorer.

Reservations and Advance Payment:

All provisional reservation must reach us in writing well in advance before your arrival in Pakistan. No deposits are necessary for making any provisional reservations.
All provisional reservations are subject to confirmation on deposit of USD 300/= per pax advance payment into our account before arrival of the group/client in Pakistan. The balance amount must be paid on arrival in Pakistan.
Scan/copy of passport along with two passport size photographs will be required to issue invitation letter for Pakistan Visa application
Signed/scanned copy of the tour itinerary along with terms and conditions mentioned above, separately by each member of the group shall be sent via e-mail to Pakistan Explorer in order to dispatch Visa Invitation Letters
Pakistan Explorer is a registered Travel company bearing National Taxation Number (NTN: 7187922-0) and is registered with Ministry of Tourism, Department of Tourist Services (DTS-2117) providing complete assistance to tourist and climbing expeditions from across the world.

Note: one or more than one tour itineraries can be combined for an extended sight-seeing visit to Pakistan. Please send us your query so we can quote accordingly

Confirmation and Payment Mode: For Online Deposits:
Account Title: Pakistan Explorer
A/c #: 001005077804
Branch Code: 0131
IBAN: PK75ALFH0131001005077804
Bank Alfalah F-10 Markaz, Islamabad

For more queries and info Contact:
Pakistan Explorer House
287, Main Sumbal Road F-10/4 Islamabad, 44000
Ph: 0092-51-2370284 (working hours: 0900HRS -1800Hrs GMT+5)
Cell: 0092-301 5323962
E-mail: info@pakistan-explorer.com

Note: Pakistan Explorer is a registered Travel & Media Company based in Islamabad, Pakistan (NTN: 7187922-0 DTS: 2117)