Kalash Choimus Festival Tour – 8 Days of Winter Culture in Chitral
Celebrate ancient traditions and timeless landscapes in the heart of the Hindu Kush Step into a world unlike any other on this extraordinary cultural journey into Pakistan’s remote Chitral Valley, where snow-dr…
About this journey
Celebrate ancient traditions and timeless landscapes in the heart of the Hindu Kush
Step into a world unlike any other on this extraordinary cultural journey into Pakistan’s remote Chitral Valley, where snow-draped mountains frame one of the world’s most unique and colorful indigenous cultures—the Kalash people.
This tour is centered around the vibrant Choimus Festival, the Kalasha’s most important annual celebration. Held every December around the winter solstice, Choimus marks the end of the harvest season and the welcoming of the New Year with rituals that are thousands of years old. It is a time of singing, dancing, storytelling, and ceremonial offerings—a captivating blend of mysticism, joy, and cultural pride.
Your journey begins in Islamabad, from where you travel through stunning mountain scenery into the remote valleys of Chitral. En route, experience the local culture, visit historical forts and mosques, and explore the mountain town of Ayun.
As you reach the Kalash Valleys—Rumbur, Bumburet, or Birir—you’ll be immersed in the daily life of the Kalasha people. Stay in locally-run lodges and witness firsthand the preparations for Choimus: the making of ceremonial bread, the donning of elaborate traditional dress, and the ancient purification rituals practiced to welcome the New Year. At night, join the locals around bonfires, where haunting polyphonic chants and rhythmic circle dances echo into the frozen air under a star-filled sky.
Beyond the festival, explore the nearby town of Chitral, home to the historic Shahi Mosque, the Chitral Fort, and traditional bazaars. A visit to Chitral Gol National Park offers the chance to spot the elusive Markhor, a majestic mountain goat and national symbol of Pakistan.
This tour offers not only breathtaking Himalayan landscapes but also rare access to a living culture untouched by modern homogenization. Perfect for photographers, anthropologists, adventurers, and seekers of authenticity, the Kalash Choimus Winter Festival & Chitral Valley Tour is an unforgettable blend of cultural immersion and natural wonder.
Day by day
1Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Our team will greet and transfer you to your hotel. If time permits, explore Faisal Mosque and Constitution Avenue. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
2Day 2: Drive to Swat (Drive Time: 6–7 hours)
Depart for the scenic Swat Valley via Malakand Pass. Enjoy beautiful riverside views along the Swat River and reach Mingora by evening. Check-in and rest. Overnight stay in Swat.
3Day 3: Swat to Chitral via Lowari Tunnel (Drive Time: 7–8 hours)
Begin your journey to Chitral crossing the historic Lowari Tunnel. Explore the Shahi Mosque and Chitral Fort upon arrival. Overnight stay in Chitral.
4Day 4: Drive to Bumburet – Festival Begins (Drive Time: 3–4 hours)
Travel to Bumburet, heart of the Kalash valleys. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and witness the opening of Choimus with ceremonial goat sacrifices and fire rituals. Overnight stay in Bumburet.
5Day 5: Choimus Celebration – Bonfires, Dances & Community Feasts
Join the Kalash community in their annual solstice festivities with songs, storytelling, and ritual dancing around the fire. This is the most sacred night of the festival. Overnight stay in Bumburet.
6Day 6: Excursion to Kalasha Dur Museum & Rumbur Valley (Drive Time: 1–2 hours round trip)
Take a short drive to the Kalasha Dur Museum for insight into Kalash heritage. Visit nearby Rumbur Valley to experience a contrasting Kalash subculture. Return to Bumburet. Overnight stay in Bumburet.
7Day 7: Drive to Swat (Drive Time: 8–9 hours)
Say farewell to the Kalash valleys and drive back to Swat. Evening at leisure to explore local bazaar or rest at hotel. Overnight stay in Swat.
8Day 8: Return to Islamabad (Drive Time: 6–7 hours)
Final return drive to Islamabad. Airport drop-off or hotel check-in if needed. End of tour.
What you will experience
- Celebrate the Choimus Festival with the Kalash people—featuring bonfires, music, goat sacrifices, and solstice rituals
- Experience the spiritual richness and communal joy of Pakistan’s most unique winter celebration
- Explore Chitral Fort, Shahi Mosque, and Kalasha Dur Museum
- Scenic drive through Lowari Tunnel and snow-covered valleys
- Ideal for culture lovers and photographers looking for off-season, authentic experiences
What to bring
A practical starting point for this trip. Your guide will send a final, weather-checked list two weeks before departure.
Documents & essentials
- Passport valid 6+ months, plus photocopies stored separately
- Pakistan visa or e-visa confirmation printout
- Travel insurance certificate (mandatory — must cover altitude if trekking)
- Flight tickets and this itinerary, printed and on your phone
- Cash in USD or EUR for exchange; cards are not widely accepted outside major cities
- Passport-sized photographs for permits and hotel registration
Cold-weather clothing
- Insulated down jacket rated to −15°C or colder
- Thermal base layers, merino or synthetic (2–3 sets)
- Fleece or wool mid-layers
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell, jacket and trousers
- Insulated waterproof boots with good tread for snow and ice
- Wool socks (4–6 pairs) plus liner socks
- Insulated gloves plus thin liner gloves
- Warm hat, neck gaiter or balaclava
- Traction cleats or microspikes for icy paths
Health & personal care
- Personal medication with a copy of the prescription
- Basic first-aid kit: blister plasters, painkillers, antihistamine, rehydration salts
- Anti-diarrhoeal and a broad-spectrum antibiotic if your doctor advises it
- High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50) and SPF lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Toilet paper — not reliably supplied outside hotels
- Altitude sickness medication (Acetazolamide) — discuss with your doctor before travel
Electronics
- Universal adapter — Pakistan uses type C and D sockets, 230 V
- Power bank; mains power is intermittent in mountain areas
- Camera with spare batteries — cold drains them quickly
- Phone with offline maps downloaded before departure
Good to have
- Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste
- Small padlock for luggage
- Snacks you like — choice is limited outside cities
- Earplugs and eye mask for long drives and shared lodges
- A small gift or postcards from home if you plan to visit local families
Good to know before you go
What’s included
- •All accommodation (hotel and guesthouse/lodges)
- Daily Meals
- Private air-conditioned transport
- All tolls, road taxes, and entry tickets
- Local cultural guide with Kalash heritage experience
- Airport transfers
Not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Snacks and beverages
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional excursions not mentioned
When to travel
Winter season. Highlighted months are when we run this itinerary. Private departures can be arranged on any date — just ask.
Dates shown are guide departures. Exact start dates are confirmed at the time of booking and can be adjusted to suit your flights.
Plan your Kalash Choimus Festival Tour – 8 Days of Winter Culture in Chitral
Tell us your dates and we will build this itinerary around them — private guide, your pace, your interests. We reply within one working day.
Or call +92 342 5017535
Questions travellers ask
1. What is the Kalash Choimus Festival and why is it special?
The Choimus Festival is the Kalash people’s winter solstice celebration, held in December to welcome the New Year. It includes traditional dances, music, rituals, and bonfires, making it one of the most unique winter festivals in Pakistan. This tour offers rare access to the indigenous Kalash culture in the remote valleys of Chitral.
2. When and where is the Choimus Festival celebrated?
The festival takes place annually in Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir valleys—the three main Kalash settlements in the Chitral region. The best time to experience the Choimus Festival is mid to late December. Our tour ensures you arrive during the peak celebration days.
3. Is the Kalash Choimus Festival tour suitable for foreign travelers and photographers?
Absolutely! This tour is perfect for international tourists, photographers, anthropologists, and anyone interested in indigenous cultures. It’s a fully guided and culturally respectful experience with opportunities for local interaction, photography, and immersion in Kalash traditions.
4. What should I pack for the Kalash winter tour in December?
Pack thermal layers, a heavy winter jacket, gloves, wool socks, and waterproof boots, as temperatures can drop below freezing. A camera, power bank, and flashlight are also recommended. All travel arrangements are made to ensure comfort in cold weather conditions.
5. Is this tour safe, and what are the accommodations like in Kalash and Chitral?
Yes, the Chitral and Kalash Valleys are safe and welcoming to tourists. Our tour includes comfortable hotels in Chitral and authentic guesthouses in Kalash, with heating and basic amenities. All transportation is private and accompanied by a professional local guide.
