Chilam Joshi Festival: Islamabad to Kalash Valley

Drive Time: ~5–6 hours
Distance: ~360–385 km to Ayun Valley via Lowari Tunnel route.
Altitude: ~1,400 m (Ayun Valley).
Weather/Expected Temperature: Cooler than Islamabad; Day ~10–15 °C, Night ~4–8 °C.
Itinerary: Early departure from Islamabad heading northwest through scenic terrain. Travel via M‑1, N‑45 and Lowari Tunnel into Chitral district. Stop en‑route at local viewpoints and roadside villages. Arrive in Ayun Valley by late afternoon. Enjoy walking around the valley, view the confluence of rivers and local bazaars.
Night Stay: Ayun Valley

Drive Time: ~3 hours total
Distance: ~35–40 km from Ayun to Bumburet via Chitral town roads.
Altitude: ~1,600–2,300 m (Bumburet Valley).
Weather/Expected Temperature: Valley temps remain cool; Day ~8–14 °C, Night ~0–6 °C; higher altitudes may be chillier.
Itinerary: Depart Ayun after breakfast, drive through Chitral town, then ascend to Bumburet Valley. Attend Chilam Joshi Festival Day 1, experiencing traditional Kalasha dance, music, rituals and vibrant attire — a celebration of spring. (Note: The festival officially occurs mid‑May each year, but your dates in late March are off‑season for official festival dates. If you still wish to visit the Kalash culture in March, plan for cultural experiences and local dances with community hosts.)
Night Stay: Bumburet Valley

Drive Time: ~1.5–2 hours over mountain roads
Distance: ~20–30 km between valleys (via scenic connecting roads).
Altitude: Similar high valley range.
Weather/Expected Temperature: Cool mountain climate; watch for wind chill.
Itinerary: Explore Rumbur Valley — noted for its deeper cultural immersion among Kalasha villages. Visit traditional homes, watch folk music and storytelling sessions, and enjoy panoramic mountain views. Stop at noteworthy natural sites such as waterfalls and trekking trails.
Night Stay: Rumbur Valley

Drive Time: ~3–4 hours
Distance: ~50–60 km back to Chitral + short drive to park.
Altitude: ~1,500 m (Chitral); higher in parts of Chitral Gol National Park.
Weather/Expected Temperature: Mountain region in late March remains cool; expect ~5–12 °C daytime with colder nights.
Itinerary: Descend from scenic Kalash valleys, stopping in Chitral Town for local bazaars and historic sites such as the Chitral Fort and Shahi Masjid. Continue to Chitral Gol National Park, home to diverse wildlife and panoramic valley views. Take nature walks and photography breaks.
Night Stay: Chitral Town / National Park area

Drive Time: ~6–7 hours
Distance: ~295–300 km via Lowari Tunnel and N‑45 to Peshawar.
Altitude: ~359 m (Peshawar).
Weather/Expected Temperature: Mild to warm; Day ~20–24 °C, Night ~8–12 °C.
Itinerary: Early departure from Chitral through scenic valleys and Lowari Tunnel. Break for lunch midway in Dir or Mardan. Arrive in Peshawar by afternoon and check in. Spend your evening at the historic Qissa Khawani Bazaar and try local cuisine.
Night Stay: Peshawar

Drive Time: Minimal local transfers
Distance: Variable within city
Altitude: 359 m.
Weather/Expected Temperature: Pleasant daytime temperatures ~20–24 °C, nights ~8–12 °C.
Itinerary: Explore Peshawar’s heritage with visits to Bala Hisar Fort, Peshawar Museum (with Gandharan artifacts), historic mosques and gardens. Walk through historic old city streets to shop local handicrafts and spices.
Night Stay: Peshawar

Drive Time: ~3–4 hours
Distance: ~155 km via M‑1 Motorway.
Altitude: ~540 m (Islamabad).
Weather/Expected Temperature: Pleasant spring weather ~18–24 °C daytime, cooler at night.
Itinerary: Depart Peshawar mid‑morning for Islamabad. Arrive and explore Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa Museum, and the Centaurus Mall. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a recommended fine dining restaurant.
Night Stay: Islamabad

Drive Time: Local Travel from Hotel to Airport
Distance: 30 km from City Centre
Weather/Expected Temperature: As above for Islamabad.
Itinerary: Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home. Conclude your immersive cultural and scenic tour