Choimus Kalash Festival – 8 Days Winter (December)

Arrive at the Meeting Point/Islamabad Airport where you will be received by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. After some rest and relaxation, we will head into Islamabad to see some of the sights the capital has to offer such as the Faisal Mosque, which is nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills and inspired by strong Islamic cultural characteristics. Time permitting, we will visit Daman-e-Koh, a viewing point offering stunning panoramic views across Islamabad. In the evening, we will have a briefing ahead of the trip ahead during the welcome dinner. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

After breakfast, we will make our way to Swat Valley, arriving at Marghazar in the afternoon, a hill station set at the centre of some of the country’s most scenic mountain valleys and forestry. After exploring this landscape, we will head to the White Palace located on Marghazar Hill and once used by the Wali of Swat as his summer residence. Cut from the same marble as the Taj Mahal, this grandiose building sits in beautiful gardens and has a rich history that was enjoyed by Queen Elizabeth II on a visit to Swat Valley. Overnight stay in Swat.

After breakfast, we will make our way to the beautiful Bumburet Valley, the largest of the 3 Kalash Valleys with its sparkling streams, shady meadows and wide mountain vistas. Spot animals grazing nearby and be mesmerised by its lush green plains as you make your way through the valley. From here, we will make our way to the centre where we will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the people of Kalash, an indigenous tribe who are said to be descendants of Alexander the Great. Travellers come from far and wide to see the rich ancient culture and rituals of this minority pagan tribe and we will join in on their festivities as they showcase their distinctive culture through music and dance as the Choimus Festival begins. The celebrations will continue till late at night as we dance around large bonfires on the beats of the drums, followed by a goat sacrifice designed to signify the purification process before the new year is
called in. Overnight stay in Bumburet.

This morning, we will head to the Kalasha Museum, which is a must in order to get to grips with this unique culture and its fascinating roots. We will then visit the Kalash Graveyard where death is a celebration and is reminiscent of a time when the local tribe would sing and dance around the bodies of their loved ones before burial. After exploring the main town we will make our way to the centre where we will participate once again in the festivities. We will join the people of Kalash in celebrating this winter festival, which is a colourful swirl of traditional dance, food and prayers, which ask for protection for the coming year. Here, we will learn about the culture, interact with the locals and enjoy nature at its very best. In the evening we will head to the town of Chitral where we will check in to our hotel for the night. Overnight stay in Chitral.

Today, we will be exploring the hidden jewel in North Pakistan that is Chitral. With its cool climate and unique architecture, this is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those looking to take in a land that has been well preserved and secluded from the rest of the country. First, we will head to the majestic Chitral Fort, which holds a strategic position on the Chitral River and  was believed to have been built in 1774. This fort has witnessed the glories and ruins of history for centuries and has been the subject of major invasions, most famously the 1895 siege which is much celebrated event in British history. From here, we will visit the nearby Shahi Mosque, which was built towards the latter part of the 19th century and is known for its remarkable eye-catching structure. After having lunch in Birmoghlast, which is situated on a mountain top, we will take a wander through the ancient markets of Chitral where the locals sell their finest wares. Overnight stay in Chitral.

After breakfast, we will leave for Swat Valley where an early check-in will allow room for some rest and guests will have the option of spending the evening at their leisure. Overnight stay in Swat.

Following breakfast, we will make our way back to Islamabad whilst taking in the staggering mountain scenery, the rough terrains of the road and the welcoming people in the neighbouring villages. On arrival, we will visit Taxila Museum, which houses artefacts dating back to the 1st century and where you can unfold the chapters of the lost Ghandaran dynasty. In the evening, we will head to Pir Sohawa to enjoy a farewell dinner at the famous Monal restaurant, which offers the finest views of Islamabad from a stunning vantage point. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

After a hearty breakfast and a bittersweet farewell, you will be transferred to Islamabad Airport/Departure Point where our trip will come to an end.