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8 Days 07 Nights
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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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.
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.
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.
Begin your journey to Chitral crossing the historic Lowari Tunnel. Explore the Shahi Mosque and Chitral Fort upon arrival. Overnight stay in Chitral.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Final return drive to Islamabad. Airport drop-off or hotel check-in if needed. End of tour.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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