Calendar of the Kalash festival: Kalash Valley Tour
• Chilam Joshi Festival (Kalash Spring Festival) 13 May – 16 May
• Uchal Festival (Kalash summer festival) 20 Aug – 22 Aug
• Choimus Festival (Kalash winter festival) 15 Dec – 22 Dec.
The Kalash festival is an annual celebration observed by the Kalasha people residing in the picturesque Kalash Valley nestled within the Hindu Kush mountain range of Pakistan. This festival occurs three times throughout the year, marking the arrival of spring, summer, and winter. The spring festival, known as Chilam Joshi, commences around May 13th, while the summer festival, called Uchal, kicks off on August 20th. Lastly, the winter festival, named Choimus, starts on December 15th.
During these festivities, the Kalasha community engages in joyful activities such as dancing, singing, and revelry while also partaking in religious rituals to honor their deities and spirits. Offerings and even sacrifices are made as part of their worship. Additionally, the festival serves as a significant social event where young men and women traditionally select their future spouses.
The Chilam Joshi festival, also known as the Spring festival, is celebrated by the Kalash people across all Kalash valleys over four days. It commences with “Milk Day,” where milk collected from households is stored ten days prior to the festival. During this event, libations are offered by the Kalash community. This festival serves as a vibrant reflection of their cultural richness and the societal harmony they cherish, conveying a message of peace to the world. Prayers are offered for blessings from their deity, seeking prosperity in agriculture and the well-being of their livestock for the upcoming year.
Amidst the festivities, Kalash men and women traditionally choose their life partners, a significant aspect of the celebration. Women adorn themselves in traditional attire adorned with lively colors and floral patterns, complemented by beaded necklaces and headgear. Men wear the traditional Shalwar Kameez paired with woolen waistcoats. Together, they dance and sing in the valley tribes, culminating in the announcement of their chosen life partners on the festival’s final day.
The Kalash Uchal festival, also known as the Kalash Summer festival, is a cherished tradition among the Kalash people to mark the onset of summer. Over the years, this festival has gained significant popularity not only within the Kalasha community but also among people from various parts of Pakistan and international tourists.
During this festive occasion, the Kalash people express their gratitude to their deity by commemorating the harvest season and giving thanks for the abundance of food and crops bestowed upon them. A highlight of the festival is the procession undertaken by the Kalash community to a high plateau outside the village in Balangkuru, where they offer prayers to their God. Following the prayers, a night-long celebration ensues, filled with dance and revelry that extends into the early hours of the next morning. The festivities of the Kalash Summer festival are observed across all valleys and continue for several days, serving as a vibrant expression of communal joy and gratitude.
The Kalash Choimus Festival, also known as the Kalash Winter festival, is a significant annual event referred to as “Choimus” in the local language. This festival serves as both a symbol and a forecast of prosperity for the village and its inhabitants in the upcoming year.
During Choimus, people engage in the tradition of seeking out foxes, believed to bring good omens. Torch-lit processions journey from neighboring villages to the central traditional dancing area known as the “Charsue.” Festivities, including dancing and merriment take place indoors and continue late into the night, accompanied by the sharing of local wine around bonfires.
At the break of dawn on the New Year, purification rituals are performed by the locals. Tribal elders congregate at hilltops to witness the sunrise of the New Year, followed by the offering of goat sacrifices to the Goddess Jastak at the temple Jastarkhan, with the blood ceremoniously sprinkled as part of the ritual.
Accommodation: ✓ 04 nights in 3 star hotel.
Transportation: ✓ Car with fuel and toll taxes.
Meals: ✓ Breakfast Lunch & dinner only in the hotel.
Our Team: ✓ Professional & licensed guides throughout the tour.
Visa:✓ Invitation letter for visa process.
Entry Tickets: ✓ All visiting areas entry tickets
20% Advance on date block & confirmation of
services. 80% cash on arrival.
06 Working days or less, 100% cancellation
charge.
07 to 10 working days – 50% or the equivalent of
the first two days’ charges.
12 working days or more – no cancellation
charges provided no commitment or advances
Personal effects for Warm/Windy/Rainy conditions should be
carried by clients. Insect’s repellent, Sunburn lotion etc.
Following are recommended for nature trail
Using drugs or intoxication of any kind is strictly prohibited. If anyone is caught using any kind of substance on buses or
during trip will be expelled from the trip on the spot. That person will not be eligible for any kind of refund.
• We reserve the right to cancel trip without prior notice for any reasons deemed appropriate by them.
• In such a case the registered participants will receive full refund.
• On adventure trip of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond the control of
organizers can result in a change of itinerary.
• It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the Leader of the
group and Guide will decide what the best alternative is, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group
• Smoking in the transport is strictly prohibited.
• Participants must hold a valid Computerized CNIC/Passport Card.
• Time management / punctuality is strictly recommended.
• Participants are advised to use Non-Slippery Shoes/Boot/Joggers/DMS. Participants must NOT wear Heel/Dress Shoes.
• On steep ascends in mountainous areas, air conditioned of the buses will be operational on on-off basis to keep the vehicles
from overheating.
• The Stunning Pakistan will not be responsible for any injury/damage/loss.
