Chilim Jusht or Chilam Joshi, the spring festival of Kalash is celebrated every year in the month of May. It’s a seven-day celebration marking the arrival of summer. This year Chilam Joshi would be starting from 12th to 17th May at Kalash Valley which is approximately 27 kilometers away from Chitral.
Kalash is a majestic valley of a small group of people which lies on the flank of the eastern range of Hindu Kush, embodied with three narrow valleys of Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir and located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. According to a study, an approximate number of 3000 people are living in this region.
It is of the view that the people of Kalash are the last living representatives of the region of Kafiristan, which was a region extended across the mountain range of Hindu Kush from the eastern part of the Afghanistan.
In the 19th century, the part of the Kafiristan shared by Afghanistan was converted to Islam during the reign of Amir Abd al-Rahman Khan. After the conversation of Islam the region was known as Nooristan “The Land of Light”, on the other hand the area of Kafiristan shared by the people of Kalash, living in the southern part of the Chitral was conquered by the Kho (Chitrali) rulers, who tried to expand the impression of Islam in the region.
It is a fact that mostly people of Kalash are non-Muslims but recently many of the Kalasha girls change their religion and converted to Islam after their marriages with Muslim men. One thing that needs to be highlighted is that Kalash is a region of free religion, where there is no restriction on becoming a Muslim. They also claimed that they are the descendants of the Alexander the Great during the period of 400 BC.
FESTIVAL OF KALASH:
At the end of winters, all the males of the valley gather at their holy place Sajigor for performing religious functions before the celebration of the big festival of Chilam Joshi.
Dates & Cost
Holiday Information
Chilam Joshi celebrations highlight their cultural richness, the plethora of colors and the underlying message of peace. The women dressed up in traditional clothes of vibrant colors, gold, silver jewelers and elaborate headgear. Men wear traditional shalwar kameez with a woolen waistcoat.
Kalashi festivals are famous throughout the world. Three festivals are more important, celebrated in different months of the year. Chilam Joshi is the most important festival celebrated in May for four days.
Cost Included
► Government licensed professional guide/leader (pre-requisite for the Tour)
► Airport transfers on first and last day from/to Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad
► All domestic flights and transfers (according to itinerary)
► All road transport in Pakistan (according to itinerary above)
► All accommodation in Pakistan (hotels and camps) according to itinerary (Twin basis)
► All meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at hotels
► All tour requirements on ground (including, support staff, (excluding personal) etc
► Government Permits, documentation.
All prices is based on
What does Packages not Include?
► Travel insurance
► Visa to Pakistan (Letter of Invitation and other supporting documents will be offered by us for visa application)
► International flights (return tickets)
► Tips for guides, porters, staff etc
► Early Wind-up
► Miscellaneous (drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc at hotels)
► Souvenirs
► Things that is not mentioned above
Reservations
Reservations can be made via faxing or mailing together. The Tour expense is entirely based on the itinerary and the aggregate number of hotel and camp evenings specified therein. If the event has to be deferred because of awful climate, road washouts or postponed flights, affliction, Government constraints or some other possibility for which “The Asian Guides” can’t make provisions, the subsequent extra cost for such postpone is excluded.
Method of payment
Payment will be accepted online transfer or in cash, certified cheque is not allowed.
Cancellation and Refund
Cancellation must be informed either by telephone call or by email to “The Asian Guides”. Cancellation charges will be imposed as follows: 30 days before flight 25 % of the land cost, 29-15 days before flight 50 % of the land cost, 14-1 day before flight 90% of the land cost. No refund will be given for any unused part of the trip.
Change of Itinerary
Reasonable adjustments in the itinerary may be made just where regard advisable for the comfort and safety of the tourist.
Insurance
Tourist are encouraged to get insurance that covers cancellation, mishaps, loss or damage of baggage, health emergency, helicopter rescue and personal belongings. This insurance must be planned yourself directly with your specialists/insurance agency.
Baggage
Each person is entitled to bring 15kg of personal baggage maximum. Any excess stuff portage will be charged additionally.
Obligations
“The Asian Guides” will provide transportation, accommodation, meal and other important prerequisites for group expedition which are stated in the itinerary. In case if the group Private trips and tours or expeditions terms and policy will be different from the group expedition.
Extra
Extra nights accommodation or transportation is not included in the package, in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Tour (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary, we are not responsible to entertain individuals unless it is a privately booked expedition.
Liability
“The Asian Guides”, its operators and team won’t be at accountable for any harm, death, harm, accident, delay, theft, either by the demonstrations of any organization or individual occupied with leading the visit.
Itinerary
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m
On the first day of this great adventure we will start by exploring Islamabad in the afternoon. We will visit Heritage Museum to understand and explore the culture of multi nations living in Pakistan. Afterwards we will have lunch and go ahead to explore Pakistan Museum. Later, we will visit Faisal Mosque, the famous landmark of the city and then continue to drive towards the highest view point of Islamabad (Pir Sohawa/Daman e Koh).
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 1,050 m
Today we will set from Swat to Chitral. We will travel through the Lowari Tunnel which is about 10.4 kms long that connects Dir and Chitral. In the past before the construction of the tunnel the passengers travelled via Lowari Pass and more over the Chitral Region was disconnected from rest of the country for 6 months. We will reach Ayun this day. Ayun is the closest villages to Kalasha Tribes and also a beautiful valley to experience and explore the place. Our stay will be in the Ayun Fort that has beautiful biological gardens and its location offers a bird eye view of the valley and river. We will spend the night at the Ayun Fort.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 1,100 m
Today we will go to Rumbur Valley one of the main villages of Kalasha Tribe to experience the Chilam Joshi Festival. It is one of the main festivals of Kalasha Tribe and it is celebrated to welcome spring in the region. We will walk to the town center to experience the unique culture of the people of Kalasha. Today we will have lunch in a local house and experience the Kalasha Food. Later in the evening we will go and stay in Bumburet.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 1,100 m
On this day we will start exploring the Bumburet Valley. We will visit the local museum. The Kalasha Graveyard and the Town Centre. Later we will join the mega festival as all the tribes will gather in Bumburet. We will dance, do photography and interact with the Kalasha Tribe and experience this unique culture firsthand. Later we will travel to Chitral and stay at night in Pamir Hotel alongside the Chitral River.
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 1,494 m
Today we will explore Chitral Town. We will visit Chitral Fort the capital of ancient kingdom of Chitral. The region was ruled from this fort. Later we will visit Shahi Mosque of Chitral which is in the premises of the fort. We will then travel to Birmoglasht which is on the mountain top. It offers a bird eye view of the valley as well as we might have a sighting of Markhor that are indigenous to this region. We will have lunch at Birmoglasht on this day. If there is an ongoing polo match in Chitral Town we will visit the polo ground and experience the thrilling polo event. Later we will explore Chitral Bazar. We will have dinner in the hotel.
Drive back to Chitral, arrive and transfer to the hotel
Drive back to Islamabad, arrive and explore, and in the evening transfer to the airport and fly home.
Frequently Asked Questions
We do provide accommodation and transportation for all above standard package. Also, we provide accommodation and transportation as per client demand.
Please don’t forget to provide emergency contact of your family when sign up for the program.
Tip is not included it’s up to you how much tip you’re willing to give staff.
Our representative will welcome you at the Islamabad international airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Pakistan is quite safe to travel solo for male and female.
This will not include in the price and package. Also, we do arrange special food such as gluten free food and other on demand.
We always carry first aid box.
You’re welcome to join group or also can travel alone/private.
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