- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- FAQ
The Chilam Joshi Festival is an important spring festival celebrated by the Kalash people in the Kalash Valleys of Pakistan. It marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated from May 13th to 16th. The festival is characterized by vibrant rituals, dances, and feasting. It's a time for the community to come together, strengthen social bonds, and pass on cultural traditions to younger generations.
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Timing:The festival typically takes place in May, coinciding with the arrival of spring.
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Celebrations:The Kalash people celebrate with traditional clothing, music, and dances.
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Purpose:The festival is a time for the community to express gratitude for the blessings of nature and to pray for a bountiful harvest and the safety of their livestock.
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Rituals:Rituals include offerings to the gods and goddesses, singing songs, and participating in traditional dances.
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Cultural significance:The Chilam Joshi Festival is a vital part of Kalash culture and traditions.
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Attraction:The festival draws visitors from around the world, eager to witness the vibrant traditions and cultural richness of the Kalash people.
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Other Kalash Festivals:In addition to Chilam Joshi, the Kalash people also celebrate other festivals like Choimus (winter festival) and Uchal (summer festival).
4 Days Chillam Joshi Festival Trip Overview
The spring festival is also known as the Chilam Balam festival. People of Kalash celebrate four days across all Kalash valleys. The spring festival begins with “Milk Day”. Ten days before the festival, they store milk from their households. People of Kalash offer their libation during this event. The festival reflects their unique cultural richness, the harmony in their society, and the message of peace to the world. They ask for blessings from their God and pray for a prosperous year of agriculture and health, and the safety of their herds. During this festival, Kalashi men and women also chose their life patterns. During the Kalash festival, Women wear traditional attire with lively colours, and their dresses have patterns of flowers on them. They wear beaded necklaces which complement their dresses and headgear.
Men wear traditional Shalwar Kameez with a waistcoat made of wool. They dance together and sing in a valley tribe, as it allows them to choose their life partners and announce their names on the last day of the festival.
Tour Packages
- Package Price from Lahore Rs 28,500 per head
- Package price from Islamabad Rs 28,000 per person
- Kids (4-9 years) half price Rs 14000 (with jumper seat)
- For Twin Sharing – Couple Rates Rs 62,000/-
- People of Karachi & Other cities join this tour from Lahore & Islamabad
Itineraries
Day 0
Chilam Joshi
- 10:00pm – Gathering Time
- Pick and drop point: PSO Station, Thokar Niaz Baig Lahore
- 10:30pm – Depart for Chitral Valley from Lahore
- 10:30pm – Night Travel to Chitral Valley
- Short refreshment stay on way
Day 1
Chilam Joshi
- Pick up members from Islamabad @ 3:00am
- Pick and drop point: Daewoo Bus Terminal near NUST EME Islamabad
- 08:00am – Breakfast from Dir
- Reached Ayun via Lowari Top 2:00 pm
- Transfer to jeeps / local Hiace for Kalash (Bombreet)
- Arrival at Kalash 3:30 pm
- Transfer to Camps
- Live BBQ Dinner at camp site 8:00 pm
- Bonfire & Music Arrangements
- Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 2
Chilam Joshi
- Early breakfast 8:00 am
- Visit Kalash Cultural Bazar
- Visit Kalash Museum
- Enjoy Cultural Activities and Celebrations of Chilam Joshi Festival
- Whole Day Cultural activities
- Dinner 8:00 pm
- Night Stay in Hotel
Day 3
Chilam Joshi
- Early Morning Breakfast
Sight View
Whole Day Involvement in Chillam Joshi Festival Norms and Local Culture
Night Stay in Hotel
Day 4
Chilam Joshi
- Departure for Ayun on local Hiace 6:00 am
- Arrival at Ayun 8:00 am
- Breakfast
- Departure for Lahore 10:00 am
- Short stay at Dir
- Reached Chakdra 5:00 pm
- Arrival in Islamabad 8:00 pm
- Arrival in Lahore 12:00 am (Next Morning) End of services
- Accommodation in Hotel as per the variant selected
- Breakfast and Dinner as mentioned in the variant
- Highly-Experienced Mountain Driver
- Services of Professional Guide
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- All toll tax, parking, fuel and driver allowances
- All applicable taxes
- Comfortable and Sanitized vehicle (Coaster Saloon / Hi-Roof) for sightseeing on all days as per the itinerary
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Chilam Joshi is a spring festival celebrated by the Kalash people to welcome the new season, thank their gods, and seek blessings for a fruitful year. It features traditional music, dances, rituals, and colorful attire.
The festival is usually held every year from May 13 to May 16, mainly in Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir valleys.
The main celebrations happen in the Kalash Valley, particularly in Bumburet Valley, which is the most accessible and popular among tourists.
You can reach Kalash via road from Chitral town. To get to Chitral, travel by air (weather-permitting) or road from Islamabad via Dir and Lowari Tunnel.
Pakistani tourists do not require a permit. Foreign tourists might need to register with local authorities or travel with a licensed tour operator due to the sensitive border location.
Yes, the festival is safe and well-organized. Security is usually heightened during the event, and locals are welcoming. Traveling with a guide is recommended.
Accommodation options include guesthouses, eco-lodges, and mid-range hotels in Bumburet and Ayun. Early booking is strongly advised due to high tourist inflow during the festival.
Modest and respectful clothing is encouraged. Light layers for daytime and warm clothes for evenings are essential due to the mountain climate.
Yes, but always ask for permission before photographing people, especially women, as Kalash culture is deeply rooted in traditions. A respectful attitude goes a long way.
The Chilam Joshi Festival is a rare glimpse into one of Pakistan’s oldest and most unique cultures. It offers authentic Kalash music, dance, spirituality, and dress, making it a rich cultural and visual experience for visitors.
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