Pakistan · Festival

7-Day Choimus Festival Tour in Kalash Valley and Chitral

7 Days Round trip from New Islamabad Airport Rd Moderate pace

Locals Dress up Traditionally in Pakistan

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Participate in the famous Choimus Kalash Winter Festival
02 Experience Kalasha music, dance, and local dishes during the celebrations
03 Explore Kalash Valley, surrounded by the Hindu Kush mountain range
04 Learn about the unique culture, language, and traditions of the Kalash people
05 Discover Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the twin cities of Pakistan

The Choimus Festival in Kalash Valley is a unique celebration of the Kalash people, blending traditional rituals, music, dance, and vibrant costumes. Over 7 days, this tour offers cultural immersion alongside breathtaking views of the Kalash and Chitral valleys and the Hindu Kush mountain range. You will witness religious ceremonies, folk performances, and local traditions while interacting with the Kalash community and exploring villages where life remains largely traditional. The region's remote and serene setting makes it a truly special cultural journey in northern Pakistan.

The Choimus Festival in Kalash Valley is a unique celebration of the Kalash people, blending traditional rituals, music, dance, and vibrant costumes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Chitral

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Islamabad

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, where assistance will be provided upon arrival.

Day 02

Journey from Islamabad to Chitral

Depart for Chitral Valley today. Pakistani tourists will join the tour on this day.

Day 03

Explore Chitral Town and Kalash Valley

Explore Chitral town and Kalash Valley today. Kalash Valley lies in the Chitral district and is surrounded by the Hindu Kush mountain range. The inhabitants here have a unique culture and language, and they follow a form of ancient Hinduism.

Day 04

Choimus Festival Celebrations in Kalash Valley

Participate in the famous Choimus Kalash Winter Festival.
Enjoy colourful sights, dance to the tunes of Kalasha music, and relish the taste of local dishes from Kalasha and Pakistani cuisine.

Day 05

Drive from Kalash Valley to Islamabad

Drive to Islamabad from Kalash Valley today. The tour ends here for Pakistani tourists.

Day 06

Leisurely Exploration of Islamabad and Rawalpindi

Explore the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi today at ease.

Day 07

Departure from Islamabad

Assistance will be provided for your transfer to Islamabad Airport for your return flight home.

Where this trip takes you

Kalash Valley, Chitral town, Hindu Kush mountain range

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from New Islamabad Airport Rd 3 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

For foreign tourists (non-Pakistani)

Licensed professional local tour guide (government requirement)
Airport transfers on the first and last day in Islamabad
All domestic road transfers
All hotel accommodation (twin-sharing rooms)
All hotel meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Support staff (assistant(s), etc.)

For domestic tourists (Pakistani nationals)

Licensed professional local tour guide
Road transport (Islamabad to Islamabad)
Hotel accommodation according to the itinerary
Hotel meals according to the itinerary
Support staff (assistant(s), etc., according to need)

What's Not Included

For foreign tourists (non-Pakistani)

Travel insurance (recommendations only)
Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents will be offered)
International airfare
Personal equipment (clothes, boots)
Tips for guides, porters, and staff
Miscellaneous expenses (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenirs)

For domestic tourists (Pakistani nationals)

Airport transfers in Islamabad (can be arranged - additional charges)
Sightseeing in Islamabad and surrounding areas (can be arranged - additional charges)
Hotel accommodation in Islamabad (can be arranged - additional charges)
Hotel meals in Islamabad (can be arranged - additional charges)
Travel insurance (recommendations can be requested)
Visa to Pakistan (not required)
International airfare for overseas Pakistanis
Personal equipment (warm clothes, boots)
Tips for guides, porters, staff, etc.
Miscellaneous expenses (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenirs)

What to bring

Remember to bring your own goat for the ritual slaughter ceremony.

Know before you go

Choimus Kalash Winter Festival is one of the top cultural festivals of Pakistan. The Kalasha tribe celebrates many festivals throughout the year. The three main Kalash festivals are Chilam Joshi (spring festival), Choimus (winter festival), and Uchal (summer festival). Choimus Kalash Winter Festival is an amazing cultural experience in the Hindu Kush mountain ranges. UNESCO listed Kalash culture as "Intangible Cultural Heritage" in 2018. The decision was announced during the 13th session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee meeting organized in Mauritius.
Where: Kalash Valleys, Chitral, North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan
When: Mid December
Happenings: Dancing, food, chanting, and prayers to the Balomain spirit

Logistics