The Kalash people, also known as Kalasha, live in the Chitral district of Khyber Province, in three valleys: Rumbur, Brumbret, and Birir. The Kalasha is a minority community with a population of only around 4000. Scholars have explored Kalasha religious practices as a synthesis of ancient Hinduism and pre-Islamic traditions. There are several Kalasha festivals throughout the year, among which three are the most popular with visitors:

1. The Chilam Joshi Spring Festival (May 13-16): This festival celebrates the start of spring. People wear new clothes, women dress up, and girls dance and sing on the hills. Houses are decorated, and they gather milk from their cows. Special rituals are held for one-year-old babies and their mothers.

2. The Uchal Festival (August 20-21): This festival celebrates the harvest. People dress up in traditional attire to sing, dance, and thank nature for giving them barley and wheat. Special foods like cheese, buttermilk, and cornbread are prepared.

3. The Chaumas Festival (December 15-22): This is the biggest Kalash festival. It takes place for two weeks around the winter solstice, marking the end of the farming year with music, dance, and goat sacrifice. This festival is held for the god Balimain, who comes from the Kalasha mythical homeland. Special rituals are held to honor their ancestors, with young boys pretending to be them. The main ceremony is held at a special tree called Indrunkot, linked to Indr, the god of cows and brother of Balimain.

This itinerary will first transport you to from Islamabad to Chitral, via a scenic drive through Swat Valley. Immerse in two full days of festivities in the Kalash Valley, and emerge with unforgettable experiences of Kalasha culture. This will be followed by an enchanting and thrilling drive to Mastuj and Khalti Lake, where you can encounter sparkling rivers and eat mountain trout fish. The road continues to the breathtaking Hunza Valley, where you will explore the historical Baltit and Altit forts, marvel at the sapphire waters of Attabad Lake, and the picturesque Passu Cones. Enjoy a relaxing day of souvenir shopping in the lanes of Karimabad before a special 2700m high farewell dinner at the Duikar view point. The journey concludes back in Islamabad, where you can wind down to explore the city and enjoy delicious cuisine while wrapping up cherished memories of the colorful Kalash festivals and the majestic beauty of Northern Pakistan.