The Kalash people (also known as Kalasha) live in three valleys in the Chitral district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, namely Rumbur, Brumbret, and Birir. The Kalash is a very small minority community in Pakistan, with a population of only around 4000 people. Past researchers have explored their religious practices as a synthesis of ancient Hinduism and pre-Islamic traditions.
There are several Kalasha festivals throughout the year. Among these, three are most popular with visitors:

1. The Chilam Joshi Spring Festival (May 13-16): A festival celebrating the start of spring, in which locals decorate their houses, wear new clothes, and gather milk from cows. Women in particular dress up in colorful attire and the girls sing and dance. In particular, there are special rituals for babies and their mothers.

2. The Uchal Festival (August 20-21): This is a festival that celebrates the start of harvest season. Locals prepare special foods including cornbread and cheese. The Kalasha will perform songs and dances in traditional attire, to thank nature for giving them the abundant harvests of wheat and barley.

3. The Chaumas Festival (December 15-22): This the largest festival of the year. It marks the end of the farming year with days of music and dance. It is held for two weeks during the days before and after winter solstice. Important rituals include honoring the God Balimain; The main ceremony takes place at “Indrunkot,” a tree connected with Indr, Balimain’s brother and God of Cows. Young boys also perform as ancestors to honor them in ritual.

This itinerary will immerse you in two full days of festivities in the Kalash Valley, followed by enchanting visits through the Chitral and Hunza valleys of Northern Pakistan. The tour starts in Islamabad, and will take you to Chitral via a scenic drive through Swat Valley. After immersing in two days of Kalash festival, you will emerge with unforgettable experiences of Kalasha culture. A thrilling drive to Mastuj and Khalti Lake follows, as we cross from Chitral to Hunza, during which you can feast your eyes on beautiful sparkling rivers and stomachs on mountain trout fish. The mountain road continues to Hunza Valley, where you will explore the historic Baltit and Altit forts, and marvel at the sapphire waters of Attabad Lake and the breathtaking geometric art of the Passu Cones. Then, enjoy a relaxing day of souvenir shopping in the pebbled lanes of old Karimabad before a special 2700m-high farewell dinner at Duikar the “eagle’s nest” view point. Our journey will conclude 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 majestic beauty of Northern Pakistan.