Chilam Joshi – Kalash Spring Festival
Spring Festival with Last Pagan Tribe
Festival Dates: 13th May to 16th May
Enigmatic, edgy and intriguing, Pakistan often makes the headlines for all the wrong reasons. However, it is a land filled with colour and contrast, offering the adventurous traveller a stunning wealth of culture, tradition and natural beauty. This remarkable journey encompasses everything from remote mountain communities and breathtaking scenery, to bustling bazaars and lively cities, as you travel from the streets of Islamabad, deep into the valleys of the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalayas.
This is our most comprehensive tour of West Pakistan where you really will see it all! Starting in the capital you will head up through the Peshawar, Swat Valley to the haven on Ayun and on to stay with the Kalash tribe. Crossing over to the Northeast of the country you will continue to Mastuj then up over the Shandur Pass and across to Gilgit and fly back to Islamabad.
Pakistan is a country close to our hearts… and for good reason. Having run trips here for more than two decades, we understand the political complexities of travelling to this fascinating country and by making the most of this unparalleled depth of knowledge are confident of providing the most innovative and authentic trips to the region, utilizing the best guides, transport and accommodation.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore Capital city of Pakistan and also the twin cities, Islamabad & Rawalpindi
- Enjoy the visit of famous streets and food of Peshawar
- Explore the Swat Valley, with its multiple stupas and Ghandharan Buddhist history
- Stay with our friends the Kalash – a pagan tribe with animist beliefs and a fascinating culture
- Cross the vast Shandur Pass – known as ‘the roof of the world’
- Admire the stunning azure Lakes of Ghizar district.
- Spectacular view of Nanga Parbat on the way Islamabad
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAYS | DATE | ACTIVITY |
1 | 9 May | ARR.IVE ISLAMBAD, OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL (B,L,D) |
2 | 10 May | DRIVE TO TAXILA THEN TO PESHAWAR, OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL (B,L,D) |
3 | 11 May | PESHAWAR, EXPLORE THE CITY (B,L,D) |
4 | 12 May | DRIVE TO SWAT VALLEY ,OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL (B,L,D) |
5 | 13 May | DRIVE TO KALASH VALLEY,OVERNIGHT AT FAMILY GUEST HOUSE (B,L,D) |
6 | 14 May | KALASH VALLEY & CHILAM JOSHI FESTIVAL (B,L,D) |
7 | 15 May | DRIVE TO CHITRAL TOWN, OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL (B,L,D) |
8 | 16 May | DRIVE TO MASTUJ, OVERNIGHT AT MASTUJ FORT (B,L,D) |
9 | 17 May | DRIVE TO PHANDAR, OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL(B,L,D) |
10 | 18 May | DRIVE TO GILGIT, OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL (B,L,D) |
11 | 19 May | FLY TO ISLAMABAD, OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL (B,L,D) |
12 | 20 May | DAY FREE AT ISLAMABAD (B,L,D) |
13 | 21 May | FLY TO HOME (B,L,D) |
Moments from the Chilam Joshi – Kalash Spring Festival
Cost Included the following mentioned services.
– Pakistani Visa assistance and Airport transfers
– Transportation from arrival at Islamabad to departure with following settings.
Transport at Islamabad and road transfers, for group size 4-5 members, Toyota air-condition van (hi-ace) and for group size 6 +T/L and above will be Toyota air-condition Mini Bus (Toyota Coaster.
Transport in the North by 4 x4 Air -conditioned land cruiser (Toyota Land cruiser-Prado TX and TZ, Passengers each vehicle.
- Domestic airfare as per itinerary plus road transfers incase of flight cancelation.
- Accommodation: As specified in the cost for each town. Best available Hotels in town, on double (sharing) occupancy basis.
- Meals: American Breakfast – Lunch- Dinner- One (short break) for tea/coffee between 10 -11 AM and evening Tea/ coffee break between 4-5 PM. Mineral water (Nestle or Aquaphina )during Lunch and Dinner time. Mineral water as specified above all daylong including for rooms and all day during the site seeing or travel on the road. A picnic box will be carried during the long travel days, with enough snacks , dry fruits, nuts, soft drinks and mineral water.
- All entry fees to Museums, forts and National Park Areas or any tool taxes, and any other applicable taxes on any service.
- Service of Gov’t licenced, experienced and English speaking guides drivers, any porters needed, any support staff, during the trip.
- Gratitude at hotels, restaurants and at other places during the trip.
- Free Accommodation, meals, transport and other above mention service for one Tour leader .
- Cost for Covid -19 PCR tests and other required documentation for return journey.
Not Included in Trip Cost:
- Personal Insurance, medication & clothing.
- International airfare.
- Pakistan visa fees.
- En route hotels, meals, ground arrangements and services not noted in the itinerary.
- Meals not noted in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature including but not limited to bottled water in hotels, additional beverages, laundry, room service, and telecommunication, etc.
- Customary end of trip gratuities.
- Additional expenses incurred as a result of delays beyond the control.
- Any ground arrangements and services not mentioned in the itinerary
and list of services included.
