Chilam Joshi Festival marks a significant cultural event for Kalashi who celebrate the arrival of spring from the 13th to 16th of May every year. This festival serves spiritual and social purposes, including praying for livestock’s wellbeing and facilitating the search for marital partners. It usually happens in Kalash’s three valleys: Bumburet, Birir, and Rumbur. Key features of the Chilam Joshi Festival include:
Welcoming Harvest: The festival is an indication that harvesting season has commenced. It is a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving for nature’s bounty.
Cultural Rituals: During the festival, traditional rituals are performed to ensure the community’s prosperity. These rituals often involve dancing, chanting, and offerings.
Unique Customs: The festival showcases the distinctive customs and beliefs of the Kalash people, who have preserved their unique culture for centuries.
Colorful Attire: Participants dress in vibrant traditional attire adorned with beads, shells, and embroidery, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Community Gathering: The Chilam Joshi Festival brings together members of the Kalash community from different valleys to socialize, reconnect, and strengthen communal bonds.
At Rawaan Pakistan, Join us on a 7-day tour of Kalash Valleys to witness the cultural fest of their locals and experience an enriching celebration. Book Your Tour Now
Location
- Islamabad
- Swat
- Bumburet Valley
- Birir Valley
- Rumbur Valley
- Chitral
Highlights
- Joining the spring festival by the Kalash community and witnessing colorful celebrations
- Participate in traditional rituals and dances on the special music tunes of Kalashi
- Sightseeing several mountains, including Tirich Mir (7,708m)
- Experiencing the serenity of rivers, streams, and lakes
- Travel through the Malakand Pass and Lowari Pass (3,118m)
- Visit ancient forts and mosques
What’s Included
Comfortable and
Convenient Transport
Best
Accommodations for Stay
Delicious Meals
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Licensed Professional
Tour Guides with Local Expertise
24/7
Assistance and Safety Ensured
- Visit famous landmarks in Islamabad, including Faisal Mosque, Shakar Parian, Pakistan Monument, or Lok Virsa Museum for a city tour
- Overnight stay in Islamabad
- Starting the day with an early departure from Islamabad to Swat
- Enjoying sightseeing in Swat with meals
- Overnight stay in Swat
- Take a trip to Bumburet Valley to visit the local museum, Kalasha Graveyard, and the Town Centre.
- Then join the mega festival where different communities come together to celebrate. Engage with people and capture pictures.
- Overnight stay in Bumburet Valley.
- Take a drive by road from Bumburet Valley to Birir Valley.
- Visit the famous places in Birir and head to witness the traditional celebrations of the Kalasha tribe.
- Overnight stay in Birir Valley.
- Take the road to Rumbur Valley for a full-day tour
- Visit the community house, Rumbur village, and enjoy the fun of the Chilam Joshi Festival
- Overnight stay in Birir Valley
- Take a drive to Chitral in the early morning to visit the famous destinations and relish its beauty
- Overnight stay in Chitral
Respect Local Customs:
Learn about and respect the traditions and customs of the Kalash people.
Pack Appropriately:
Bring suitable clothing for varying weather conditions. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so pack layers and be prepared for both sun and rain.
Interact With Locals:
Engage respectfully with locals to learn about their way of life.
Picture Consent:
Seek permission before taking photographs, especially during religious ceremonies.
Carry Power Bank:
Keep your devices charged with a power bank so you can capture the beautiful moments of cultural celebration and share it with your family and friends.
Bring Cash:
It is always safe to carry enough cash with you to purchase local items, as ATM services may be limited in the valleys.
Respect the Environment:
Help preserve the natural beauty of the valleys by disposing of waste responsibly
Tell Us Where You Want To Go!
Top Tours
Why Choose Us
- Trusted by Industry Leaders: Official experience partner for PepsiCo, KFC Global, LUMS, and Bank Alfalah.
- Executive-Level Precision: Every detail is curated with the same excellence we deliver for global corporate clients.
- Deep Local Insight: Over five years of on-ground expertise across the Karakoram and Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Safety-First Operations: Licensed guides, certified high-altitude protocols, and 24/7 emergency support.
- Cultural Immersion: Authentic connections with local communities, cuisine, and heritage throughout the journey.
Answers To Popular Questions
Yes, the Kalash Valleys are open to visitors during the festival. However, visitors are expected to respect local customs, seek permission for photography, and behave respectfully during ceremonies.
The Kalash Valleys are located in the Chitral district of Pakistan. Travelers can reach Chitral by road from major cities like Islamabad or Peshawar. For convenient traveling, you can book your tour with Rawaan Pak and enjoy the essence of every moment.
Visitors should be prepared for basic amenities, variable weather conditions, and limited access to facilities. It’s also important to be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Accommodation options in the Kalash Valleys include guesthouses, homestays, and camping sites. It’s advisable to book accommodations in advance due to high demand during the festival period.