Chilam Joshi Festival Kalash Valley Tour

After breakfast, begin your journey north through the scenic plains of Punjab into the emerald beauty of Swat Valley. Stop briefly in Mingora for lunch and continue along rivers framed by pine-covered hills. By evening, reach your cozy stay in Swat,  a valley once called the “Switzerland of the East.” Unwind with herbal tea and a sunset walk by the Swat River.

Travel Distance: 250 km
Travel Time: 5 – 6 hours
Main Attraction: Scenic drive, Swat Valley landscapes
Accommodation: Hotel in Swat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on a breathtaking drive through the Lowari Tunnel into Chitral Valley. The changing scenery from terraced villages to wild river gorges sets the tone for what’s to come. Arrive in Chitral and visit the 14th-century Shahi Mosque and Fort before resting in your hotel surrounded by crisp mountain air.

Travel Distance: 250 km
Travel Time: 7-8 hours
Main Attraction: Shahi Mosque, Shahi Fort, mountain views
Accommodation: Hotel in Chitral
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you’ll journey deep into the mythical Kalash Valley  home to one of the world’s most unique cultures. The road winds alongside the river, revealing traditional wooden homes clinging to terraced slopes. Arrive in Bumburet, where you’ll be welcomed with smiles and tea brewed with mountain herbs. The evening begins your immersion into Kalash life simple, peaceful, profoundly human.

Travel Distance: 40 km
Travel Time: 2-3 hours
Main Attraction: Arrival in Kalash Valley, community interaction
Accommodation: Traditional Kalash guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake to the sound of bells and laughter echoing through the valley. After breakfast, visit the Kalash Museum to learn about the people’s customs, beliefs, and vibrant mythology. Stroll through the villages, where women dressed in colorful robes weave stories into song. In the evening, join a storytelling circle  where past and present merge beneath starlit skies.

Travel Distance: Minimal
Travel Time: Light local walking
Main Attraction: Kalash Museum, local village visit, storytelling
Accommodation: Traditional Kalash guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As the valley wakes, so does the festival. The air fills with drumbeats and the scent of spring flowers. Women wear intricate beadwork, men dance in rhythmic circles  each step a prayer of joy and gratitude. Today, you’ll witness age-old rituals celebrating renewal and fertility and perhaps even join in the circle dance yourself.

Travel Distance: Minimal
Travel Time: Full day local activities
Main Attraction: Chilam Joshi Festival (opening ceremony, rituals)
Accommodation: Traditional Kalash guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Immerse fully in the celebration  music, dance, laughter, and shared meals connect you to the spirit of Kalash. Participate in traditional cooking, learn simple steps of their dances and witness prayers offered to the gods of nature. The joy is contagious; the connection is timeless.

Travel Distance: Minimal
Travel Time: Full day local activities
Main Attraction: Festival participation, cultural immersion
Accommodation: Traditional Kalash guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After the festival’s vibrant energy, today is for reflection. A light walk through pine forests and riverside paths invites quiet contemplation. Join a mindfulness session led by your guide, blending the art of forest bathing with gratitude for the experience. As the sun dips, gather for an evening of folk music and heartfelt farewells to the Kalash community.

Travel Distance: Minimal
Travel Time: 1to2 hours light activity
Main Attraction: Forest walk, Mindfulness, Cultural evening
Accommodation: Traditional Kalash guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bid farewell to the valley and begin your scenic return to Swat. Stop along the way for tea by a mountain stream, letting the sound of flowing water seal your memories. Arrive in Swat by evening and enjoy a quiet dinner reflecting on your journey.

Travel Distance: 290 km
Travel Time: 7-8 hours
Main Attraction: Scenic mountain drive, Reflection time
Accommodation: Hotel in Swat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, journey back to Islamabad through winding valleys and golden plains. Upon arrival, enjoy a farewell lunch with your group before transferring to the airport for your onward flight. Carry home not just photographs but the rhythm of drums, the scent of cedar and the peace of the mountains within you.

Travel Distance: 250 km
Travel Time: 5-6 hours
Main Attraction: Farewell journey, reflection
Accommodation: N/A
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

 The Chilam Joshi Festival is held each year in mid-May in the Kalash valleys of Bumburet, Birir, and Rumbur in Chitral District.

This is a moderate-level cultural tour. Expect some walking on uneven terrain and gentle hikes through villages and fields, but no strenuous trekking.

 You’ll stay in local guesthouses and eco-lodges, carefully selected for comfort, cleanliness, and cultural authenticity — offering warmth, traditional meals, and breathtaking mountain views.

 Yes. Venus Trails’ tours are led by trained female guides who ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment throughout the journey. The Kalash valleys are welcoming to visitors.

 Expect a mix of traditional Kalash and Chitrali dishes along with continental options. Vegetarian choices are available upon request.

The Kalash people are warm and hospitable. Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women. Dress modestly, be respectful during ceremonies, and engage with curiosity and kindness.

We plant 10 trees per traveler, encourage reusable water bottles, support locally owned accommodations, and promote eco-conscious practices throughout the trip to protect the region’s delicate mountain ecosystem.