The Kalash Valleys of Rumbur (32 km), Birir (34 km), and Bumburet (the largest and most beautiful) is 36 km away from Chitral in the Khyber Pakhtunkuwa Province. The 3000 remaining Kalash people of the valleys live in unique houses made of local stone and wood which are stacked on top of one another against the hills so the roof of the lower house is the veranda of the upper. Kalash people celebrate many colorful festivals throughout the year. But the three main Kalash Festivals are Chilam Joshi (spring festival), Uchal (summer festival), and Choimus (winter festival).
Kalash Spring Festival (Chilam Joshi) is one of the most awaited festivals in Kalash. The people organize Chilam Joshi festival to honor and praise their God. The Kalash people welcome spring with gratitude and hope for blessings from their deity. During the Chilam Joshi Festival, the community and the elders emphasize the most on purity of the people so when the Balomain visit the valley, the Kalasha followers must have a pure mind. People take ritual baths a week prior to the festival. During the purification ceremony a men must not sit all day and later at night his face is sprinkled with the blood of a sacrificed goat. Men actively participate in the cooking during this festival. Men bake special bread and distribute it in the three valleys of Kalash. The event is followed with singing and dancing during the festival. The young men and women dance together and find themselves spouses during this event. They announce the names of their partners at the end of the event.
Tourists from all around the world gather to witness this beautiful festival. It attracts a large number of foreign tourists which included French, Italian, Germans, Australian, and Thailand as well. The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) made the required arrangements so that the visitors who attended would face no problems.
Daily Tour
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Meet your expert tour guide, a seasoned professional with in-depth knowledge of the region.This is the perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with the itinerary, Share your preferences, and fine-tune any details of your tour to ensure it meets your expectations. Engage in a detailed conversation while driving to your hotel about any specific experiences or wishes you have for the tour. Whether it’s more time exploring cultural landmarks or a deeper adventure into the wilderness, your guide will personalize the journey to match your vision. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
Distance: 30 km | Drive Time: 1 hour. | Max. Altitude: 540 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Depart for Swat Valley, enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the motorway. Explore the rich heritage of Swat, home to countless ancient monuments recognized by UNESCO. It was once a major center of Buddhist civilization, with many archaeological sites dating back to the Gandhara era. Check-into the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Distance: 200 km | Drive Time: 03 hours. | Max. Altitude: 2288 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Embark on a scenic overland journey via Dir, passing through Lowari Tunnel (05-06 hours). Drive through the scenic Lowari Tunnel and admire the changing landscapes. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel, rest, and explore Chitral town, Shahi Mosque, A stunning Mughal-style mosque built by the Mehtar of Chitral, and Chitral Fort (A historical fort with scenic river views). Dinner and overnight stay in Chitral.
Distance: 300 km | Drive Time: 06 hours. | Max. Altitude: 1100 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Embark on a journey to Kalash Valley. Upon arrival, check into a traditional guesthouse. Explore the Kalash villages, interact with locals, and visit the Kalash Museum. Witness traditional handicrafts, wooden carvings, and unique architecture. Attend the pre-festival celebrations in the village. Return to your guesthouse for dinner and overnight stay in Kalash.
Distance: 36 km | Drive Time: 02 hours. | Max. Altitude: 2288 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Participate in the Milk Day ceremony, where locals offer milk libations to their gods. Enjoy the colorful parade of Kalash women in vibrant dresses. Watch men baking and distributing traditional bread across the valleys. Experience dancing, singing, and matchmaking rituals. Engage with locals, take photographs, and embrace the joyous atmosphere. Return to guesthouse for dinner and overnight stay.
Distance: 10 km| Walk Time: 03 hours. | Max. Altitude: 2288 m | Activities: Sightseeing
After having Breakfast at the guesthouse, Visit another Kalash valley (Rumbur/ Birir) to witness different festival traditions. Observe purification rituals, including the sacrificial ceremony. Participate in traditional Kalash dances in circles to drumbeats. Watch the young couples announce their partners at the festival’s end. Free time to explore Kalash handicrafts, souvenirs, and photography. Return to guesthouse for dinner and rest.
Distance: 25 km | Drive Time: 02 hours. | Walk: 02 hours. | Max. Altitude: 1670 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Enjoy the rugged and breathtaking landscapes of Chitral, offering a blend of cultural experiences and stunning view of Tirich Mir (7705 meters). It is a remote village with warm hospitality, traditional wooden houses, and cultural richness. Enjoy a traditional dinner with locals and relax by the riverside.
Distance: 180 km | Drive Time: 06 hours. | Walk: 01 hour. | Max. Altitude: 2359 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Early departure from Mastuj, driving along the Laspur Valley. Enjoy spectacular views of the Hindu Kush and Yarkhun River. Reach Shandur Pass (3-4 hours from Mastuj). Stop at Shandur Pass (3,700m) Known as the “Roof of the World”, it is home to the Shandur Polo Festival held every July. Stunning Shandur Lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the panoramic view and explore the historic Shandur Polo Ground. Descend towards Phander Valley (2 hours from Shandur). Stop at Langar Valley, a hidden gem with pristine natural beauty. Arrive in Phander, often called “Little Kashmir” due to its lush green meadows and deep blue lakes. Visit Phander Lake and explore the Phander River, famous for trout fishing. Stay overnight in Phander Guesthouse or PTDC Motel.
Distance: 130 km | Drive Time: 06 hours. | Walk: 01 hour. | Max. Altitude: 2800 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Depart Phander after breakfast, driving along the Ghizer River. Stop at Gupis Valley, known for its Turquoise River, lush fields, and traditional wooden houses. Visit Khalti Lake (a beautiful glacial lake with crystal-clear waters). Continue towards Gilgit via Punial. Pass through Singal & Sher Qila, known for their orchards and traditional stone houses. Arrive in Gilgit, the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan. Visit the Kargah Buddha (a 7th-century rock carving).Witness the dramatic collision point of the Eurasian and Indian continental plates, are markable geological landmark that shaped the Himalayas and Karakoram mountain ranges. Enjoy a stunning view of the historic Old Silk Route, and take a break at the Rakaposhi viewpoint, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the majestic Rakaposhi Peak (7,788 m), one of the most beautiful peaks in the Karakoram Range. Savor a delicious lunch, and drive toKarimabad, the historic capital of Hunza, surrounded by magnificent mountain vistas. Unwind and relax with an overnight stay at luxury Hunza, where you’ll enjoy excellent meals and topnotch hospitality amidst the tranquil beauty of the valley.
Distance: 220 km | Drive Time: 08 hours. | Walk: 01 hour. | Max. Altitude: 2500 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Discover the charming Karimabad town, known for its vibrant culture, local shops, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Soak in the splendid views of Rakaposhi (7788 m), along with other towering giants like Diran Peak (7,266 m), Ultar Sar (7,388 m), Golden Peak (7,027 m), and the unique Ladyfinger Peak (6,000 m), a landscape that offers some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the world. Discover the Altit Fort, an impressive 900-year-old fortress that stands as a testament to the region’s cultural heritage and strategic importance. Explore the historic Baltit Fort, a magnificent structure over 765 years’ old, offering insights into the region's rich history and architecture. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, and take a leisurely walk around the famous water channel to explore the charming life style of Hunza people. In the afternoon, Head to Duikar, a hilltop village renowned for its breathtaking sunset views over the Hunza Valley. Return for a restful evening at hotel, where you can enjoy excellent meals and the serene ambiance of the valley.
Distance: 50 km | Drive Time: 02 hours. | Walk: 04 hours. | Max. Altitude: 2800 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Set off on a scenic drive to Hopper Nagar, where you'll be surrounded by stunning landscapes and the towering peaks of the Karakoram Range. Take in the breathtaking views of Hopper Glacier and the majestic Golden Peak (7,027 m), a stunning backdrop that showcases the natural beauty of the region. Depart for Passu with a stopover at the Haldeikish, known as the Sacred Rocks of Hunza. These ancient rock formations hold great cultural significance and offer a glimpse into the region's history. Enjoy breathtaking views of Attabad Lake, with its stunning turquoise waters surrounded by towering mountains, a perfect spot for boating & photography. Experience the thrill of walking across the Hussaini Suspension Bridge & Rainbow Adventure Bridge. They are renowned for being one of the most adventurous bridges in the world. Take in the spectacular views of Passu Cones (6,106 m), Passu Peak (7,478 m), Shisper Peak (7,611 m), as well as the impressive Passu Glacier (20.5 km long) with white skin and Batura Glacier (57 km long) with black & white skin. Spend the night at hotel in Passu, Where you can unwind and reflect on your incredible experiences.
Distance: 210 km | Drive Time: 04 hours. | Walk: 02 hours. | Max. Altitude: 2450 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Depart for Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world at 4,733 meters, and enjoy an excellent scenery along the pass, with every turn revealing more breathtaking vistas and unique geological features. Engage with the Chinese people at theborder, including soldiers, border police, and tourists visiting from the other side. This interaction offers a fascinating insight into cross-cultural relations. Experience the unique endemic and endangered wildlife species within Khunjerab National Park, such as the Himalayan ibex, Snow leopard, Brown bear, Blue sheep, Tibetan wild ass, and Golden marmots—a true nature lover's paradise. Stop for lunch at Sost, and drive back to Passu, for a restful overnight stay at your chosen hotel in Passu.
Distance: 242 km | Drive Time: 07 hours. | Walk: 01 hour. | Max. Altitude: 4733 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Start your day with a leisurely walk around the area, engaging with the Wakhi people. Learn about their traditions, lifestyle, and the stunning landscape they inhabit. Experience true hospitality by enjoying cherry picking yourself from the tree, and a cup of tea with a Wakhi family in their traditional house. This intimate setting will give your insight into their daily life and customs. Embark on a scenic hike to the viewpoint overlooking Passu Glacier, where you can enjoy a closer view of the glacier and the breathtaking Passu Peak. This hike offers a fantastic perspective on the dramatic landscapes of the Karakoram Range. Relish a delightful lunch at Borith Lake, surrounded by breathtaking views. This serene location is perfect for relaxation and reflection on your journey. Return for a restful evening at your chosen hotel in Passu.
Distance: 85 km | Drive Time: 02 hours. | Walk: 03 hours. | Max. Altitude: 2600 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Embark on a drive back to Gilgit. Upon arrival, Check in to your chosen hotel for a short rest, and in the afternoon drive to Karga Nala, and City tour. Enjoy a closer view of the three meters high imposing Buddha sculpture carved in the 7th century AD deep into the solid rock to get rid of the ogress called yakhshini. Free-roaming time in Gilgit Bazar to have an experience of the local market, and pay visit to the old wooden bridge. Return to your hotel for a restful evening and overnight stay in Gilgit
Distance: 190 km | Drive Time: 03 hours. | Walk: 02 hours. | Max. Altitude: 1500 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Embark on a journey to Besham on the Karakoram highway, Known as the eighth wonder of the world. Stopover at the junction point of the three great mountain ranges, (Karakoram (500 km, Himalaya (2400 km & Hindu Kush (966 km), Indus River (considered the 3rd longest river in Asia and the 21st longest in the world with the length of 3200 km long), and Nanga Parbat (8126 m), known as the killer mountain. Stop for lunch at Dasu, a small town along theKarakoram Highway. Upon arrival in Besham, check into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Distance: 328 km | Drive Time: 09 hours. | Walk: 01 hour. | Max. Altitude: 740 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Start your journey with a scenic drive along the Hazara Express way, back to Islamabad. En route, visit Taxila Museum, Known for its significant and comprehensive collections of Gandhara Art dating back from the 1st to the 7th centuries CE. Enjoy delicious lunch and drive back to your chosen hotel in Islamabad for a restful evening and night stay.
Distance: 210 km | Drive Time: 03 hours. | Walk: 01 hour. | Max. Altitude: 540 m | Activities: Sightseeing
Begin your day by visits to iconic landmarks such as Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, to learn about Pakistan's cultural heritage, and the bustling markets of Jinnah Super or Saidpur Village for a glimpse of local life. Experience unparalleled shopping, dining, and entertainment at the Centaurus Mall, Islamabad’s premier destination. Free rooming time for Iran & Afghan carpets, handicrafts, gemstones, dry-fruits, fruit-products, and Gifts for your loved ones etc.) In the evening reflect on the journey and enjoy a final taste of regional flavors at the famous Kabul restaurant, and drive to the airport for the flight back to your home destinations.
Distance: 40 km | Drive Time: 02 hours. | Walk: 02 hours. | Max. Altitude: 540 m | Activities: Sightseeing
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