Fast facts
Country Visited
Pakistan
Visas
Yes*
Vaccinations
Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information
Singles
A single supplement is not always possible on this trip. In many instances campsite size is limited and it will be necessary to share with another team member. This also applies to mountaineering expeditions. Single supplement in hotels is available. Please contact Shams Alpine Mountaineering & Trekking Pvt Ltd for specific detail, relevant to your trip.
Entry points
Chitral can be reached from Islamabad by plane to Gilgit city or else by via Lowari Tunnel to Chitral. Another way is by road from Tashkurgan, China on the Karakoram Highway through Khunjerab National Park and the Old Silk Route to Gilgit and it goes through Shandur Pass to Kalash valley.
Leader
Discover the spectacular hidden Karakoram with English speaking,
world renowned Shimshali mountain guides
Adventure travel
By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you contact us with any concerns. We are happy to answer any questions.
Responsible travel
The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimize the impact of our presence.
Kalash Chilam Josh Festival
Trip Duration: 07 days
Season: May
Grade: Entry level Moderate and exploratory trek
Activities: exploring the traditional valleys of Chitral
Accommodation: 07 days trip, 06 or 07 nights hotel, 00 nights camping
About Kalasha and Chilam Josh Festival
One of the major attractions of Chitral is the Kalash Valley –the home of Kalasha or “wearer of the Black Robes” a primitive pagan tribe and the only non –Muslim group left in the Hindukush region Of Pakistan. Their religion may represent a branch of the old Vedic religions that intered the Indian subcontinent via these mountains several years ago. The legends say that five soldiers of the legions of Alexander of Macedonia settled in Chitral and are the progenitor of the Kalash.
Over 3000 strong Kalash live in the valley of Birir, Bumburet, and Rambur, south of Chitral.
The kalash people love music and dancing particularly on occasions of their religious festival.
Chilam Josh is among one of the festivels . this festival commemorates the arrival of summer and celebrates the abundance of dairy products during the season. During this festival the Kalashi people pray for the safeguard of their fields and animals by distributing milk among loved ones.
The people of Kalash love music and dance to the beat of drums. Both men and women partake in dancing festivities, where they make circles and enjoy the sound of music.
Short itinerary
Day 01 Arrival in Islamabad – Hotel
Day 02 Drive to Chitral – Hotel
Day 03 Drive to Bumburat (Kalash Valley ) – Hotel
Day 04 attending the chilam Josh Festival in Bumburat and Rambur valleys of Kalash – Hotel
Day 05 Drive Bumburat – Chitral – Hotel
Day 06 Drive Chitral – Islamabad – Hotel
Day 07 Departure from Islamabad to home
Our Services Include
Invitation letter for travel to Pakistan to assist your visa application and assistance on your arrival and departure
An experienced English speaking high altitude Guide.
Good quality accommodation in cities and towns in twin bed shared rooms. Single room supplement is available.
Internal Jeep transport by private vehicle.
Tented camps on shared basis while camping.
Guides, Cook and other staffs daily wages and insurance.
Cost of helicopter or other means of evacuation and you should cover in your trip insurance.
Our Service does not include
Bottled water, aerated drinks, alcohol, laundry and other items of personal nature
Meals except where indicated in the itinerary
Personal snacks, energy bars, energy gels, sweets, Personal phone calls and laundry
Tips for guide and other crew members
International airfares, Travel Insurance, Airport taxes.
Single supplement
Guides and porters
Our local guides and porters are all experienced, handpicked and trained by Shaheen Baig and Qudrat Ali (directors of Shams Alpine Mountaineering and Trekking Pvt Ltd) to ensure that our clients have the best opportunity for success with comfort. A porter will carry your kit bag and you will be expected to carry your own day pack which should be large enough to carry all you will need throughout the day e.g. sunscreen, raincoat, water bottle, camera, spare long sleeved clothing, snow protection glasses, sun protection gloves, hat and scarves, snack food, etc.