Chilam Joshi Festival Kalash/Chitral

Chilam Joshi Festival Kalash/Chitral

Known to have descended from the Greeks, many historians believe that Kalaasha were part of the raging armies of Alexander of Macedonia who decided to settle in this part of the world.

These tribes are pagans and have retained their culture and traditions through thousands of years. The open Graveyard, Kalash Museum, old Mosque and the beautiful lush green valleys of Hindukush are a treat for the visitors. Tirich Mir at 7708m- one of the highest peaks of Hindukush Range standing tall in the background of mesmerizing Karakul valley.

One of the world renowned festivals celebrated in Kalash is the Chilam Joshi festival during the month of May. The Kalasha believe that the pastoral god Sorizan protects their herds during autumn and winter, and so they host a winter festival to thank the God, Sorizon. Their other God, Goshidai protects the herds during summer and spring seasons and is thanked at the Chilam Joshi festival.

Quick Facts:

There are three possible ways of reaching Chitral valley from Islamabad.

Fly from ISB to Chitral (subject to flight availability/cancellation/bad-weather)
By road via Lowari Tunnel

Tour duration: 07 days (07 Days & 06 Nights)
Route : Chose from Routes A/B with slight variation in cost and Tour duration

Difficulty level: Evening walks

Ideal Time: First week of May

Tour Itinerary:

Day- 1

Arrival in Islamabad
Airport Transfer
Hotel check-in
Overnight stay in Islamabad

Day- 2

Breakfast
Hotel Check-out/Departure for Chitral via Swat Motorway/Lowari Tunnel (10 hours journey)
Arrival in Chitral
Hotel Check-in

Day- 3/4 (Rumbur/Bumbureet/Kalash)

Breakfast at 0700hrs
Departure for Kalash Valley
Exploring Rumbur/Bumbureet/Kalash
Witness the splendor of Chilam Joshi Festival cultural dances, music and folklore
Visit of Historic Mosque, Graveyard, Museum
Night stay at Karakul Campsite

Day- 5

Breakfast
Departure for Chitral
Visit of Chitral Gol National Park
Lunch enroute
Evening in Chitral Bazaar and Market places
Hotel Check-in

Day- 6

Breakfast
Departure for ISB
Lunch enroute
Arrival in ISB
Overnight stay in Islamabad

Day- 7

Fly Home

*********************End of Itinerary***************

Terms & Conditions

Cost:

For 02 persons: 1000 USD per person (Independent Group)
For 02 persons: 800 USD per person (Combined with local/other foreign Group)
For 04 persons: 800 USD per person (Independent Group)
For 04 persons: 750 USD per person (Combined with local/other foreign Group)
For 06 persons or more: 600 USD per person (Independent Group)

Cost Includes:

All meals Breakfast/lunch/dinner throughout the tour (2-course Local/Continental as per choice)
Air-conditioned luxury Coaster (22-seater)
All 4×4 Jeep travel with fuel
All hotel accommodation 2 to 3 star (double/triple sharing)
On-board snacks and drinks (ice box) during long travels
Licensed Tour Guide from Ministry of Tourism
Toll taxes/ NOC/Entry tickets/ Permits other taxes
All transportation from and to Islamabad Airport

Cost does not include:

Air tickets (national or International)
Visa fee
Travel Insurance
Personal clothing
Extra refreshments apart from itinerary
Laundry
Rescue/evacuation

Essentials to bring along:

Warm clothing, fleece, jackets, headgear. Gloves
Sunglasses UV protective
Sunblock SPF 60+

Pakistan Explorer disciplinary policy:

In wake of unexpected and incidental scenarios e.g. heavy rains/landslide/road blockage/security concerns, PE management will take appropriate measures to continue or disengage the tour (cancellation/refund rules applicable)
Hotel rooms on double sharing
Camps on double sharing
While Guests are encouraged to photograph and record places during their visit, they must respect the local community/houses and their privacy
Guests are strictly advised to use life jackets while swimming or engaging in water sports. PE will not be responsible for any accident encountered in such a scenario
Guests are bound to follow the instructions of the team leader/guide/HAP while crossing dangerous routes or else he/she will not be allowed to proceed further

Cancellations:

All cancellations must be notified in writing to Pakistan Explorer. Cancellation charges will be levied as follows:-

If canceled by the client;

Whenever canceled by the client, the bank charges for both sides from the advance will be paid by the client
If canceled by the client any time after the commencement of the trip, or after deposit of advance due to any reason whatsoever, No refund will be given on any unutilized services other than hotels, meals which are subject to cancellation charges accordingly
If the trekking/expedition is cancelled by the client, government rules will be applied for the refund of Trekking Fee/climbing permits etc.

If canceled by Pakistan Explorer;

If the tour is canceled by Pakistan Explorer citing unfavorable conditions e.g. accident, landslide, flooding, incident of terrorism, wide spread epidemic and other such happenings which are truly incidental and has no participation of either client or Pakistan Explorer, and no alternate destination/arrangement/tour has not been mutually agreed upon by both client and Pakistan Explorer, client will be refunded for whatever unutilized service like hotel accommodation, meals, transportation etc. however, charges for trekking fee/climbing permits and other nonrefundable government charges will not be refunded

Liabilities and Responsibilities of Pakistan Explorer:

Pakistan Explorer, its agents, employees or any of the affiliates or subsidiary companies shall neither be responsible nor liable for any loss, damage, injury, sickness or death caused to any member or the property of the group directly or indirectly due to any delay, accident, acts of God, dangers, fire, landslide, avalanche, machinery failure, declared or undeclared hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, theft, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, delays, cancellations or changes in itinerary or schedules, Govt. restrictions or due to any causes beyond the control of Pakistan Explorer.

Reservations and Advance Payment:

All provisional reservation must reach us in writing well in advance before your arrival in Pakistan. No deposits are necessary for making any provisional reservations.
All provisional reservations are subject to confirmation on deposit of USD 300/= per pax advance payment into our account before arrival of the group/client in Pakistan. The balance amount must be paid on arrival in Pakistan.
Scan/copy of passport along with two passport size photographs will be required
Pakistan Explorer is a registered Travel company bearing National Taxation Number (NTN: 7187922-0) and is registered with Ministry of Tourism, providing complete assistance to tourist and climbing expeditions from across the world.

Confirmation and Payment Mode: For Online Deposits:
Account Title: Pakistan Explorer
A/c #: 001005077804
Branch Code: 0131
IBAN: PK75ALFH0131001005077804
Bank Alfalah F-10 Markaz, Islamabad

For more queries and info Contact:
Pakistan Explorer
Suite 104, Millennium Heights, F-11, Islamabad
Cell: 0092-319 5285268
E-mail: operations@pakistanexplorer.org
Note: Pakistan Explorer is a registered Travel & Media Company based in Islamabad, Pakistan (NTN: 7187922-0)