Chilam Joshi Festival 2018

One of the most famous festivals celebrated in Kalash is the Chilam Joshi festival during the month of May.  A Spring festival, people wear new dress and women decorate themselves.

The Chilam Joshi festival commemorates the arrival of summer and celebrates the abundance of dairy products during the season. This festival gives an excellent opportunity for far away people to celebrate which gives a message of peace to the world. 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.

Itinerary

Day 1: 12th May 2018 – Departure from Islamabad

• Departure from Islamabad at 2:00 AM on 12th May
• Breakfast in Dir, Enjoy!
• Continue to drive towards Chitral through Lowari Tunnel (if open) otherwise, use Lowari Top.
• Stops at Darosh for refreshments.
• Arrival Ayyun, transfer to local hiace/car/jeep for Kalash
• Arrival Campsite and overnight in Kalash

Tirich Mir in the background.

Day 2: 13th May 2018 – Chitral to Kalash 

• Good Morning, The time is 7:00 AM. It’s time to Wake-up.
• Breakfast at 8:00 AM
• Departure from Chitral at 9:00 AM on local jeeps or local cars.
• Enjoy the amazing landscape on the way.
• Arrival Karakal and explore the festival at Karakal village in Bumboret Valley
• BBQ, Music Night start’s at 8:00
• Overnight in Camps – Tour Ranger’s Camping Site.

Day 3: 14th May 2018 – Main Festival Day 

• Howdy, Rangers! It’s main festival day.
• Breakfast at 8:00 AM
• Full day festival exploration at Bumboret Village.
• Visit of Kalash graveyard and Museum
• Back to Campsite
• Dinner at 8:00 PM
• Overnights in Camps – Tour Ranger’s Camping Site.

Colors of Kalash

Day 4: 15th May 2018 – Chitral to Kalash 

• Good Morning, Much of Dancing and singing for the whole year. Let’s pack up!
• Departure for Islamabad at 6:00 AM
• Breakfast in Darosh Village.
• User Lowari Tunnel (If-open) otherwise use Lowari Top.
• Dinner in Mardan.
• Arrival Islamabad in the evening.