Main Info
The Chilam Joshi Festival, also known as the Kalash Spring Festival, is a vibrant four-day celebration held in the Kalash valleys of Rumbur, Bumburet, and Birir. The festival begins with “Milk Day,” where locals offer libations, praying for a prosperous year. Participants dress in traditional attire, engage in music and dance, and seek life partners. The festival highlights the Kalasha culture, unity, and peaceful messages, drawing both domestic and foreign tourists each year.
Whats Included
whats not included
Whats Included
Foreign travelers (non-Pakistani)
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Airport transfer on first and last day in Islamabad
- All domestic road transfers
- All hotel accommodation (twin sharing rooms)
- All hotel meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Support staff (assistant(s) etc)
Domestic travelers (Pakistani Nationals)
- Licensed professional guide
- Road transport (Islamabad to Islamabad)
- Hotel accommodation according to itinerary
- Hotel meals according to itinerary
- Support staff (assistant(s) etc – according to need)
whats not included
Foreign travelers (non-Pakistani)
- Travel Insurance (recommendations only)
- Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents will be offered)
- International airfare
- Personal equipment (clothes, boots, etc)
- Tips for guides, porters, staff, etc
- Miscellaneous (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenir, etc)
Domestic travelers (Pakistani Nationals)
- Airport transfers in Islamabad (can be arranged – additional charges)
- Sightseeing in Islamabad and surrounding areas (can be arranged – additional charges)
- Hotel accommodation in Islamabad (can be arranged – additional charges)
- Hotel meals in Islamabad (can be arranged – additional charges)
- Travel insurance (recommendations can be requested)
- Visa to Pakistan (not required)
- International airfare for overseas Pakistani
- Personal equipment (warm clothes, boots, etc)
- Tips for guides, porters, staff, etc
- Miscellaneous (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenir, etc)
Highlights
Highlights
- Celebrating Spring: The festival marks the arrival of spring with colorful and lively celebrations across the Kalash valleys.
- Milk Day Tradition: The Kalasha people store milk for ten days before offering it during the festival to ask for blessings.
- Cultural Richness: The festival reflects the unique culture, harmony, and peaceful message of the Kalash community.
- Traditional Clothing: Kalasha women wear vibrant, flower-patterned attire, complemented by beaded necklaces and traditional headgear.
- Men’s Attire: Men don traditional Shalwar Kameez with woolen waistcoats, embracing cultural heritage.
- Music and Dance: Participants sing and dance in circles, following rhythmic drumbeats, creating an energetic atmosphere.
- Finding Life Partners: A primary goal of the festival is for Kalasha men and women to find potential spouses.
- Announcing Partners: The last day of the festival celebrates the announcement of life partners, bringing joy to singles.
