Kalash, yet another stunning valley in highlands of Pakistan, shares its name with a tribe of the only pagan, or call them non-believers, minority residing in Pakistan. Fortunately to the location, deep in Hindu Kush range, natural beauty is hidden away here from influence of modern world. The villagers claim to be descendants of the soldiers belonging to Alexander the Great and lived in seclusion ever since the Macedonian warrior king invaded the region over 2,300 years ago. Developing their own traditional meteorological and astronomical knowledge system, earned them a place at UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
Considered as taboo by their neighbours, the Kalasha people celebrate annual Chilam Joshi, festival of Spring. Love to music and dance is inherited over generations – both men and women never miss a chance to celebrate. It may seem Tinder got not much of use in here, finding someone to marry is in fact, the primary goal of the festival. To the rhythm of the drums, they sing and dance in a circle, while discretely swiping left and right. New, traditional clothes are worn by everyone, and so bachelors and bachelorettes are expected to make an effort to select their spouses and announce their names on the last day of the festival. Although festival repeats every year, only a small community of 4,000 Kalashas exists, but their presence holds a power unmatched by numbers.
Starting with the milk day, related to a pray for safeguarding fields and animals by their Gods, Kalashas stockpile milk in their houses for ten days prior to the event, once ready traditional drink is offered on the day of the festival. The villagers then take to the streets, and to the beat of drumming, they sing and dance wearing vibrant, traditional clothes.
Its not easy to reach here and only a family-run guesthouses provide accommodation to visitors. However, this provides an opportunity to fully immerse in the spirit of Kalasha culture. We will awaken each day to the sounds of their ancient melodies, discover the secrets hidden within their handicrafts, and taste the flavours of their traditional delicacies.
Such combination of the festival’s vibes against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks makes it a perfect combination for travel connoisseurs.
Let’s go!!
DAY 1 // MAY 12 // DEPARTURE
Arrival, immigration formalities and overnight in Islamabad.
DAY 2 // MAY 13 // CHITRAL
Drive via Timergara to Chitral. After lunch, we will reach Kalash valley. On the way we will see first snow peaks, among others if weather allows, the highest peak of the Hindukush Mountains - Trich Mir.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 3 // MAY 14 // KALASH VALLEY
We are going to spend this day in the Rumbur Valley, which is a very home to the Kalash people. Here, we will begin the celebrations of the Chilam Joshi Festival.
The festival starts from Rumbur and then moves to Bhamboreet and Barir. On this day, the Kalash pray for the protection of their homes and animals, offering milk to the gods, visitors and spilling it in the fields. There will be a lot of local music and dances. Kalash music is all about drumming and singing melodic repetitions. The lyrics range from ritualistic themes to those reflecting the mythology and history of the Kalash people. The primary purpose of singing is to pray for a prosperous milk harvest and to reinforce the shared identity of the Kalash community. You will quickly learn Kalash are all about love, music and dancing. Overnight in guesthouse.
DAY 4 // MAY 15 // CHILAM JOSHI
Today we will participate in the street parades of Chilam Joshi. Visit to the Bahshali house, hear the stories of local culture and customs. In the evening we drive to Bamburate, dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 5 // MAY 16 // BAMBURATE
In the Bumburet valley during the morning, young women gather with milk containers and flowers that were collected the previous day for the Chirik Pipi ceremony. When the ceremony commences, all the children and ladies proceed to the sacred livestock shed. According to the villagers, this goat’s milk has been stored since May 1st and is considered sacred. It is then distributed to the women.
Further on we will also visit graveyard in Krakal village and move to Batrik for dance festival. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
DAY 6 // MAY 17 // ISLAMABAD RETURN
Today we leave Bamburate and hit the road to Islamabad and further back home.
Grade: Easy, available for everyone.
Activities: participating in vibrant festival, encounter of secluded Kalash culture.
Accommodation and meals: local guesthouses and hotels, double sharing. Meals included, except meals on transfers. Single occupancy subject of extra cost and availability at the time of booking.
Cost: 5020 AED all incl. flights until MAY 05th.
Specifically excluded: visa, insurance, entry fees - if any, extras such as water, restaurant meals on transfers.
Visa: Evisa cost or visa management is not a subject of Trekkup scope. Support documents available for confirmed RSVPs.
It is sole responsibility of participant to assure admission to country of destination.
See yah in Kalash x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 0504848238 / [
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