5 Days

Chilimjusht 13-16 May-2019

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The Kalasha spring Festival known as Zhoshi by the Kalash themselves and “Chilimjusht” by the local people, with its all colours and glory will commence from 13th and last until 16th May, to welcome the summer season of the year. Since it’s the most colourful festival of the Kalash people, thousands of national and international tourists come to attend it, creating for themselves, lifetime memories in the United valleys of Kalash.

The unique group dance of the Kalash people, coupled with the bewitching scenery of the valleys, is the real essence of the festival is worth seeing. People, who long to know the important but hidden facts about the smallest community of the earth, would ever love to join the festival.

This is not a mere gathering of people, but rather embodies the outstanding and unparallel peace, unknown to the world, surrounds us there. This festival also gives us an opportunity to see how these few people remained true to their ancestors and preserved the great heritage which they received from their forefathers in the shape of culture. This festival is unique in its nature and has no other examples in this big world.

Chitral, the valley of mesmerizing beauty, the hidden treasure of nature, peace-loving and hospitable people and much more to explore is still a hidden paradise for travellers, researchers, nature lovers and adventurists. Under the shadow of Tarich Mir, the highest mountain range of Hindukush, the home of fairies is 412km and 368 km away from Islamabad and Peshawar respectively.

Access to this land of treasure was impossible possible for six months of the year, is now opened and linked with rest of the country for 365 days a year, but the Natural treasures are still protected and guarded by the towering high icy mountains and peaks.

You will find some of the treasure, including meandering brooks, the lush green pasture, the straggly chinar trees, the snow covered majestic Hindukush/Hindu-Raj highest peaks, the tumbling down of cataracts, the gushing forth of hot and cold Natural springs, the mesmerizing lakes and rivers, the velvety lush greenery are some of the objects of beauty in Chitral that cast a magic spell on the sightseers. Spring heralds the appearance of beauty in all these objects of nature, which can attract domestic and foreign tourists.

Kalash community in Chitral are welcoming this romantic, captivating and enchanting beauty of the upcoming spring season, and inviting the travellers to join them to celebrate this wonderful event with wonderful people of the world.

Chitral Travel Bureau, an inbound tour Company and travel consultant with over 20 years experiences of mountain tourism is pleased to serve you with our comprehensive and economical tour packages for the travellers and tourists for upcoming events in Chitral, including the Kalash famous event of Chilimjusht to be held on 13-16 May 2019.

Day excursion of Garumchashma Lotkoh:

You trip to Kalash festival will give an additional value of money you are spending on your tour to Chitral is one full day exploration trip to Injigan, 45 km in the extreme north west of Chitral on the gateway to Central Asia is popularly known Garam Chashma.

The historical popularity of the area is because of its shortest land route from Chitral to Central Asia (just 200 km), used to be the hub of trades and pilgrimage routes for traders, travelers and conquerors.

In the 11th century, an Ismaili scholar, philosopher and preacher came to this area and initiated preaching, teaching converted the Kalash/ Budapest into Islam. He stayed in the cave, well known as “Gharo Ziarat” and prayed inside the cave for 40 days with full fasting. On completion of this spiritual empowerment, he comes out from the cave and hundreds of people movement called “Piro Pathak” celebrated on 2nd of February every year.

The land of memory, pilgrimage and roots of spirituality remains the identity of the area. In the recent past history, the popularity of the area came out in 1972 when the then Prime Minister Mr Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto visited the area and explored its attraction and beauty. He purchased a piece of land constructed his residence-called Prime Minster House at Garumchashma.

Later on, he brought Prince Karim Aga Khan in 1976 to this area and it got exposed to a national and international outlook. The Afghanistan cold war with Russia has maintained a negative outlook of the area in many ways, but the inherited rich culture overcame the situation through paradigm shift towards sustainable development. Garam Chashma, famous for its hot springs and the water is perceived for centuries, as a natural medication to cure the skin disorders and maladies; therefore the valley is visited by hundreds of local as well as foreign tourist every year.

Itinerary:

Day 1	May 14 Departure to Kalash valley from Islamabad/Rawalpindi/Pew. Full day derives 10-12 hours with a break for lunch on way to Kalash valley and overnight with Kalash Guest House( subject to availability) otherwise in the camping.
Day 02	May-15 Stay in Kalash guest house in Bumburat valley or in camps- enjoyed full day Kalash festival till late night- dancing with the community and participating in the event.
Day 03	May- 16 Stay in Kalash for full day exploration and overnight at Chitral (Chitral Guest House)
Day 04	May -17 Explore Garumchashma, the natural beauty of valley leading towards Central Asia at just 200 km crossing narrow straps of Afghanistan. This valley remained the focal point of Afghan cold war with Russia. On the way back to Chitral you will enjoy Markhoor- the most endangered species on the planet. O/N at Chitral Guest House
Day 05	May-18 Full day drive from Chitral to Islamabad/Rwp/Peshawar and lunch on way at Tumalgira or Chikara.

The cost of the itinerary for five days: The cost of the proposed itinerary is 35,800 PKR per person based on the minimum group size of 12 pax or above. The cost will increase proportionately with less size and decrease with larger size of group members.

Itinerary Includes:

• Transport from Islamabad to Dir by coasters and Dir to Kalash, Garumchashma and drop at Dir by Jeep
• Full board based Hotel/Guest House or camping facilities subject to availability during the festival day.
• Guide from Islamabad to Islamabad
• Home stay facilities if required during the trip
• Sharing and double occupancy based accommodation
• Private transport with 4 pax in one Jeep.

Not Included:

Personal items, including warm cloths, trekking shoes, mineral water, tips, cold drink, juices, additional fruits or food or tea.