Choimus Kalash Winter Festival is one of the top cultural festivals in Pakistan. Kalasha tribe celebrates many festivals around the year. The three main Kalash Festivals are Chilam Joshi (spring festival), Choimus (winter festival), and Uchal (summer festival). Choimus Kalash Winter Festival is an amazing cultural experience in the Hindukush mountain ranges. UNESCO listed Kalash culture as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” in 2018. The decision was announced during the 13th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee meeting organized in Mauritius.
Itinerary – Choimus Kalash Chitral Winter Festival
The itinerary for the Choimus Kalash Winter Festival is given below.
Set up camp, and explore the surrounding area. Take a leisurely stroll around the campground and get familiar with the facilities and amenities available. After setting up camp, take a short hike on one of the nearby trails to get a sense of the local flora and fauna. As the day comes to a close, enjoy a campfire meal and get a good night’s rest in preparation for the days ahead.
We start walking down from Fairy Meadows early in the morning, and in three hours meet our jeeps which will take us down the short track to Raikot bridge on the Karakoram Highway. We drive through the fascinating scenery along the Karakoram highway down the arid Indus gorge. Arrive at Sharkool a small village on top of a green hill. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (Trek 3 hours, Drive Tatto – Raikot – Sharkool 320 Km, 8-9 Hours)
Drive to Islamabad, en route visiting Taxila, the former capital of Gandhara civilization. We visit the archaeological remains of a monastery (Julian), a city (Sirkup ) and the site museum. Continue the drive to Rawalpindi, transfer to hotel. (200 km, 5-6 hours). Afternoon visit of the Federal Capital of Pakistan: Islamabad. Visit Faisal Mosque, Damen-e-Koh, Constitution Avenue, Lok Virsa Museum and Shakar Parian Park. Overnight at hotel.
