A CROSSROADS ADVENTURE JOURNEY
Chilam Joshi Festival & Kalash Journey
Group Trips – Throughout the Year | Private depending on bookings
YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
Pace: Road travel, sightseeing and walking adapted to your interests. Share your preferred pace and mobility before we prepare your proposal.
Premium accommodation where available. Final stays, room arrangements and the daily pace are agreed with you.
INDICATIVE JOURNEY PRICE
USD 2,500–4,000 per person
The final proposal confirms your dates, party size, room arrangements, services and price.
Group departure routes and lengths may differ from this private itinerary. If no dates are listed, enquire about a private journey.
PAKISTAN · CHILAM JOSHI FESTIVAL
Discover Chilam Joshi Festival
Chitral and the Kalash valleys anchor this festival journey, followed by the other valleys shown in its own daily route. The programme is shaped around the community celebrations and respectful visits rather than a guaranteed performance timetable.
Follow the complete 14-day route below. Private dates and changes to the pace are discussed after enquiry, with the final stays and services agreed before booking.
Moments along the journey
Journey highlights
Chilam Joshi celebrations in Bumburet
Chitral and Kalash valley heritage
Ghizer and the mountain route to Hunza
Hunza forts and the villages of Gojal
Your journey route
Explore the places along this journey. Map connections are an overview, not driving directions.
Your 14-day itinerary
A proposed sequence, adapted to your dates and interests. Weather, flight operation and local access may require changes.
DAY 1
Arrival In Islamabad
Arrive in Islamabad and Venture on a captivating city Experience to acquaint yourself with the cultural and historical essence of Pakistan’s capital.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Islamabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 2
Islamabad - Taxila - Swat Valley
Begin your journey with a visit to the ancient Buddhist monastery of Taxila – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, proceed to the picturesque Swat Valley, known for its breathtaking landscapes.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Swat · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 3
Swat - Chitral
Adventure to Chitral Valley, a full-day drive offering mesmerizing views including the iconic Lowari Tunnel. Overnight stay in Chitral city.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Chitral city
DAY 4
Chitral - Bumburat Valley
Journey to Bumburet Valley with a stopover at Tirich Mir viewpoint. Explore the enchanting beauty of Bumburet Valley before retiring for the night.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Chitral · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 5
Chilam Joshi Festival In Bumburat
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Chilam Joshi Festival celebrated by the Kalash people, featuring captivating dances and cultural performances. Return to Chitral town for overnight stay.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Stay and location confirmed in your personal proposal
DAY 6
Explore Chitral
Spend a full day exploring Chitral town, including visits to Chitral museum and local markets soaking in the rich heritage and traditions.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Chitral · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 7
Chitral – Ghizer Via Shandur
Continue from Chitral toward Ghizer via the Shandur route when it is open. The programme is adjusted if road access requires a different route.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Ghizer; arrangements confirmed according to access
DAY 8
Ghizer Valley
Spend a gentler day in Ghizer, with time for the valley landscape and local exploration at your preferred pace.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Ghizer
DAY 9
Ghizer – Gilgit – Karimabad
Travel onward through Gilgit to Karimabad in Hunza, with breaks and viewpoints along the way.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Karimabad
DAY 10
Discover Hunza
Explore the majestic Baltit and Altit forts, stroll through Karimabad bazaar, and enjoy panoramic views of Hunza Valley from Duikar/Fagil. Overnight stay in Karimabad.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Karimabad
DAY 11
Gojal Valley Exploration
Venture on a full-day adventure exploring Attabad Lake, Hussaini Suspension Bridge, Borith Lake, Passu Cones, and charming villages of Gulmit and Ghulkin.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Stay and location confirmed in your personal proposal
DAY 12
Passu - Bisham
Enjoy a scenic drive back to Bisham/Besham along the iconic Karakoram Highway, soaking in the grandeur of the surrounding mountain passes.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Bisham · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 13
Bisham - Taxila - Islamabad
Return to Islamabad, visit the Taxila Museum showcasing a remarkable collection of Gandhara art and artifacts. Return to Islamabad for overnight stay.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Islamabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 14
Islamabad City Experience And Departure
Conclude your adventure with a morning city experience of Islamabad, followed by transfer to the airport for your international departure, carrying cherished memories of Pakistan’s cultural wonders.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: No overnight stay; departure timing confirmed in your proposal
Accommodation along the journey
Premium accommodation where available, selected for the overnight places in this itinerary. Properties, room categories and any remote-area alternatives are agreed after enquiry; named hotels are not confirmed standard arrangements.
Use the overnight line in each daily card to follow the stay sequence. Tell us your room preferences and any requests for longer stays before the personal programme is finalised.
What is included
The services below reflect this journey. Your agreed proposal confirms the final arrangements before booking.
Drinking water & refreshments
- .Mineral water in the car
Accommodation, agreed with you
- Premium accommodation where available, with simpler stays in remote locations as appropriate. Properties and room arrangements are agreed after your enquiry.
Transport
- .Airport transfers
- .Transportation with fuel
- .All toll tax and parking charges
Visa Application
- .Invitation letter and supporting documents for visa application
Visa Application
- .Invitation letter and supporting documents for visa application
What is not included
Meals & personal spending
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are excluded and paid directly by guests.
Other exclusions
- International flights; personal travel insurance.
- Tips and gratuities; personal purchases and optional activities not specified in your agreed proposal.
- Meals: Meals expenses are excluded, giving you the flexibility to choose dining options according to your preferences.
- Flight and insurance liability
- Any Expenses not mentioned above
Tailor the experience
No. Community celebrations follow their own programme. We confirm the available schedule locally and adapt the visits, with respect for residents and their customs.
Plan your Chilam Joshi Festival journey
Mountain flights, road alternatives & international departure
When a mountain flight is cancelled, the road alternative is split over two days with an overnight in Naran when the Babusar route is open and suitable, or in Bisham via the Karakoram Highway. The same overnight arrangement applies when travelling north from Islamabad towards Gilgit or Hunza. Northbound road travel replaces local sightseeing or uses the arrival-contingency day shown in the programme. Return journeys reach Islamabad at least one calendar day before international departure, with an Islamabad hotel overnight. Confirm international flight times against this revised sequence before booking.
Season, access & pace
Festival dates and the local programme must be confirmed for the year of travel. Visits and photography follow community guidance; mountain-road access can alter the onward sequence.
Dates & arrangements
The proposed duration is 14 days / 13 nights. Share your arrival and departure plans, party size and preferred balance of the visits listed here. Your proposal confirms transport, stays, fees and any flight arrangements for this particular route.
Packing for this journey
Comfortable walking footwear, sun protection, a daypack and layers for the valley and mountain stops on this route. Discuss extra warm clothing and waterproof protection for your dates, particularly for highland visits or mountain lodges.
Travel notes & FAQs
Are festival performances guaranteed each day?
No. Community celebrations follow their own programme. We confirm the available schedule locally and adapt the visits, with respect for residents and their customs.
What affects the daily plan on this route?
Festival dates and the local programme must be confirmed for the year of travel. Visits and photography follow community guidance; mountain-road access can alter the onward sequence.
Are meals included?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are excluded and paid directly by guests.
Further reading
Explore the official destination and heritage references relevant to this route.
LET’S SHAPE YOUR JOURNEY
Chilam Joshi Festival, made personal
Tell us your preferred dates, interests and accommodation preferences. We’ll prepare a clear proposal with the itinerary, stays, services and price.
Enquire about this journey →Prefer shared company? Explore fixed departures and confirm current availability. Meet the people behind Crossroads and view our credentials.