Kalash Chilam Josh Summer Festival 15 Days

Today, we set out on a journey that takes us from the plains into the foothills of the Himalayas, traversing the lush green Hazara Hills. Our destination is the historic Besham Qila, a strategic outpost of the Kingdom of Swat, which rapidly developed after the construction of the Karakoram Highway. As we travel along the newly built Hazara motorway, we reach Thakote, where we will experience the mighty Indus River. This trans-boundary river of Asia is a significant landmark in the region, with a rich history dating back to the time of Alexander the Great. According to historical accounts, Alexander’s armies had to retreat from Mount Aronus due to the turbulent nature of the river and the perils of attempting to cross it. The Thakote Bridge is another notable landmark, as it marks the inauguration of the Karakoram Highway by the Chinese premier in1978. As we continue our journey along this historic road, we make a stop at the KKH memorial, where we can witness the strength and power of the mighty Indus River, the longest river in Pakistan. Upon reaching Besham, we will check into our hotel, ready to relax and unwind after a day full of awe-inspiring sights and experiences.

We begin our journey early as we have a long but spectacular drive along the Karakoram Highway. This scenic route offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. Exploring Kohistan, the mountain region for much of the journey, we drive through Kohistan, also known as ‘Mountain regions” in Persian. This region was once called ‘Yaghistan, meaning lawless land, due to its remoteness and isolation. Despite its challenging terrain, Kohistan has a rich history and culture that we will have the opportunity to explore.

Between the 2nd and 9th centuries, the Indus valley served as a pilgrimage route along the Silk Road, connecting China and Tibet to the Buddhist kingdom of Gandhara. This ancient trade route played a significant role in the exchange of ideas, cultures, and goods between different civilizations. If we are lucky, on a clear day, we can appreciate the majestic views of Nanga Parbat in the distance, standing proudly at 8126 meter. This mountain, one of the highest in the world, adds to the already stunning landscape we will experience on our journey. We will have stopover at the junction point of the three mountain ranges where the Himalaya, Karkoram and Hindukush ranges meet at one point in Jaglote near Gilgit.  Our destination for the day is Gilgit, a frontier town with a rich history. Once a vital staging post on the ancient Silk Route, Gilgit has witnessed its fair share of the conflict and change. Over time, the town has been ransacked by Tibetans and Chinese, Sikhs, leaving it with a complex and storied past.

This morning, we have the opportunity to delve into the rich history and culture of a classic frontier town, once considered the furthest outpost of the empire. Our adventure will take us through the Christian and Chinese graveyards and bustling bazaar, before heading north on the Karakoram Highway towards the famed Hunza Valley. As we journey through this breathtaking landscape, we will come across the awe-inspiring Mount Rakaposhi, a testament to the region’s epic beauty. We will take a break for lunch at Rakaposhi View Restaurant, where we can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Upon our arrival in the picturesque town of Karimabad, we will be captivated by the mountains that envelop the area and the laid-back atmosphere of this charming destination. The location where we will be staying for the night is positioned at an elevation of 2,850 meters above sea level. This vantage point provides breathtaking panoramic views of five 7,000-meter peaks, ensuring that we will have an unforgettable experience during our stay.

Today we start our day with waking up early to witness the breathtaking sight of Rakaposhi peak turning flamingo pink as the sun rises. After breakfast, we will head to the other side of the valley to explore the Hoper Glacier. A picturesque lunch will be enjoyed at a garden café before driving to the newly formed lake at Attabad. The tour continues to Gulmit, where we can witness the carpet weaving center run by Wakhi women. Finally, the group will drive further north to the Batura Glacier and enjoy the stunning views of Passu Cones, Passu Glacier, and 7000m peaks. The day concludes with a return to Karimabad in the late afternoon. 

After having a delicious breakfast, we will visit Baltit Fort located in Karimabad, Hunza. This historic fort has been beautifully restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. Baltit Fort is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which highlights its significance and importance in the region. We will take a break for lunch in town. After refueling, those who are interested can embark on a water channel walk around Karimabad. This walk offers a unique opportunity to witness the local culture and landscape while enjoying a leisurely stroll. In the afternoon, we will have some free time to explore the local shops in Karimabad. This is an excellent chance to buy souvenirs and experience the local craftsmanship. Café’ De Hunza is a popular spot to enjoy the best coffee and walnut cake in town, offering a delightful treat for those who wish to take a break from shopping.

After breakfast, we will begin our journey back to Gilgit and travel towards the Ghizer Valley. This stunning valley is nestled within the towering mountains of the northern region of Pakistan. The drive to Ghizer Valley is an inspiring experience, as it takes us through some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes the country has to offer. The region is rich in cultural heritage, with ancient Forts, monasteries, and traditional villages that showcase the unique history and traditions of the people who lives here.  

Today’s drive is likely the most impressive of the tour, taking us through the Phandar and Laspur valleys, including a journey over the Shandur Pass. We will stop for tea at the Shandur Pass, which sits at 3,800 meters above sea level. Shandur is home to the world’s highest wild polo field, where top teams from Gilgit and Chitral engage in fast and aggressive matches. Nearby, Shandure Lake is renowned for its stunning reflections of the towering Hindu Kush Mountains that envelop it. This picturesque location offers a serene and peaceful break from the journey, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the beauty of the region. The place called Langer is a picturesque plain and is home to local shepherds who graze their cattle, yaks,  donkeys, and sheep, adding a unique touch to the landscape. 

After a long day of exploring and taking in the stunning landscapes, we arrive at Mastuj, our resting place for the night. Here, we can unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences we’ve had during our tour.

After breakfast, we will take a short walk to the main road to capture views of the Tirich Mir Peak. From there, we can also see the Yarkhun Valley, which leads to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor. Following that, we will embark on a beautiful drive along the Mastuj Valley, passing Tirich Mir and Boni Zong. In the late afternoon, we’ll head towards Chitral National Park to observe the markhor, before checking into our local hotel for dinner.

After breakfast, we proceed to explore Chitral bazaar, a famous fort and landmarks. Following lunch, we will continue our journey into the Kalash Valley of Rumbor village. The journey typically takes around two hours, although, for those who prefer, walking the final few miles through the stunning valley is also possible.
Following lunch, we'll have the chance to engage with the Kalash people and enjoy relaxed strolls around the village.

In the valley, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular Joshi festival, a time when the Kalash people celebrate the arrival of spring with music and dancing. This festive atmosphere will provide us with a unique cultural experience. 

In the morning, we can take a walk through the valley and witness the families preparing for the festivities. This will give us a glimpse into their daily lives and the importance of the Joshi festival in their community. During the afternoon, we will be able to watch the traditional dancing at a high point above the main village. This will be memorable and entertaining experience, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Kalsah people. The day’s events will culminate in the most interesting spectacle; the elders of the village using walnut branches to shoo away bad spirits from the valley. This ancient ritual, passed down through generations, will be a fascinating conclusion to our day spent celebrating the Joshi festival.

Today, we take advantage of our time in the valley to enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience the warm hospitality of the local people. Our morning walk will lead us toward the Afghan border, where we can visit small villages and interact with the locals. Will have lunch, and those interested can join an optional walk around the valley to better understand the lifestyle of the Kalash people. Alternatively, you may choose to relax in the village and soak in the atmosphere. Later in the day, we will embark on a journey to Ayun. .  We will explore the village, walks to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. These walks offer an immersive experience and provide valuable insights into the daily life of the people in this region.

Today, we embark on a journey south, driving through the Northwest Frontier and into the picturesque Swat Valley via the Lawari Tunnel. For many years, the Swat Valley region was inaccessible to foreign tourists, but recent changes have allowed us to explore this beautiful area and its ancient Buddhist past.

Upon arrival, we will visit the Buddhist remains of the ancient city of Barikot, the Shingerdar Stupa, and the Galigay Buddha before checking into the tour hotel. These historical sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and its connections to ancient Buddhism.

This morning, we will explore the Swat Museum, which is filled with numerous Ghandharan artifacts. Later, we will visit the Butkara Stupa, the oldest stupa in Pakistan, believed to have been built by Ashoka around the third century BC. These historical sites offer insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Will visit the local Mingora bazaar to experience the local culture and shop for souvenirs. On our way south, we will pass through Chakdarra, aplace where a young Winston Churchill once saw action in the 1890s. This stop allow us to learn about the area’s history and Churchill’s involvement in it. Our final journey will take us back to the capital city of Islamabad. Throughout our trip, we have learned about the region’s history and culture through visiting various historical landmarks.

In conclusion, the tour’s end after breakfast and the subsequent departure of the group flight marks the successful completion of a-once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The participants will cherish the memories made during their time exploring the various attractions and forming connections with fellow travelers.