Sunrise over a fort on the bluff above the Chitral river in autumn

All journeys · Chitral and Kalash

Chitral and Kalash.

Six days over the Lowari into a gentler world. A fort on the river, hot springs in the hills, and valleys where the Kalash have kept their festivals for two thousand years.

Duration6 days, 5 nights

RhythmCultural

Best seasonMay to September

Fromfrom $1,250 ppask

RouteIslamabad to Kalash

Reserve your dates

The oldest culture in the Hindu Kush.

Chitral feels different the moment you arrive: softer, slower, proud of its polo and its poetry. Beyond it live the Kalash, whose spring, summer and winter festivals have run unbroken since before recorded history. You are received as a guest, not shown around as a tourist.

The route, day by day the climb, in metres above the sea

When to goJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecgrey off · outline good · filled best · Kalash festival

Day 1

Islamabad to Dir

Through the green corridors of Swat and up to Dir, the last town before the pass. An early night; the mountains start tomorrow.

6-7 hrs, private transferAsk about this day

Day details

StayDir hotel
MealsBreakfast and dinner at the stay; lunch on the road.
Worth knowingAn early night; the pass wants a fresh start.

Day 2

Lowari to Chitral

Through the tunnel or over the 3,118-metre pass, and the world changes. Drier, grander, quieter. Evening beneath the walls of the Shahi Qila.

3-4 hrsAsk about this day

Day details

StayChitral fort-side hotel
MealsBreakfast and dinner at the stay; lunch on the road.
Worth knowingThe tunnel saves two hours over the 3,118 m pass.

Day 3

Chitral to Bumburet

A jeep track up into Kalash country, the largest of the three valleys. Wooden houses on stilts and a first evening around the hearth.

2.5 hrs, jeep trackAsk about this day

Day details

StayBumburet guesthouse
MealsBreakfast and dinner at the stay; lunch on the road.
Worth knowingThe valley narrows into walnut and mulberry shade.

Day 4

Rumbur and the Kalash

Walk to the wildest and most beautiful valley. Weavers, shepherds, the meaning of the dress, and if your dates align, a festival dance.

Full day, on footAsk about this day

Day details

StayRumbur guesthouse
MealsBreakfast and dinner at the stay; lunch on the road.
Worth knowingAsk your host about the festival calendar before you plan.

Day 5

Garam Chashma and the bazaar

Soak in the hot springs near the Afghan border, then Chitral town: woollen hats, the Shahi Mosque carvings, river evenings.

Easy dayAsk about this day

Day details

StayChitral hotel
MealsBreakfast and dinner at the stay; lunch on the road.
Worth knowingHot springs above the village; bring swimwear.

Day 6

Chitral to Islamabad

Back over Lowari with a farewell look, down through Swat, home by evening. You leave with invitations to the next festival.

9-10 hrsAsk about this day

Day details

StayYour own bed
MealsBreakfast and dinner at the stay; lunch on the road.
Worth knowingChai at the north face of the Lowari, then the long descent.

From the road Chitral and Kalash

The Panjkora river valley at Dir — 01The road through DirDay 1

The wooden balconies of Chitral Fort — 02Chitral FortDay 2

A garden villa in Ayun village — 03Gardens of AyunDay 3

A Kalash valley floor with the first snow above — 04The Kalash valleysDay 4

A barbecue grill smoking at dusk — 05BBQ in KalashDay 4

Summer pastures under the afternoon sky — 06The summer pasturesDay 4

First light on the ridges of the Hindu Raj — 07First light on the Hindu RajDay 5

Included

✓Private 4x4 with veteran mountain driver-guide
✓5 nights: Chitral town hotels and Kalash valley guesthouses
✓Breakfast and dinner daily
✓Fuel, tolls, passes and entry fees
✓First-aid kit, oxygen, satellite check-ins

Not included

–Flights to and from Islamabad
–Lunches and personal snacks
–Personal gear and equipment
–Travel insurance (required)
–Tips for guides and drivers

Ways to do it three comfort levels

Same road. Three ways to travel it.

Every package is private to your group. The road is identical; what changes is where you sleep, how much room you ride with, and how much we wrap around you.

Prices on request

Tell us your dates and group size on WhatsApp and we will send the full price list for Chitral and Kalash.

Know before the pass.

The practical truth of this route. Ask us anything else on WhatsApp.

When are the festivals?

Chilam Joshi in May, Uchal in August, Choimus in December. Dates follow the Kalash calendar; we confirm them before you book flights. Ask on WhatsApp

How do we visit respectfully?

The Kalash are hosts, not exhibits. Photography with permission, modest dress, no alcohol in the valleys. Your guide briefs you fully. Ask on WhatsApp

What are the roads like?

The last hours into the valleys are jeep track. Part of the charm, and the reason the valleys are what they are. Ask on WhatsApp

★★★★★

We had the most exhilarating experience travelling up to Kalash Valley to enjoy the Chilam Joshi Festival. Mohsin was most courteous host and guide. BBQ at the Kalash Valley was one of the highlights of our trip. They are an excellent team of educated, cultured young people and they cater to all kinds of budgets and needs.

4.9 from 307 travellers read them on Google

Back from an incredible adventure, all made possible by the amazing arrangements of Tour De Swat! The vehicle was in great condition, the planning was thoughtful, and Mr Malak Mohsin personally looked after every detail of the trip.

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Plan this journey Lowari Pass, 3,118 m

Walk this road with us.

Tell us your dates. If a festival fits the calendar, we build it in.

Plan on WhatsApp Or design a custom route