- Professional Culture Guide. (Government requirement)
- Airport transfers for Domestic & international flights.
- Internal flights and associated airport transfers
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- Accommodation as described
- All meals
- All permit fees.
- Pakistan visa documents
Chitral
Location
HOTEL
Accommodation
ALL SEASON
Best Season
Full Board
Boarding
Kalash Valley Tour Pakistan 2025-26
Kalash Valley Tour is a fascinating journey to meet the Kalasha people of stunning Kalash Valley where life revolves around festivals. Kalash Valley is known for its unique traditions and culture which can not be found anywhere in the world.
Tour Highlights
- Spectacular mountain vistas throughout the Kalash Valley tour
- Explore the beauty of Islamabad and Chitral
- Meet the descendent of Alexander The Great & his Troops
- Dance with the Kalash people and learn their Pagan culture
- UNESCO listed Kalash culture as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage”
- Enjoy Pakistani cuisine
Tour Overview
Kalash Valley is located in the Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Kalash is surrounded by the Hindu Kush mountain range and it’s an hour’s drive from Chitral town. The inhabitants of the Kalash valleys call the Kalash people, who have a unique culture, tradition, and language and follow a form of ancient Hinduism. As such, the Kalash Valleys are a source of attraction for International tourists. Kalash has three main valleys, Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir valley. The largest and most populous valley is Bumburet ( also known as Mumuret), reached by a road from Ayun in the Kunar Valley. Rumbur and Acholgah are side valleys north of Bumburet. The third valley, Biriu (Birir), is a side valley of Kunar Valley, south of Bumburet.
The population of Kalash is around 5,000 individuals, which makes them a religious and ethnic minority in Pakistan. Their customs and traditions are contradictory to the Islamic and Pakistani cultures. Kalash religion is a polytheist faith and they offer sacrifices to their Gods. The culture of Kalash is interlinked with their religion and based upon several festivals and celebrations. People generally do not intermarry or cohabit regions with local Muslims but neither are they hostile towards them. They are under the legal and constitutional protection of the state of Pakistan as a scheduled tribe.
Our Kalash Valley Tour starts from Islamabad. Your guide will meet and greet you at Islamabad International Airport then transfer you to the hotel for a rest. We will meet again in the afternoon over dinner. Your Guide will give a detailed briefing about the Kalash Valley Tour. Next morning we will drive to the airport to catch the spectacular 1 hour mountain view flight to Chitral. Flights to Chitral are weather-dependent, in case of cancellation we will drive to Chitral. Rest and sightseeing in Chitral for one day then we will take our epic journey to explore the Kalash Valley. We will spend a few days exploring and enjoying the festivals of the PEGANS then follow the same itinerary back to Islamabad.
We Strongly believe that the Kalash Valley Tour is one of the richest and most eye-opening cultural retreats in the world. Kalash Valley Tour provides an amazing cultural experience in the Hindukusch mountain ranges among the ethnic minority community of Kalash. UNESCO listed Kalash culture as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” in November 2018. The decision was announced during the 13th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee meeting organised in Mauritius. Our tours to Chitral and Kalash valleys are normally referred to as “Kalash valley tours” since Kalash is the major attraction in the valley of Chitral and they have fixed dates for their annual festivals. The tours here are the fixed departures for Kalash Valley and Chitral, we also offer Tailor-made Tours for Kalash Valley throughout the year.
Kalash Valley – Home to a Pagan culture in Pakistan
In the 3rd century BC, on his mission and journeys through the Hindu Kush range, Alexander the Great and his troops left their footprints and descendants in what is today called the Kalash Valley, home to an ethnic community in Pakistan who are blue-eyed and fair-skinned.
Yes, that’s right. In one of the remotest parts of Pakistan, there is a tribal group who, after carrying out several DNA tests, have claimed ancestry as descendants of Alexander the Great and his army, meaning that they are direct descendants of the ancient Greek-Macedonian people.
This is one of the most popular theories but, in fact, over the last decades, the Kalash people have called the attention of numerous anthropologists from all over the world, who conducted several studies, trying to figure out where they come from. However, many of them have shown different results and conclusions, which means that the actual origin of the Kalash tribe remains unknown.
Life today in the Kalash Valley
Today, around 5,000 Kalash people live across 3 different valleys (figures are highly argued). Due to their remoteness, very far away from civilization, today, the Kalash people live a traditional, rural life which remains pretty untouched. Most families rely on the sun to have electricity, don’t have running water, are self-sufficient and live in wooden shacks. To be honest, life is quite hard here as they have very long, freezing winters and, unlike people from other parts of Pakistan, during winter, they don’t move to the cities but they remain in the valley.
Kalash festival
We recommend visiting the Kalash Valley during the Festival period. Festivals are,
- Chilam Joshi Festival (Kalash Spring Festival) 13 May – 16 May
- Uchal Festival (Kalash summer festival) 12 Aug – 22 Aug
- Choimus Festival (Kalash Winter Festival) 15 Dec – 22 Dec
Kalash festivals are an ancient cultural event which takes place every year around the same time. It’s a 4-day festival which happens across the 3 valleys, where people not only drink, dance and have fun in general but they also worship their Gods and spirits, giving offerings and even sacrifices. One of the fascinating traditions of the festival is, that young men and women choose their future husbands and wives in the middle of the dance. Attending the festival will be one of the highlights of the whole journey.
We are offering three fixed departure tours for solo travellers in May-August and December for the Kalash Festivals. Private groups choose a date that is convenient to travel. We are happy to arrange this tour according to your available time and customise the itinerary to meet your travel requirements.
Read the review about the Kalash Valley Tour on our Tripadvisor page.
Brief Tour Itinerary
D-1
ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD:
D-2
SPECTACULAR FLIGHT TO CHITRAL:
D-3
SIGHTSEEING IN CHITRAL:
D-4
DRIVE TO KALASH VALLEY:
D-5
FESTIVAL DAY IN KALASH:
D-6
DRIVE BACK TO CHITRAL:
D-7
FLIGHT BACK TO ISLAMABAD:
D-8
DEPARTURE DAY-FLIGHT BACK HOME:
Additional information
| Grade | EASY |
|---|---|
| Attributes | Early Birds and Group Discounts availaible |
Map and itinerary of Kalash Valley Tour Pakistan
Introduction
Trango Adventure has a long track record of organising Tours in Pakistan. We have been offering the Kalash Valley Tour for many years. We designed our itinerary based on Over 40 Years of experience, which is the best in terms of acclimatization, safety and enjoyment.
We intend to keep to the day-by-day itinerary detailed below, although there might be some flexibility due to local conditions or other factors beyond our control. If this is the case the trek leader will do everything possible to work out the changes to the itinerary to minimize your inconvenience.
Adventure travel requires an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions, unpredictable weather and last-minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. The ability to work in a team is an important aspect of all of our trips.
Detailed Tour Itinerary
D-1
ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD:
Welcome to Pakistan. Islamabad has a good International flight connection, most of the international flights arrive at Islamabad International Airport in the mornings. Your Guide will meet and greet you at the airport and then transfer you to the hotel for a rest. The rest of the days are free to recover from your journey. Later in the day, when everyone has arrived, we will have a group briefing about the Kalash Valley Tour. Depending on the time available to us, there may be an option to do some sightseeing in Islamabad. Islamabad was built in 1961 as a new capital city of Pakistan.
- ACCOMMODATION
- HOTEL
- MEALS
- Lunch, dinner.
D-2
SPECTACULAR FLIGHT TO CHITRAL,1 HOUR:
Today you will take a spectacular mountain view flight to Chitral (weather permitting). It will be a short 1-hour flight with fantastic mountain vistas. In Chitral, we will check in to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the beautiful Chitral town.
In case of flight cancellation, we start our journey by road. We will pass through Mardan, Malakand, Bathkhela, and Dir then enter Chitral through the Lowari Tunnel. The night will be spent in Chitral.
- ACCOMMODATION
- HOTEL
- MEALS
- BDL
D-3
SIGHTSEEING IN CHITRAL:
A full day in Chitral town or drive to Kalash to meet the Kalasha people. Chitral is the administrative capital of the Chitral District, situated on the western bank of the Kunar River (also called Chitral River). The town is at the foot of Tirich Mir, the highest peak of the Hindu Kush, 25,289 ft (7,708 m) high. In Chitra, we will visit the historical Chitral Fort, Shahi Masjid, Chitral Museum and explore the old Chitral Bazaar. If there is time left then you will also visit Chitral Gol National Park and do some photography from the highest viewpoint of Chitral City.
- ACCOMMODATION
- HOTEL
- MEALS
- BDL
D-4
DRIVE TO KALASH VALLEY:
Rise and Shine early to witness a fantastic sunrise above the Hindukush mountains. After breakfast, you will ride in a jeep to Rumbur village. Rumbur is part of Kalash Valley and it is roughly 50 km from Chitral. We will arrive there around lunchtime, rest of the afternoon will be spent exploring the village, meeting the Kalasha people and enjoying this unique place on earth.
- ACCOMMODATION
- HOTEL
- MEALS
- BDL
D-5
FESTIVAL/LEISURE DAY IN KALASH:
A full day in Kalash today. Explore the village and learn their culture and rituals. We will be staying in Bumburet/Ayun/Chitral for the night. In the evening you will experience the best bonfire and local traditional dances.
- ACCOMMODATION
- HOTEL
- MEALS
- BDL
D-6
DRIVE BACK TO CHITRAL:
After having two days of an amazing leisure/festival at the Kalash Valley, we will drive towards Chitral with wonderful memories. We will follow the same route back to Chitral Town.
- ACCOMMODATION
- HOTEL
- MEALS
- BDL
D-7
FLIGHT BACK TO ISLAMABAD:
Today we will leave the beautiful Chitral Valley behind by taking a spectacular mountain view flight to Islamabad. We will be in Islamabad by lunchtime, afternoon free to explore the green capital of Pakistan.
In case of flight cancellation, we start our journey by road to Islamabad. We will arrive in Islamabad in the evening.
- ACCOMMODATION
- HOTEL
- MEALS
- BDL
D-8
DEPARTURE DAY-FLIGHT BACK HOME:
After Breakfast we will transfer you to Islamabad airport for your flight back home. End of “Kalash Valley Tour”
Kalash Valley Tour Pakistan Dates & Prices 2025-26
Private Groups – Chose Your Dates
Tour Start and finish in Islamabad-Domestic Flight Inc
Above Kalash Valley Tour dates and prices are for solo travellers to join the fixed Departure Tours only. For private groups please choose your dates and contact us for great group, family and couple discounts. All our Pakistan holidays are on an inclusive basis where we include everything so you can sit back and enjoy your vacation. International flights from most cities arrive in Islamabad in the morning, return flights will depart from Islamabad International Airport on the last day of the itinerary.
Please be aware that there are often only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price to join our fixed departure Kalash Valley Tour. These tours are very popular and they sell out fast. We recommend you book early to secure your place, especially during peak times. Early booking will also give you enough time to look out for lost low-cost International flights to Pakistan. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, we will contact you with an alternative quote.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE “ NO SURCHARGE GUARANTEE
The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, Trango Adventure have undertaken to guarantee the price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our “No Surcharge Guarantee“. Trango Adventure is a Government-licensed and bonded tour operator to follows the strict Regulations set by the Tourism Department of Pakistan.
We accept Cash on arrival, Bank Transfers, PayPal and all major Credit & debit Cards.
Kalash Valley Tour Pakistan 2025-26
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel Insurance
- Pakistan Visa Fee
- Tips for local guides and support staff
- Guided Islamabad sightseeing
- Miscellaneous expenses
- souvenirs etc.
MEAL PLAN
ACCOMMODATION
During the Kalash Valley Tour, you will spend all nights in good International tourist standard hotels (3-4 star) in Islamabad and Chitral. Accommodation at each of these hotels is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired with another single client of the same sex. It is possible to hire a single room for an additional cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are also available. For hotel prices and single supplement costs please refer to the dates and prices page of the trip on our website. Hotels are subject to availability and prices may vary.
CHITRAL FLIGHT
Chitral is a weather-dependent airport. Since the valley is surrounded by high mountains, planes can only land here in good visibility and this means flights to and from Chitral are never guaranteed. The planes do fly more often than not, but cancellations can and do occur and in these circumstances, we will travel by road.
HEALTH & VACCINATION
You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you specifically require any vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella), along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis is discretionary for this trip. Malaria exists in the area around Islamabad. However, incidences of urban transmission of malaria are extremely low. In Chitral, Kalash and the mountains there is no malaria risk. On holidays to more remote areas, you should also have a dentist check-up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime-biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites
INSURANCE
We highly recommend you have adequate travel insurance for your Kalash Valley Tour holiday with Trango Adventure Pakistan. We recognise the complexity and variety of choices in the insurance market and know that many of you either have your preferred insurer or have annual multi-trip cover in place already. If this is the case, please ensure that your insurer is aware of your Trango Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken.
Trango Adventure does not provide any advice on travel insurance, although it is highly recommended that you have travel insurance which covers the activities which you are likely to be undertaking on your holiday.
Travel Insurance Providers
Expeditions or Treks
- HCC Medical Insurance Services LLC Tel: +1-800 605 2282
- Travelex Insurance Services Tel: +1-800 228 9792
- True Traveller Insurance Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
- Austrian Alpine Club (UK) Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
- Snowcard Tel: +44 (0)1295 660836
- The B.M.C. Tel: +44 (0)161 445 6111 (please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
- Dogtag Tel: 0800 036 4824 (UK residents only)
- World Nomads (up to 6000m)
- Insure for Less (Australians only)
Treks, Tours & Cycling
- Campbell Irvine Tel: +44 (0)207 938 1737
- Rothwell & Towler Tel: +44 (0)845 908 0161
- J S Insurance Tel: +44 (0)844 848 1500
CULTURE GUIDE & SUPPORTING STAFF
ALTITUDE
Kalash Valley Tour involves going to high altitudes. During your trip, you will be above 2,000 metres for 1-2 days. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but we must follow some simple rules to acclimatize successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should get some basic advice on Tours at high altitudes.
CLIMATE
From mid-June to August, we can expect to encounter temperatures as high as 35°C in Islamabad and 25°C in the Chitral region. Weather is generally good throughout the summer season, with clear skies and little rain or snow. However, weather in mountainous areas is difficult to predict, and short-lived storms can occur at any time.
BOOKS
- Trekking in Pakistan. Isobel Shaw.
- Karakoram Highway. King.
- In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods. Galen Rowell.
- K2 Triumph and Tragedy. Jim Curran.
PASSPORT & VISAS
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
PAKISTAN VISA
All nationalities require a visa to enter Pakistan. The visa fee is approximately USD 100 and you must apply for it before departure. To obtain a visa for Pakistan you will require a letter of introduction from an approved agency which will be provided by Trango Adventure. Visa applications can be made ONLINE or in person at your nearest Pakistan Embassy. For more information about Pakistan visas, visit Pakistan Visa in the holiday info section.
For online visa application, visit the Government of Pakistan official visa site, www.visa.nadra.gov.pk
Note: if you are continuing your journey to China/India or Iran then please make sure to retain those countries’ visas from your home country before your Departure.
EQUIPMENT LIST
As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your bag whilst touring should be no more than 25.5 kg. Anything not required on the tour can be left at the group hotel in Islamabad.
We will send you a list of detailed items closer to your Holiday departure.
Email at [email protected] if you need more information regarding the “Kalash Valley Tour”.
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Tour Reviews
Awesome Place and amazingly friendly People of Kalash Valley. still not spoiled by the mass tourist so best to do the Kalash Valley Tour now.
thank you.
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