ChoiMus Festival of Kailash Valley & Gandhara Heritage Tour

12 Days 11 Nights

Travel Style: Sightseeing

Preffered Time: December

Travel: By Road & 4x4

Description

The ChoiMus Festival, celebrated by the Kalasha (Kailash) people, is a unique cultural event showcasing centuries-old rituals, music, and dance in the remote valleys of Chitral. This 12-day tour takes you through Northern Pakistan’s stunning landscapes, including the Swat Valley, Lowari Pass, and the high-altitude villages of the Kailash people. Travelers will witness vibrant traditional attire, ritual dances, and local celebrations in Rumbur, Bamburet, and Birir villages. The tour also includes cultural exploration at Chitral Gol National Park, Garam Chashma hot springs, and historical insights in Peshawar and Taxila.

This journey is perfect for cultural enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure travelers interested in remote mountain communities, traditional festivals, and the natural beauty of Northern Pakistan.

  • Witness the ChoiMus Festival and meet the Kailash people
  • Explore Rumbur, Bamburet, and Birir Kalasha villages
  • Cultural insight at Chitral Museum and Kailash Museum
  • Explore Chitral Gol National Park and hot springs at Garam Chashma
  • Heritage exploration at Takht Bahi, Swat Museum, Peshawar Museum, Sethi Haveli, Balahisar Fort, and Taxila
  • Stunning mountain and valley landscapes along Lowari Tunnel, Ayun Village, and Kailash Valley

Arrive in Islamabad and settle into your accommodation. Spend the day exploring the capital’s highlights including Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh, and Saidpur Village. Enjoy local cuisine at a traditional restaurant and prepare for the journey north.

Drive towards Swat Valley, stopping at Takht Bahi, the UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist monastic complex. Continue to Swat and visit the Swat Museum in the evening, which houses ancient Gandhara sculptures, artifacts, and Buddhist relics. Overnight stay in Swat.

Travel through the Lowari Tunnel into Chitral, reaching Ayun Village, known for its picturesque riverside location and traditional wooden architecture. Overnight stay in Ayun, a perfect base for exploring the Kalasha villages.

Take a 4x4 off-road drive to Rumbur Village, one of the main Kalasha valleys, to witness the ChoiMus Festival. Observe traditional dances, rituals, and the vibrant attire of the Kalasha people. Return to Ayun in the evening.

Travel to Bamburet Village, another Kalasha valley, for a full day of festival observation. Visit the Kailash Museum to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the Kalasha people. Return to Ayun by evening for overnight stay.

Take a 4x4 journey to Birir Village, the final Kalasha valley, to witness more festival rituals and traditional celebrations. Experience the local music, dance, and community gatherings before returning to Ayun in the evening.

Visit Birmughlasht, located in Chitral Gol National Park, to experience stunning alpine meadows and wildlife. Continue to Garam Chashma for a relaxing evening in natural hot springs. Overnight stay in Garam Chashma.

A leisurely day to enjoy the hot springs, surrounding mountains, and serene environment. Optional short walks and photography around the valley. Overnight stay in Garam Chashma.

Drive back to Peshawar via Lowari Tunnel. En route, enjoy the scenic mountainous landscapes and riverside views, reflecting on the cultural immersion in the Kalasha valleys. Overnight stay in Peshawar.

Explore Peshawar’s rich heritage: visit the Peshawar Museum, Sethi Haveli, Masjid Mahabat Khan, and the outskirts of Balahisar Fort. Enjoy the traditional bazaars, local cuisine, and historic architecture of the city. Overnight stay in Peshawar.

Travel back to Islamabad, stopping at Taxila Museum, Sirkap, Julian Monastery, and Dharmarajika Stupa. Immerse in the Gandhara civilization’s heritage while enjoying the scenic drive. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

After a farewell lunch, transfer to Islamabad Airport for your onward flight, concluding a cultural, heritage, and festival-rich journey through the Kalasha valleys and Northern Pakistan.

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ChoiMus Festival of Kailash Valley & Gandhara Heritage Tour