12 Years of Excellence | Government License/DTS: 1994

Kalash Valley Tour | 2024| BOOK NOW

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  • 14 Nights & 15 Days
  • Pickup: Islamabad

TOUR BACKGROUND

Kalash Valley tour is one of the biggest cultural retreats of Pakistan. This tour offers the opportunity to experience astonishing cultural diffusion in the Hindukush mountain range, it also helps in knowing about the Kalash minority community living in the Kalash Valley having a unique culture. In November 2018 UNESCO recognized the Kalash culture as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’. This decision was made in Mauritius in the 13th session of UNESCO organized by the intergovernmental committee.

Kalash Valley is located in Chitral but this tour is known as the Kalash valley tour as Kalash is the main attraction in Chitral.

Kalash valley is exactly located in Chitral of province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan. Kalash valley is at three hours drive from Chitral town and it is surrounded by the most beautiful and mesmerizing Hindukush mountain range. The Kalash people have a historical connection with Hinduism and they poses a distinctive culture, language, way of living, and tradition. Due to this unique culture, many international tourists visit this area every year. Kalash has three main valleys the valley of Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir. The main attraction among this valley is the Bumburet valley this valley was once known as the Mumuret. This valley can be reached by road crossing Ayun situated in the Kunar Valley. To the North of Bumburet, the Rumbur and Acholgah are side valleys. And in the south of Bumburet Valley Biriu is the side valley of Kunar Valley.

Kalash’s population is about 5000 people making them the minority of Pakistan religiously and ethnically. Their culture and religion are opposed to the Pakistani culture and religion. They believe in polytheist faith and they give sacrifice to their Gods. Kalash culture is interconnected with their faith and based on various festivals and celebrations. The people of Kalash usually not intermarry or live together with the local Muslims and they neither dislike them. They come under the constitution of Pakistan and the Pakistani government provides them protection and security as a scheduled tribe.

Our tour through the Kalash valley begins in Islamabad. At the Islamabad international airport, your guide will welcome you and move you to the Hotel for a rest. We will meet again over dinner in the afternoon and there will be a briefing on your trip to the Kalash valley. The next morning we will take an hour flight to Chitral through the mesmerizing mountainous view. This flight usually depends on the weather in case of bad weather conditions or cancellations of flights we will drive to Chitral by road resting a day in the Chitral Valley we will head towards the beautiful Kalash Valley to explore the region. We will also enjoy the PAGANS festival and explore the Kalash valley for few days. After this unforgettable exploration and experience, we will head back towards Islamabad.

We firmly agree that this trip to Kalash is the richest and eye-opening experience in the world. Chitral is a region of exceptional natural beauty and it provides the opportunity to know about the culture and heritage as well as experience trekking and climbing in the region. The Kalash minority community and the multi-languages like semi-nomadic Wakhi spoken in the region attracts thousands of tourists in the region.

The region of Kalash was once known as Kafiristan and until 1896 the present-day Nuristan in Afghanistan was known as red kafirs and the Kalash people were known as black kafirs. These inhabitants had connections due to the border connecting the region of Kalash with Afghanistan. The Areas connecting Kalash with Afghanistan are the Birir, Rumbur, and Bumburet located in Hindukush between the Afghan border and Chitral Valley.

One theory suggests that the origin and history of the Kalash people are linked with the occupying army of Alexander the great it is believed that the Kalash people are descendants of one shalak Shaw.  Another study suggests that the Kalash as a nation in the Tibetan Belt that originated from Tsiyane. In the early Christian period, they migrated to Afghanistan. In the 10th Century, Mahmood of Ghazni thrust them into the narrow Hindu Kush valley. The Kalash people were powerful overall in the southern Chitral until the second half of the 14th century. But after this period the rais family of Chitral took over the power. This occurred at the end of the 14th Century.

The God of Kalash valley people is known as “Deziao”.But their religious believes are a combination of animism and worship of descendants. There is also the concept of Dewalok it is the concept of male and female holy spirits. These male and females are responsible to perform various activities and who are expected to pass on prayers to Deziao. There is a concept of pure and impure opposition in the Kalash region. The name for pure is ‘Onjesta’ and the name for impure is Pragata.  The females during giving birth and menstrual period are considered as impure and these women are kept in separate places and the place where these women are kept is named ‘Bashali’. One of the most amazing festivals of the Kalash valley is the colorful dance celebration celebrated by the minority every year and this is a rare opportunity grabbed by the tourists since this festival is celebrated in the scheduled time period in the region.  There are four major celebrations in the Kalash valley, spring, summer, autumn, and the winter festival. Each festival has a reason to celebrate the spring festival to defend the shepherds when they are sent out of the pastures, the summer festival is celebrated in August for harvesting, and the autumn festival in October to harvest the grapes and walnuts and the winter festival is celebrated in December to welcome New Year and cleanliness in the village.

 

 

Departure & Return Location

Islamabad and Back to Islamabad

Services Included

  • Accommodation for 14 nights on twin sharing basis
  • Transportation for the whole trip
  • Well experienced guide
  • Hotel Meals
  • Mountain Jeep to Fairy Meadows
  • Boating in Attabad Lake
  • Site entrance and National park fees
  • Airport Pick and Drop
  • Portage at Hotels and Airport
  • Toll Taxes and Parking Fees
  • LOI Letter of Invitation for obtaining the Pakistan Tourist Visit Visa

Services Excluded

  • Hotel early check in and late check out
  • Tips of guide, drivers, porters etc
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Hunza Adventure Tours
  • Extra days beyond the specified itinerary
  • International flights, Airport and departure taxes and Visa fee and personal travel Insurance
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks. Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc

Photos

Itinerary

Day 1Islamabad:

You will be greeted by the team of Hunza Adventure Tours at Islamabad International airport then transfer along with your luggage to a centrally located hotel. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Day 2Islamabad – Peshawer:

Following breakfast, we will drive to Peshawar. En route, we will visit Taxila Museum and truck art painting. We will reach Peshawar around late noon and after check-in at the hotel, we will visit the local market. Dinner will be at a local restaurant and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 3Peshawer:

Full-day city tour of Peshawar includes Peshawar markets, storytellers bazaar, Mohabat Khan Mosque, Peshawar Museum, Qissa Khani bazaar, and Chowk Yadgar. Dinner and Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 4Peshawer – Swat Valley:

We will leave Peshawar in the morning to Swat Valley. En route, we will visit Takht-e-Bhai Monetary. Later we will continue our drive to Mingor, Swat via Malakand Pass. Dinner and Check-in at the hotel.

Day 5Swat Valley:

Today, we will explore swat valley. Our visit will start from Saidu Sharif by visiting Swat Museum, Butkara, white palace and around noon we will visit Mingor bazaar for a walk. Evening we will get back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6Swat Valley – Kalash Valley

Following breakfast, we will drive to Kalash Valley via lowari pass or tunnel. En route, we will stop for photography, tea, and toilet break. We will reach Kalash around late noon and remaining time, we will walk in Bamburat Village and meet local people.

Day 7Kalash Valley:

Today we will explore Kalash Valley and the most interesting thing here will be meeting with local people and you will be amazed by knowing their history culture and traditions. As this only part of Pakistan that someone can see the local in very traditional. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 8Kalash Valley – Chitral:

Following breakfast, we will drive to Chitral town, we will visit the local market, shahi mosque, and fort (if permit) and then we will continue our drive to upper Chitral through Boni. We will make several photos stops and we will reach the hotel around the evening. Dinner & overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 9Chitral – Phundar Valley:

This is an interesting day, as we are crossing Shandur Pass where the world’s highest polo ground is locating. We will stop for a couple of hours on top and enjoy nature. After the visit, we will drive to Phundar and the rest of the time we will visit a village. Dinner will be served and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10Phundar Valley – Gilgit:

We will drive to Gilgit, En route we will make several stops as the valley is called Ghizer and you will be amazed by the scenery. We will reach Gilgit around late noon and will have Gilgit Town visit include Karga Buddha, local bazaar, and suspension bridge. Dinner & overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 11Gilgit – Karimabad Hunza Valley:

We will drive to Karimabad Hunza. After check-in at the hotel, we will have local visits includes Baltit Fort, local bazaar, Water channel walk, and sunset photography. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 12Excursion – Khunjerab Pass:

Full-day excursion to Khunejrab Pass. En route, we will stop at rock carving, atabad lake, suspension bridge, view point of passu peaks, glacier, and cones. We will reach Gulmit around the evening, dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 13Gulmit – Naran Valley:

Following breakfast, we will drive to Naran via babusar pass. En route, we will stop at the junction point, Nanga Parbat viewpoint, rock carving, and lalusar lake. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 14Naran Valley – Islamabad:

In the morning we will visit Saiful Maluk Lake by 4×4 jeeps. Around noon we will leave Naran and drive to Islamabad. En route, we will stop at several photo points and we will reach Islamabad around the evening, dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 15Naran Valley – Islamabad:

You will be transferred to Islamabad International airport. From the peace and serenity of Hunza to the hustle and bustles of “modern” trends, you say Khuda Hafiz, the typical farewell, as you depart after a tour into Shangri-La. End of the tour.

Terms & Condition:

Hunza Adventure Tours promulgates its terms and conditions for any kind of trip, trekking, mountaineering, hiking, rafting, wild safaris and other services being operated so far by the company. The terms and conditions set forth will bring forward its limitations before any interested visitor advances for the programs alluded.

What should our clients do for reservation of any kind of services provided by the company?
  • 40% of payment in advance should be made up 1 month earlier or as soon as the trip is confirmed, since it is a proof that you are sure to attempt the trip. It should be done as alluded so that the company can manage all the necessary documents, permissions and required field staffs.
  • The full settlement of the payment should be cleared before the client proceeds for the trip or any kind of service at the arrival in Pakistan.
  • The advance payment is not refundable in case of overturning the trip in any condition on behalf of the client.
  • The advance payment is only refundable if the holding company shows any technical impediments regarding the trip.
  • No refund is made for 40% deposit amount in case of delay arrival, no show or cancellation of trip for any other else reason.
  • For any consideration regarding the terms alluded, a bilateral negotiation can be attempted between the hosting company and the client
  • The advance payment can be directly deposited to our bank account through any bank in the world.
FAQ

Can We Customize Trips?

We loves to customize personal trips for you, your friends, or organization. Our published land costs are typically based on number of individuals, so the number in your party may affect your land costs. Just give us a call/contact us and let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll do our best to Make It Happen.

What if i want to arrive earlier or depart later than the trip dates?

We are happy to help you arrange accommodations before and after your trip. We can recommend side excursions and restaurants for the extra time.

Who will be picking me up and where?

Our guide or representative will pick you up at the airport on the scheduled arrival date. We can help you arrange accommodations if you arrive earlier, and we are happy to make suggestions for transportation, restaurants and sightseeing.

Who will my guide be?

All of our guides are highly skilled experienced professionals who have been selected based on their careful judgment, local knowledge, understanding of our client’s needs, patience and supportive guiding styles, and great personalities. In addition to their impressive personal achievements in the field, our guides bring a wealth of natural history, cultural anthropology and linguistic knowledge for their group’s enlightenment. Our international guides and staff surpass the needs of our clientele and make the trip enjoyable beyond expectations.

Who will i meet on my arrival in Pakistan?

You will be greeted by our representative at airport on your arrival. He shall be holding a placard of your name for identification. We shall also provide you list of emergency 24 hours contact numbers for any emergency.

Reserving a trip: how quickly do the trips fill up?

There is no way to know how quickly our trips are going to fill up. Many of our trips fill up months in advance. So send in your application and a deposit as soon as you have decided which trip date you want.

Do I need a visa to travel to Pakistan?

This must be obtained before arrival and we recommend that you contact your local Pakistani embassy or consulate when planning your trip.

How is Gilgit Baltistan as a destination? Which places can we see in winter?

Gilgit Baltistan is a beautiful destination. So much so, that one should definitely plan a visit. With beautiful lakes and treks to offer, Gilgit Baltistan is a must-visit place to go to. In winter, the temperature in Gilgit Baltistan drops down severely and becomes even more picturesque. One can visit the frozen lakes , if not the Baltoro trek, one can do the trek in Hunza Valley, visit Gilgit Baltistan festivals that help you interact with the locals as well.

What do i need to bring?

A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a dossier. Every year, after assessing feedback from our clients and guides, we review and update our lists so they are as complete and up-to-date as possible. Every list has a description of each item, however feel free to call us if you have questions or need help locating any of the items on the list. It is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.

Can i request single accommodations?

All accommodations are based on double or triple occupancy. If you are traveling solo and wish to share accommodations, we will pair you with another traveler of same gender. If you request single accommodations or a roommate cannot be assigned, you will be responsible for paying the single supplement fee.

Are there any restrictions for the Photography in Pakistan?

Pakistani people love to take pictures and photograph themselves !
Do not forget your camera !
Photography is a great fun in Pakistan as you will have enough sunlight most of the time. In some of the monuments one has to pay fee for the photography. Our guide will suggest you where it is worth to photograph and where not. At some of the locations photography is not allowed. It is prohibited to photograph military installations, which can include some the train stations, bridges and airports also.Do not photograph these objects otherwise your film can be confiscated.

Should I tip my guide?

Tipping is always a personal choice, but is greatly appreciated by your guides. Check your departure packet for details.

How do i sign up for a trip?

You can sign up for the trip directly on our website. To secure your place on this trip, please click on the BOOK NOW button at the side of the page, or the dates tab to the right. You will also need to have the below information to hand:
• Name as per Passport
• Home Address
• Email Address
• Telephone Number
• Date of Birth

Before you embark on your trip, it is essential that we receive your passport, travel insurance, next of kin, medical details and dietary requirements (if applicable). If you have any medical conditions to declare or are over the age of 65, you will be required to complete a medical declaration form, signed and stamped by your GP. If you don’t have all this information to hand, you can still register your place today, and then re-log into the form before you depart by using your email address and the password you create upon registration.

What is the deposit amount to hold my space?

For the trip confirmation you need to pay us the 40% payment in advance and the remaining 60% payment on arrival in Pakistan and for an
application alone won’t reserve a space.

What happens if Hunza Adventure Tours has to cancel my trip?

If we cancels a trip due to any reason, you will receive a full refund.

Is it safe to travel in the Karakorum region?

The incidence of personal violent crime is certainly almost none despite sensational headlines and occasional saber rattling. The Karakorum region is known for centuries of peaceful coexistence.

The incidence of personal violent crime is certainly almost none than in anywhere in the world despite sensational headlines and occasional saber rattling. The Karakorum region is known for centuries of peaceful coexistence.

we have continued to operate trips in the region each year and we are confident that these regions remains one of the most beautiful, compelling and welcoming places on earth.
The major concentrations of troubles are in the western parts of Pakistan and 100s of miles to the Islamabad. Their major concentrations are in areas which have had little or no tourism (investment, hard currency, etc) which is one of the reasons that their message has played well in these very poor districts. By comparison, the K2 Region is a very well and worldly part of Pakistan.
That said, whenever you travel in Pakistan (or anywhere in the world for that matter), you should definitely use personal caution. We avoid any known dangerous situations. We monitor political situations posted by the government Office and ground reports from our staff and network of contacts. As when traveling in any region, make sure to keep an eye on your possessions and take certain common-sense measures to prevent theft or dangerous situations.
The first rule of trekking K2 Base Camp is to step to the wall side when you meet a mule, since otherwise you can be knocked off the edge.
The main danger for most people doing the straight-in, straight-out route is altitude sickness(AKA Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS). For most people, this can be avoided by sleeping no more than 300 metres higher than you did the night before and taking an acclimatisation day every 1000 metres. Serious AMS is more common in folk doing group tours than in independent trekkers.
Other common injuries are twisted ankles and sprains. Rock falls, moraine and glacier crossings add significant risk to longer treks involving crossing high passes such as the Gondogoro-La. As always, it’s unwise to trek solo in case you fall and can’t extricate yourself: Do note, that it is illegal to trek solo.

What is the recommended age and denomination of USD bills?

There is no specific age of USD bills, however, we recommend the guests to carry new crisp bills when traveling. All denominations are acceptable, however, it is easier if you have smaller denominations of 5’s, 10’s and 20’s.

Can i drink the tap water ?

Pakistani tap water is not safe to drink. Bring water purifying tablets or a water purifying stickto save money and the environment. Note that at higher elevations during the coldest times of year the water will freeze, so you’ll need to use boiled water.Buy a decent thermos flask or plastic water container, so that you can top up with hot, boiled water at the beginning of the day – starting with hot water will stop it freezing.

Can I extend my trip ?

Yes why not stay on and explore more of what Pakistan has to offer! We can request with to change your return date with the airline. Places are limited and all arrangements are subject to availability.

How is Hunza Adventure Tours able to offer such competitive prices?

Our unique style of off the beaten track, face-to-face travel is the only way to really experience a destination, but it also serves to keep the costs down. We spend your money providing an authentic experience, instead of on lavish hotels and expensive western-style meals. We pass these savings on to you with our low prices. Another thing you’ll notice are the inclusions. While we don’t include everything, we do throw in the major highlights of a destination, the things that everyone goes to see. On every trip page we show you the ‘Included Highlights’ of your trip, things that many other companies charge locally for. We leave many other activities as options, to provide you the freedom and flexibility to choose what you want to do on a daily basis.

What is a customized itinerary?

In brief a customized itinerary is an itinerary prepared according to your personal needs. After all, you would have requested this to us as part of the process of customization. Your specific interest, preferences and needs are weighted with our knowledge of logistics and highlights of the area.

What currency is used in Pakistan and where can I exchange money?

The Pakistani currency is the rupee, which is made of 100 paisa. Major currencies such as US dollars, British pounds and Euros are easily exchanged throughout Pakistan. Most international airports of the country have the money exchange counters, and also some selected larger hotels and resorts have this facility to their customer.

Can I use my credit card in Pakistan?

Of course the most regularly used cards are Visa and MasterCard, but neither American Express nor Dinner’s Club are broadly accepted in Pakistan. While you are going out of the main cities to the small places, it is recommended that you carry enough Pakistani currency for purchasing and tipping purpose.

Is Pakistan a good destination for family traveler?

With its many diverse landscapes and attractions, Pakistan is an admirable destination for the family traveler. Some of the good options are beach holidays and wildlife adventures in the national parks, while many monuments have sight and light shows that will capture children’s imagination. For teenagers, the many outdoor activities, such as camel safari and trekking, are an illustrative card. Without the second thinking, the big challenge for families travelling in this country might be the distances that need to be covered between cities. Air travel and railway journeys are usually the most comfortable forms of traveling, and are strongly recommended to those with the young children.

What kind of food will I be able to eat in Pakistan?

Pakistani cuisine has several variations, with each region famous for its own techniques, ingredients and spices. In northern regions, meat dishes are very popular, which are usually made with chicken, mutton or lamb whereas in southern part vegetarian cuisine is most favored. In addition, seafood is also readily available, particularly at the coast. While Pakistani cuisine tends to be spicy, most restaurants will gladly prepare a milder variation of the meals on the request of their customer.

Do you have experienced guides in different cities of Pakistan ?

We have English speaking guides all over Pakistan. At many places , we also have french , German , Spanish ,Italian and Japanese and other language speaking guides. We can also provide accompanying foreign language speaking tourist guides for individuals and groups. The availability of foreign language speaking guides can be confirmed at the time of reservation.

Can women travel alone?

Every year hundreds of women travel alone into the remote valleys of Pakistan. Many of them can be seen in the streets of Hunza, Gilgit and Baltistan. To take a safer holidays in Pakistan we advise you to wear modest dress which cover whole of their body. Secondly before starting a trek or tour with local guide in the wilderness, please report about your program to the nearest police station or to your embassy with the identity/contact of your local guide/company.

How do I communicate?

English is Pakistan’s official language and widely spoken throughout Pakistan. Most of the signboards are in English. All our drivers, guides and even peoples in the remote valley can understand and speak English.

How to get information about the Weather?

The weather report can be obtained online from internet you can seach the destinations where you will be going.

What is the distance of hotel from the Airport?

Normally it takes 15-30 minutes from the Islamabad International Airport to the city hotels. However it depends upon the condition of the traffic at the time of the day. The distance varies from 15 to 30 kilometers.

What to bring?

Hunza Adventure Tours will provide all necessary accommodation, meal and transportation requirements outlined in the specific tour itineraries (exceptions will be notified). For our trekking and climbing programs, trekkers will be requested to provide personal equipment, appropriate mountain attire and medical supplies.

Who will brief the guests about their further program at the destination?

Our local agent or their representative or the guides will inform the guest’s of their further program at the destinations on daily basis mostly in the evening about the next day’s program.

How much tips to be given to the porters, drivers and the guests?

Tips are dependent of the services provided. A small amount of money can be given at each service to insure prompt and reliable service. For guides it depends on how informative, knowledgeable, helpful they are.

Whether it is good and cheap to eat outside the hotel (restaurants)?

Some of the restaurants are cheaper and frequently visited by the local people. So sometimes yes, it is a good experience to eat outside the hotels and get to meet the local population.

If the domestic air tickets for all sectors are confirmed and in case any sector is waitlisted, what alternate option we will give them?

We offer alternative arrangements in case the flight tickets are not confirmed nor have no chances of getting confirmed. Railway Journey or by surface. We always look at various factors such as the condition of the roads, time of travel and the time taken to cover the distance, comfort and offer the best possible option with consultation, acceptance and agreement with the guest.

About the bank processing charges?

Bank Processing charges are levied on the payment collected on or through the credit cards. It is usually 3.5% of the total amount to be collected or of the invoice raised by us.

How to go about the procedures to get the lost baggage?

In case a bag is lost in transit by the airlines. We file a lost baggage report with the airlines. If the guest continues with the journey, we collect the baggage from the airlines for the guest. For the collection of a lost baggage we need the following: We need an authorization from the guest authorizing Hunza Adventure Tours, and their representative to collect the baggage on their behalf.
A photocopy of the passport of the guest, a letter addressed to the Superintendent customs. The keys of the lost bag for custom clearance.
The original copy of the lost baggage report lodged with the airlines. We will deliver the bag at the doorstep and bill the guest for the services provided. The amount of the invoice can be collected from the airlines at home.

Will the airline pay for the damage and temporary compensation?

Yes, the airlines pay an inconvenience allowance to buy personal effects. They even offer the baggage delivery charges or sometimes offer to deliver the baggage by themselves at the doorstep.

How to take the claim for the damages?

We take the guest to the office of the airlines and the amount is given to the guest upon presenting the original lost baggage report.

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