SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN COOL NORTHERN PAKISTAN



CHITRAL – KALASH TRIBE – TOUR:



Chitral located in the North West of Pakistan is a beautiful valley in the Hindukush range of Mountains. Chitral Valley is a wonderful tourist destination in Pakistan. Popular for mountaineering, trekking, fishing and hiking, Chitral Valley is located at an altitude of 1,128 metres above sea level.

One of the major attractions of Chitral is the Kalash valleys. - The home of the Kafir-Kalash or "Wearers of the Black Robes", a primitive pagan tribe. The world famous Kalash people live in the three valleys of Birir, Rumboor and Bumburate. The Kalash are ancient tribe and have a religion and culture of their own, their culture is unique as well as amazing one, from all over the world tourist come here to see their natural beauty and unique culture.
The Kalash women wear five large braids of and the 'Cheo', a black woolen homespun dress, red-beaded necklaces by the dozen, and an exceptional head piece (shaped differently in each valley) covered in cowrie shells, beads and trinkets that flow down their back.
The Kalash are a friendly and cheerful bunch, who loves music and dancing, particularly on their religious festivals as they are famous for their lively religious festival. Kalash celebrated the following festivals each year.

Name of Festival Date
Cheelim Jusht (spring festival) 2nd week of May
Uchal (summer season festival) 2nd week of August
Purr (autumn festival) 2nd week of October
Cheetermas (Winter Festival) 3rd week of December

Polo is the most popular sport of Chitral. It holds similar importance amongst the Chitral & Gilgit populations. Polo matches are great attractions and festive occasions for all tourists. Even if you do'nt have a knack for this game you'll surely love the atmosphere it creates. A regular Polo tournament (Shandur Polo Tournament) is held every year (First week of July) at Shandur Pass. It is indeed a wonderful tourist attraction
The tourist season in Chitral is from June to September. The maximum temperature in June is 35 C and the minimum is 19 C. In September, the maximum goes up to 24 C and the minimum temperature falls down to 8 C.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Rawalpindi- Arrival & transfer to centrally AC hotel – rest of day at leisure.

Day 2: Peshawar- Departure and stopover at Taxila museum- evening at leisure

Day 3: Chitral - Departure early morning – via Charsada , Dir & Lowari Pass.

Day 4: Chitral – Visit Kalash Valley and meet Alexander’s decendents, the Kalash people.

Day 5: Chitral - Visit Garam Chashma: A village about 30 KMs from Chitral. The drive is very scenic and breathtaking at the village there is a hot spring pool.
Day 6: Swat – Departure early morning and visit Gandhara & Hindu Shahi ruins on way

Day 7: Swat – Departure Late morning for Kalamand visit Madyan in way.

Day 8: Swat – Visit Ushu Valley and move back to Swat by evening.

Day 9: Islamabad – Departure via Shangla Pine Forest and Abbottabad. End of Services


Cost Includes:
• Accommodation in first class hotels on twin share.
• Air conditioned transport.
• Toll taxes and parking fees.
• Daily continental breakfast.
• Entrance fee at places mentioned.

Cost does not include:
• Medical or baggage insurance.
• Expenses of personal nature.
• Guide charges, lunches and dinner.
• Tips and gratuities.
• Beverages, aerated drinks
• Airfares and airport taxes.
• Any other services not specified.