Few places match the raw charm of Chitral Valley, where snow-lined peaks overlook green valleys and ancient cultures thrive. May brings the vibrant Kalash Chilam Joshi Festival, and June follows with the high-altitude drama of the Shandur Polo Festival. Because these events are a month apart, most visitors choose one per trip rather than trying to cover both. This guide explains what makes each festival special, how to reach it, and where to relax afterward in a comfortable hotel in Chitral, Pakistan, when the day’s adventures are done.
Kalash Chilam Joshi Festival: Welcoming Spring in May
What the Festival Means
The Kalash people live in three small valleys—Bumburet Rumbur and Birir. Their culture stands apart from the wider region. Chilam Joshi marks the end of winter and the promise of new life. Villagers dress in bright handmade robes. Men play drums. Women dance in circles around campfires. Rituals ask ancestral spirits for health, good crops, and strong herds.
Key Dates and Daily Schedule
Chilam Joshi normally begins around 13 May and runs for four days. Mornings start with prayers at sacred cedar trees. By noon visitors watch singing contests between valleys. The last night features a torchlit procession to the main dancing ground. Dates can shift slightly so confirm with local contacts before finalising travel.
A Tradition Rooted in Milk Day
The festival opens with Milk Day. For ten days beforehand, each household saves its fresh milk. On the first morning, families pour a portion as a sacred libation, thanking their deities and asking for good harvests, healthy herds, and a peaceful year.
Colorful Dress and Joyful Dance
Kalash women wear brightly patterned robes, heavy beaded necklaces and ornate headpieces covered in shells and flowers. Men choose wool waistcoats over classic shalwar kameez. Together they form dance circles, singing traditional songs that echo through the valleys.
Choosing Life Partners
Chilam Joshi is also a time for new beginnings. During the dances, young men and women may signal interest in a future spouse. On the final day, couples announce their choice to the community, marking the start of a new chapter.
A Message of Harmony and Peace
Beyond its striking costumes and lively music, the festival showcases the Kalash commitment to harmony, both within their society and with the wider world. Visitors are welcome to observe, share in the joy, and take home a deeper respect for this unique mountain culture.
Book Your Stay in Chitral at Hindukush Heights
Book your stay at Hindukush Heights in Chitral for breathtaking mountain views, cozy accommodations, and exceptional service!
Shandur Polo Festival: World-Class Horsepower in June
The Setting on the Roof of the World
At 3,700 metres, Shandur Pass hosts the highest polo field on Earth. Deep blue Shandur Lake mirrors snow ridges in every direction. Polo here follows freestyle rules: no umpires, no timeouts, and eight fierce chukkas. The event is often called the “Shandur festivall” but polo remains the heartbeat. Teams from Chitral and Gilgit compete for regional pride, watched by thousands of spectators camping on the plateau.
Match Schedule and Side Events
The three-day festival is usually held in June, but its exact timing shifts to respect the Islamic calendar; in recent years, it has fallen around 20 June – 22 June to avoid overlapping with the month of Muharram. Day one opens with ceremonies and folk music. Day two features preliminary matches between local clubs. The final day stages the famous Gilgit-to-Chitral showdown. Between matches, visitors kayak on the lake, browse wool shawls, and savour barbecue stalls scattered across the plain.
What to Expect on the Ground
Days are sunny and dry with strong UV. Nights drop near freezing. Bring sleeping bags rated below zero Celsius. Most visitors pitch tents, though limited guest rooms exist in Shandur village, three kilometres away. Toilets are basic pit setups. Pack snacks, water purification tablets, and a headlamp.
Where to Stay
Chitral offers a range of places to stay, but options fill quickly once festival season begins. In town, you’ll find several mid-range hotels with private baths, hot water, and back-up generators, yet the standout choice is Hindukush Heights—widely regarded as the best hotel in the region. Perched on a hill just outside Chitral town, it delivers panoramic valley views, spacious rooms, organic dining, and a shuttle service to nearby festival sites. Booking early secures not only a comfortable bed but also reliable guidance from staff who can arrange day trips to the Kalash valleys or Shandur Pass.
Further north in Mastuj, you’ll come across simple guesthouses that serve hearty home-cooked meals and provide basic rooms for travellers who want a night’s rest before pushing on to Shandur. Once you reach the polo grounds, most visitors camp in tents beside the lake. Even in June, nights can drop below freezing, so pack extra thermal layers and consider altitude tablets if you are sensitive to high elevation. Returning to Hindukush Heights after the festivities gives you a welcome dose of comfort—hot showers, soft beds, and sweeping sunset views over Chitral Valley, making it an ideal base for any festival itinerary.
Responsible Travel in Chitral Valley
Chitral’s fragile alpine environment cannot handle piles of plastic. Bring reusable utensils and carry trash out. Respect local customs: no loud music near prayer sites, and always ask before entering homes. Hiring local guides for treks puts money back into the village economy. Domestic flights to Chitral sell out quickly around festival dates, so secure tickets at least six weeks ahead. If you travel by road, factor in possible holdups at the Lowari Tunnel, which closes for scheduled maintenance or heavy traffic control rather than landslides. Foreigners once needed police permits for the Kalash valleys, but recent changes allow free movement; still, keep a copy of your passport handy at the check posts.
Book Your Stay in Chitral at Hindukush Heights
Book your stay at Hindukush Heights in Chitral for breathtaking mountain views, cozy accommodations, and exceptional service!
Conclusion: Two Festivals, One Unforgettable Journey
From the vibrant costumes of the Kalash Chilam Joshi to the thunder of hooves on Shandur’s high plateau, late spring and early summer transform Chitral Valley into a living theatre. Attend dances one month, then cheer polo rivals the next. Between the two, rest amid fruit orchards in a welcoming hotel in Chitral, Pakistan. Plan early, pack wisely, travel lightly, and you will carry home stories few will believe until they see them for themselves.
