Kalash Valleys Women's Tour
The Kalash Valleys Women's Tour is an 8-day trip to Chitral for women, led by a female guide, to meet Kalash women in their homes, learn about their famous dress and beadwork, and explore the valleys of Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir.
- Duration8 Days
- PaceEasy
- RegionsChitral & Kalash valleys
- Best SeasonMay – October
- Led byFemale guide
Meeting the Women of the Kalash
Kalash women are famous for their black dresses embroidered in bright colours and their beaded headdresses, and they play a strong role in community life. Travelling as women, with a female guide, makes it easier to spend time with them in their homes.
On the Kalash Women Tour we stay in the valleys, visit women working on embroidery and beadwork, cook with a Kalash family and explore Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir, as well as Chitral town and its fort.
Trip Highlights
- Led by an experienced female tour leader
- Meet Kalash women in their homes
- Learn about Kalash dress, embroidery and beadwork
- Cook with a Kalash family
- Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir valleys
- Chitral Fort and the Shahi Mosque
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Met at the airport by your female tour leader.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Fly to Chitral
Mountain flight to Chitral.
Overnight: HotelDay 3Drive to Bumburet
Kalash Dur museum and a village walk.
Overnight: GuesthouseDay 4Women and crafts
Embroidery and beadwork with Kalash women.
Overnight: GuesthouseDay 5Rumbur Valley
Day in Rumbur and cooking with a Kalash family.
Overnight: GuesthouseDay 6Birir and back to Chitral
Visit Birir, then return to Chitral.
Overnight: HotelDay 7Fly to Islamabad
Return to Islamabad. Farewell dinner.
Overnight: HotelDay 8Depart
Transfer to the airport.
Overnight: —Itineraries are flexible and can change with weather and roads. Your female tour leader is with you throughout. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off, met by your female tour leader
- Hotels in Islamabad and Chitral, guesthouses in the valleys
- Domestic flights Islamabad–Chitral–Islamabad, or road transport if flights are cancelled
- Kalash valley entry fees
- Experienced English-speaking female tour leader throughout
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a carefully selected, experienced driver
- Women-only small group or private trip
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Entry fees to sites in the itinerary
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and drinks
- Tips for guide and driver
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Kalash Women Tour?
The Kalash Women Tour offers a rare chance to spend real time with Kalash women and learn about their lives, crafts and traditions, with respect and in comfort.
Time your visit for a festival with our Kalash Spring Festival Tour or Summer Festival Tour.
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide, or browse all our women-only tours in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Your Female Guide
Every women's tour is led by an experienced female tour leader who travels with you from arrival to departure. Female guides are in high demand, so please book early.
Safety & Comfort
We choose welcoming, well-reviewed hotels and carefully selected drivers, and your leader looks after you at all times. Drivers in Pakistan are usually men.
Dress & Culture
Loose, modest clothing that covers arms and legs is best, with a scarf for mosques and shrines. Your leader can help you shop for local clothes on day one.
When to Go
May to October is the best time; the Kalash festivals are in May, August and December. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
Message us with your preferred dates and group size, and our team will confirm your female guide and send you a quote.
