General
Taleno Thumishalling Festival (2024-25)
The Taleno Thumishalling Festival is an annual cultural festival held on December 21 in Khanabad, Hunza. It revolves around the symbolic burning of an effigy of “Shri Badat,” an old cannibal king of Gilgit, to fend off the evil spirit. The event includes traditional music, dance, and storytelling, bringing the community together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil while also conserving Hunza’s rich cultural history.
Itinerary – Taleno Thumishalling Festival
The itinerary for the Taleno Thumishalling Festival is given below.
Day 02: Drive to Besham/Naran
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Day 03: Drive to Hunza Valley
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Day 04: Attend the Taleno/Thumishalling Festival
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Participants will attend the Taleno/Thumishalling Festival in Khanabad, Hunza, which is held yearly on December 21st. This one-of-a-kind ceremony included the burning of an effigy of "Shri Badat," an ancient cannibal ruler of Gilgit, as a symbol of the community's efforts to fend off evil. The event features vivid cultural acts, traditional music, and storytelling, giving attendees a comprehensive understanding of the region's rich culture. Participants will be able to interact with locals, sample traditional dishes, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere that represents the Hunza community's tenacity and solidarity.
Day 05: Explore Hunza Valley
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This day the participants will have a lot of interactions with historians, musicians and story tellers as they will be visiting the historic Baltit Fort (700 years old) and Altit fort (900 years old). To have the best experience in Hunza Valley, we always attach a local travel guide from Hunza Valley who can explain the culture, history and norms of the People of Hunza.
Our local guides have always very interesting stories to tell our guests. Participants will visit Leif Larson Music School in Altit and have quality time in the Royal gardens. Khabasi Café in Royal Gardens serves one the most delicious local foods. Participants can also grab a cup of coffee. Participants will visit Duikar before the sunset where the participants will experience the sun set on the mighty Karakoram Mountains. Night stay at Hunza.
Day 06: Drive to Naran/Kaghan Valley
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Day 07: Drive to Islamabad
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Day 08: Fly to home country
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Dates & Cost – Taleno Thumishalling Festival
All seasons are considered good for the Taleno Thumishalling Festival. Considering the inflow of tourists all year round, our dates are open throughout the year and your bookings will be 100% guaranteed even if you are a single traveler. Our prices and dates for the Taleno Thumishalling Festival are given below.
| Season | Months | Tour Start Date | Price Per Person (USD) | Minimum Travellers Required | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Mid-November to February, 2025 | Daily | 1050 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Spring | March to May, 2025 | Daily | 1050 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Summer | June to Mid- September, 2025 | Daily | 1050 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Autumn | Mid-September to Mid November, 2025 | Daily | 1050 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Season | Months | Tour Start Date | Price Per Person (USD) | Minimum Travellers Required | Register |
Holiday Information
- Pickup from hotel or vacation rental before sightseeing
- Drop at hotel or vacation rental after sightseeing
- Guided sightseeing tour according to itinerary above
- Map (hard copy)
- Licensed professional guide (english speaking)
- SUV/mini-van/car (depending on number of people)
- Driver
- All entry/admission tickets
- Bottled water in car (fair usage policy)
- Toll & parking fees
- Drop after 10 pm (Drivers & Guide's working hours end at 10pm)
- Gratuities/tips for guides/drivers, etc
- Meals, snacks and drinks (our guide will make recommendations after consultation with guests)
- Accommodation (can be arranged at additional cost according to your budget)
- Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
- Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents can be offered if requested for multiday tours)
- Refunds in case of early tour windup/closure due to any reason
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
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Overview – Taleno Thumishalling Festival
The Taleno Thumishalling Festival is a unique and old cultural event conducted annually on December 21st in Khanabad, Hunza, in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan area. This celebration is a lively display of the valley’s rich traditions, which date back to pre-Islamic times, and is commemorated by the symbolic burning of an effigy of “Shri Badat,” an old cannibal ruler of Gilgit. According to local legend, Shri Badat was a cruel monarch infamous for consuming human flesh. The burning of his effigy represents the community’s continual attempt to cleanse the valley of his evil spirit, which is thought to be required each year to prevent his awakening and protect the residents from danger.
During the festival, villagers congregate in public spaces, bringing together families, friends, and tourists to partake in the ceremony. The celebrations include traditional music, dancing, and storytelling, which highlight Hunza’s unique cultural past. Drummers beat ancient rhythms while musicians play flutes and sitars, creating a joyous atmosphere that spreads throughout the valley. Storytellers relate stories of Shri Badat, Dadu Katta Singh, and the legendary battle to topple the cannibal ruler, connecting the past and the present.
The event also provides a unique opportunity for visitors to interact with local culture, as attendees are invited to participate in the festivities, sample traditional cuisines, and enjoy the hospitality of the Hunza people. The event is a communal gathering that fosters a sense of solidarity and continuity throughout generations while also displaying the community’s resilience and spirit. The Taleno Thumishalling Festival is more than just a ritualistic act; it is a powerful cultural statement that preserves Hunza’s folklore and identity while reminding all who attend of the ongoing war between good and evil.
