Pakistan has been blessed with several picturesque landscapes and valleys, and Swat valley is one of them. Swat is 250 kilometers from the capital. It will take approximately 5 hours from Islamabad to reach Swat valley.
Swat valley is a major attraction spot for tourists in Pakistan. It is also called ‘Switzerland of Pakistan’. It is said to have one of the oldest civilizations, and you will experience one of the best sceneries ever, in this region.
Geography of Swat
Swat valley is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between the foothills of the Hindukush Mountain range. Swat valley is considered to have an essential location as it lies in a region where Central Asia, South Asia, and China meet.
Swat valley is located on an altitude of 3198 ft. and reaches to 9500 ft. Shangla Top is a place you must visit which is located on a distance of 56 km from Saidu Sharif.
How to reach Swat
You can reach Swat valley through Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Peshawar. The total distance between Peshawar and Swat valley is 151 km. You can also travel from Rawalpindi via Nowshera – Mardan and Malakand Pass, and the distance is 270 km. Also, there are regular flights from Islamabad and Peshawar to Saidu Sharif, the capital city of Swat(Starting from October 2019).
While traveling on your vehicle, Motorway M-1 can be used to reach Mardan interchange from Islamabad. It will only take 1.5 hours to cover that 131 km distance.
From Mardan, it will be a distance of 112 km to reach Mingora or Saidu Sharif in Swat. It will take almost 5 hours’ drive from Islamabad to Swat.
Also, these traveling routes are open throughout the year every season. Tourists love to travel to Swat valley, and thousands of tourists visit this valley every year. Public transports are also improved in recent years.
Daewoo Express bus service has daily many bus routes to Swat city from Lahore and Islamabad. And surprisingly, it just costs 1540rs from Lahore.
There are many tourist and historical destinations in the Swat valley. Swat is genuinely known as Switzerland of Pakistan due to its charm and breath-taking sceneries. Every year, thousands of tourists love to visit this paradise on Earth. Swat is a valley having rich green fields, amazing waterfalls, gigantic mountains and charming beauty of sceneries. Some of the places which you must visit when in Swat are,
1. Kalam Valley
Top of the list, Kalam valley deserves all the hype created about it. This beautiful valley is located on a distance of just 99 km from the Swat valley. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the country and also from other countries visit this beautiful valley. If you ever get a chance to visit Swat then do not miss this place it is considered as one of the most beautiful places of Swat valley. The best time to visit this valley is between April and September. Tourists love to do fishing, hiking and capture the beauty of Kalam in their eyes forever.
If you want to witness the heaviest snowfall, visit Kalam valley in winters as temperature goes beyond -18o C and snowflakes fall like cotton buds. (Have a look on the weather forecast as roads get block after few snowfalls in winter season)
2. Kumrat
Kumrat valley is a beautiful valley located on a 1-hour distance from Swat valley. It is located in Upper Dir District. This valley has one of the most beautiful waterfalls and streams in the whole world. Tourists from all over the country visit this beautiful valley every year. Some of the most beautiful places of Kumrat valley are Jahaz Banda, Do Kala Chashma Lake, Kalkot Banda, Jandrai, trek to Katora Lake and Badagoi Pass.
At night, the bright and beautiful sky full of stars gives a soothing feel to the mind. This place should be visited must if you are willing to go to Swat valley.
3. Madyan
This is one of the most popular and beautiful hill stations of Swat Valley known as Madyan. Tourists visit this place due to its charm, nature and most importantly, Swat river. This place gives amazing sceneries and views, and the atmosphere here is so pleasant that tourists love to stay here. Even in the hot summer, the weather here is fantastic, that is why tourists love this place. The most famous trout fish of Madyan is the favorite food of locals as well as tourists.
4. Bahrain
Bahrain is considered one of the most beautiful riverside hill stations. Here, two different rivers Daral and Swat merge to give a beautiful sight to tourists. The climate is slightly warm in summers but a place you should visit in Swat.
If you’re traveling to Kalam from Swat or Kumrat Valley via Kalam, you have to go through Bahrain, it comes midway Swat and Kalam.
5. Marghuzar
In Swat valley, Marghuzar is a small village located inside the valley. It holds a strong historical significance because of the famous White Marble Palace. It is the residence of the royal family of Swat. This place is must visit if you visit Swat.
6. Malam Jabba and more
Malam Jabba, Fizaghat, Kundol Lake, Falak Sar, Alpuri, Jarogo, Waterfall, Saidgai Lake, Saifullah Lake, Shahi Bagh Swat, Shingardar Stupa – Ghalegay, Spin Khwar Lake and Khapero Lake.
You can experience the longest zipline in Pakistan at Malam Jabba ski resort which is a heaven for ski-loving people in winters.
If you are planning a trip to swat valley and need any kind of assistance,
you can contact us at 03001114884 or Discovering Pakistan for more.
