Things To Do In Swat, Attraction And Must Visit Places

Tourists are one of the best types of Homo sapiens who are blessed with the finest sense of exploration. Whether it’s local or global, tourism is the sector that has become a significant pillar of the economy. Well! Living in a geographically gifted country, we have a list of picturesque areas that must be on the list of every vacationer and nature lover. Northern Areas of Pakistan are the most beautiful and scenic places to be visited.

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Swat- the Switzerland of Asia is a Northern countryside in Pakistan full of lovely and spectacular natural beauty. If you want to spend your vacations in hilly areas with eye-catching and breathtaking views then this is the spot where you will find the best places to visit in Swat. The panoramic view of Swat provides beautiful landscapes and mesmerizing destinations. Such travel would be a soul-satisfying journey for the relentless passion of exploration.

The region is full of spectacular and fascinating mountain ranges. The valley is in the Malakand region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. This valley, of hospitable Pushtuns, is all welcoming to foreign and local tourists. Elevation of 980 m with a river known as Swat River has cool weather and a calm environment. Green meadows and high mountains with beautiful scenes brand the valley as one of the top-rated tourist destinations in Pakistan. Mingora is the major city in Swat valley the route of which is 4 to 5 hours away from Peshawar. From Falak Sar (Swat tallest mountain) to Pine forests of Swat and Jarogon waterfall to Mahodand Lake (Alpine lake) every corner of the valley provides some of the finest places for vacations.

Talking about the cultural aspects of Swat, the valley holds the history of Indo-Aryan civilizations. The Muslim rule was commenced around 1001 AD including the Yousafzai state established in 1849. With a population of 2 million (as per the 2017 census) the valley is the third largest district of KPK.

We have come up with the best and must-visit places of Swat with accurate guidance about how to get there and what to do.

1. Kalam Valley
2. Kundol Lake
3. Kumrat Valley
4. Fizaghat
5. Marghazar
6. Saidu Sharif
7. Madyan
8. Bahrain
9. Mahodand Lake
10. Malam Jabba

Kalam Valley

Kallam Valley is the number one site for visit Swat. The Valley is situated 99km away from Mingora. This region has famous tourist attractions having beautiful topography of mountains, lakes, and forests. The site of origin of the Swat River is formed by the convergence of Gabral and Usher tributaries. From Kalam, the route ends and shingle road leads to the Usho and Utror valleys. From Matiltan, some snow-capped mountains are observable including Mount Falaksar 5,918 meters and another unnamed peak 6,096 meters high.

Talking about the tourist spots there are hill stations in kalam valley. Following are some beautiful places to visit:

Usho (also spelled Ushu) is a hill station in the northeast of Kalam valley. It is at a distance of 8 kilometers (5.0 mi) from Kalam and 123 kilometers (76 mi) km from Saidu Sharif at the height of 2,300 meters (7,550 feet). It is accessible through a non-metalled road from Kalam by jeeps only.

Matiltan is about 11 km away from Kalam. It is the location of large glaciers, thick forests, and lofty mountain peaks. The tallest peak of Falaksair mountain is visible here.

Utror hill station is also found in Kalam Valley which is situated 16 km away from Kalam. It is surrounded by snow-clad mountains and Kundol Lake.

Gabral is a hill station, comes at a distance of 20 km away from Kalam. It is known for brown swati trout fish, green forests, medicinal springs, snow-clad peaks, and lakes, among them Shahi Bagh lake located the northwest of Sazgul region at about three hours of trekking.

Kundol Lake

The lake is encircled by the famous Hindu Kush Mountains known as Kundol Lake. A pleasantly attractive site for tourists. Located towards the North of Utror Valley, this spectacular site has many mesmerizing natural features. A great camping site with a beautiful night view, this lake is something to be taken seriously when you are searching for a calm site to spend your summer vacations. The snowy peaks cradling the beautiful water body provide a complete picturesque sight. Elevation at a level of 9.950 ft. the lake in summer is famous for boating and fishing. Though the lake is accessible in summer only as in winter heavy snowfall blocked it. The road can reach it from Kalam up to Utror where a link road ends in a green valley called Ladu in the foothills of the mountain. The routes are constantly damaged by floods but rehabilitation also continuously done in order to make the site accessible. From Ladu, it takes almost four to six hours to reach the lake.

Kumrat Valley

Moving further, Kumrat Valley of Upper Dir is another famous tourist spot found n Swat. A summer destination for many visitors to spend their vacations in the fresh environment of Kumrat, the valley is located approximately 9 hours away from the capital Islamabad. Its greenery and coolest weather make the place a favorable site to visit. The habitat of a variety of flora and fauna depicts green meadows and many eye-catching sights. Many hotels and resorts are located to provide the guests with the best of the services at amazing locations. A perfect place for camping and adventure. Famous places include Badagoi Pass, Katora Lake, Jandari and Chashma Lake, etc.

Fizaghat

The very first tourist spot while arriving at Swat is famously known as Fizaghat. The Park is another popular vacationing site. Delicious food and a fresh environment make the place one must-visit point of Swat. The distance is 3.6 km from Mingora Town. It has a beautiful scenery of the Swat River with Eagle eyesight of the entire valley.

Marghzar

Next on the list is the famous historical place of Marghzar. A small village of Swat Valley having White Marble Palace of ancient Royal Families, built by Wali-e-Swat. Nowadays the palace is used as a hotel for tourists. A perfect site for spending holidays in summer.

Saidu Sharif

Saidu Sharif- the easily accessible place by road and by air is an administrative situate of the Valley of Swat. The place is named after the famous Saidu Baba and provides all necessities for its guests, tourists, and layman residents. The places to be visited include the Tomb of Saidu Sharif, Royal Palace, Swat Museum, etc. So if you are an archeology lover this is the city that offers you the must-visit archeological sites of the valley.

Madyan

Madyan- A hill station with the flow of Swat River. The elevation of 1320m is at a distance of 55 k from Mingora Town. It is a tourist destination, and thousands of tourists from all over Pakistan visit this town each year especially in summer enjoying the chilly breeze of the Swat River. Madyan valley is known all over the district because of its perfect weather condition. This Hill station is famous for its delicious dishes, especially trout fish. The place provides a panoramic view of the valley. Various hotels, restaurants provide their services to tourists. The transparent flow of the river and fresh environment is a call for calm loving tourists to visit Madyan hill station.

Bahrain

Next in line is the hill station of Bahrain. The place has a convergence of two different rivers. It is located 60 km North of Mingora at an elevation of 4700 ft. on the right bank of the Swat River. Bahrain is titled Bahrain (Bahrain (Plural of Behar): “two rivers”) because of its location at the confluence of the Daral and Swat rivers. It is well-known for its riverside tourist resorts, local handicrafts, and its view of the merging of the Daral and Swat Rivers. It also serves as a base camp for the trail that leads to the Daral & Saidgai lakes.

Mahodand Lake

The Swat valley is also well-known for its beautiful lakes and one of them is Mahodand Lake. It is an alpine lake which is in the valley of Usho of Swat. Elevation of 9,603 ft. the lake offers an ideal tourist spot. A place with a beautiful background of Hindu kush Mountains and lush green pastures offers a perfect camping site. Summer is the most suitable season to visit. So if you want to travel to a destination with a scenic water backdrop and fresh food, then Mahodand Lake must be your call for the upcoming Sumer vacation.

Malam Jabba

Last but not the least, the highly adventurous, the most visited, and a must-visit a place of the Valley of Swat is Malam Jabba. The internationally recognized and nationally acclaimed ski resort of Pakistan. It is at a distance of 51 km away from Saidu Sharif (mentioned above) and 314 k away from the capital ISB. Dense forest encircles the place and offers a scenic site for skiing. If you are an adventure passionate, then this is the place that you must visit. The mountain ranges appeal to tourists worldwide. Skier’s heaven and adventurous’ natural site–Malam Jabba- a place unforgettable.