Swat Valley

                                    SWAT VALLEY

Swat valley is one of the predominant tourist sights of Pakistan. It is referred to as the Switzerland of Pakistan, it has one of the oldest civilizations records and one of the stunning surroundings one ought to ever see.



Location: It lies among 34°-forty′ to 35° N latitude and seventy two′ to 74°-6′ E longitude. It is located between the foothills of Hindukush mountain range. It is the a part of the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. The area of Swat valley has a prime strategic importance as it lies in the vicinity wherein South Asia, Central Asia and China meet.



Accessibility: Swat valley can attain via Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The general distance from Peshawar is 151 km and from Rawalapindi through Nuwshera- Mardan and Malakand Pass is 270 km. We can easily locate regular flights to Saidu Sharif, the capital city of Swat. When traveling on personal motors, the Motorway (M-1) can be used to reach Mardan Interchange from Islamabad which takes about 1.Five hours (131km). From Mardan, a distance of 112 km can be protected via Takh-e-Bai, Dargai, Malakand Pass, Batkhella, Chakdara to attain Mingora or Saidu Sharif. It takes nearly five hours to cover the space of 247 km. The visiting routes are open for the duration of the yr. Nowadays public delivery facilities have additionally progressed. Daewoo buses are commonly used for visiting.



Attractions: The major sights of the Swat valley include its archeology, the luxurious green web sites, the records and their art.

History of Swat Valley

The records of Swat valley goes again to round 2000 years in the past. It was known as Udyana and later the call turned into modified to Suvastu. The valley become a completely non violent area for dwelling till the eleventh century. The sport of strength brought about the disruption the valley and it became first conquered by means of Mahmud of Ghazni. The ritual of obtaining the lands endured and Swat valley changed into then taken over via the Yusufzais.

In the term of 19th century, swat valley turned into under Akhund Sahib who believed inside the Muslim regulation. At this time, the economic system of Swat valley flourished because of agriculture and it became one of the vast trading regions for groups.

The populace of Swat valley is around 1,257,602 and they have a number of cultural organization dwelling in which the most prominent ones are Pakhtuns, Yusufzais, Kohistanis, Gujars and Awans.

Swat Valley is known as the “mini Switzerland”. Its landscapes are a evidence of herbal beauty and it changed into one of the most visited areas and had a first-rate tourism enterprise. There were events which brought about the downfall of the tourism which became one of the important sources of profits of the Swats economic system. The conflicts among the Taliban and the Pakistani army have effected the valleys sights. The complete battle commenced in Nineties while Sufi Muhammad, a cleric discern tried to impose the sharia regulation on the people of swat valley. In 2007, his son in regulation tried to follow his foot step with the aid of enforcing the faith with strength of hands. The Pakistan navy took manage of the situation and in 2008 the battle of Swat become positioned to an give up. Another aspect that still contributed in diminishing the tourism enterprise encompass the floods in 2010 wherein maximum of the infrastructure became destroyed along with the roads and bridges main to difficulties in traveling to Swat valley.



Buddhism in Swat Valley

Swat valley is likewise well-known within the international as the “holy land of Buddhist studying and piety.” It became one of the most important hubs of Buddhist pilgrimage. It turned into said within the early instances that Buddha himself got here to Swat in the procedure of his remaining reincarnations and he spread the learning of peace and harmony. It turned into also given the name of “cradle of Buddhism”. As referred to in advance the name of swat changed into Udayana and it stands for the historic epics. It became additionally stated within the records that Alexender of Macedonia had fought many primary battles in this land earlier than he become crossed the delta of Indus River. Swat valley has also been named as the “valley of striking chairs.”  The history additionally states that Swat was once the cradle of Buddhism wherein 1400 monasteries had survived and flourished and in addition they made a Gandhara School of Sculpture.



Characteristics of Swat Valley

Elevation: The altitude of the Swat Valley is 975.36 meters and reaches to 2900meters.
The highest top of Hindu Kush Range in Swat Valley is Falak Sher/Sar Peak that is of 5918 metrs.
The Malakand passes between Mardan and Swat and is 470m to 663 m.
Shangla pass/ top is about 7000 ft above sea stage  and covers a 56 km distance from Saidu Sharif and 45 km from Besham.
The total distance among Islamabad and Saidu Sharif is 266 km and journey time is 5 and half of hours.


Climate

From March until October, Swat has the excellent season for tourism. The valley welcomes the humans thru its awesome mountains, lush inexperienced forests, strolling streams and meadows.



Languages

Some of the most important languages spoken inside the swat valley vicinity are Pushto and Kohistani. Nowadays Urdu and English also are spoken by way of the locals.



Swat Valleys Heritage

They also are famous for home made adorns and ornamental household articles. The embroidered items made by using women are the trademark. For example women shawls, wooden furnishings, handicrafts and honey are well-known items. They are also very famous for treasured and semi valuable stones.



Wood carving: The huge statues of Buddha in Bamiyan, Afghanistan and the elaborately designed statues of Buddha in Swat are enough proof of the durable and dedicated exertions of the artists of that technology. The way of life still continues within the valley of Swat with remarkable enthusiasm.

In Swat, the dark black, tough, long lasting and evidently hued timber of walnut bushes is used for this art. Its difficult texture, excellent appearance and robust fragrance make stronger the beauty of the designs and exertions of the artist. Cedar and pinewood also are used for woodcarving. Especially the clearly hued, shaded, designed and fragranced wood of Deodar tree is used.

 

Swati Ornaments: Swat is known for its unique lifestyle. The goldsmiths of this valley have made stunning jewelry and ornaments that are original, ordinary and local. The quite ladies of Swat can be visible carrying those inventive kinds of jewelry.

Swati Embroidery: Swati embroidery has a high-quality importance and has gained a completely unique popularity because of its modern and creative underpinning everywhere in the country. Pure silver yarn changed into used in embroidery within the past. Unmarried Swati women have followed this artwork as their hobby. These gifted girls enhance all of the clothes, shawls, blankets, bed sheets, pillow covers, desk cloths, veils, head scarves, handkerchiefs, and so forth. Which is to emerge as a part of their dowry after their marriage. The golden lace embroidery of Swat is famous during the usa.

Areas of Interest

Some of the foremost locations which are the full-size traveller spots in Swat valley could be discussed in detail which incorporates the famous historic Buddhist Stupas, Swat museum, Margazar, White Palace and Fizza Gat. Coming to the higher Swat Valley Miandam, Malam Jabba, Madyan, Behrain, Kalam and Ushu might be defined. We can also be protecting the primary lakes of Swat Valley which might be Mahodand, Kundal, Khapiro and Spin Khawar.
Saidu Sharif / Mingora

A tourist touring Swat Valley first reaches Saidu Sharif, the capital city and its dual town Mingora. Saidu Sharif is the capital town of Swat. It is located close to the swat river is between the villages of Kanju and Dherai of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Its GPS coordinates are 34°45’0N 72°21’0E and it has an altitude of 970 meters (3182 toes). The capital metropolis is the centre of the administration manipulate and all of the nearby authorities affairs are controlled inside the government buildings. Saidu Sharif has additionally a medical university.



Mingora is the commercial hub of Swat. It is positioned 2 km from the capital town of Saidu Shairf. The metropolis is well-known for its buying and has a number of mineral reserves as well consisting of emerald reserves in hills northward of the town.



Accessibility: Saidu Sharif is 263 km from Islamabad and can be reached through public transport or non-public cars. The travel time is round five hours. There is likewise an airport in Mingora and normal flights are available from Islamabad and Peshawar.

Tourist Attraction in and round Saidu Sharif

 1) Buddhist Stupas

Nimogram is area famous for its monasteries. It is one of the most well-known archeological websites of the Buddhist period. Swat become stated to be filled with 1400 lovely stupas and monasteries. They have been used as worship houses for six,000 gold pictures of the Buddhist and additionally for creating attention approximately the Buddhism religions through education.

It has a number of stupas in which the three most massive stupas might be mentioned in detail. It is said that the stupas are constructed with the special kind of stones known as the “dress stone.”  They were the first-class architect of antique instances and they're stated to resemble the “Andan Dhery” monastery that's located in Dir district. The Shankardar Stupa is located at distance of 3 km from Barikot closer to Saidu Sharif. History says it become constructed between the 3rd and 4rth century and it's far the simplest stupa that is left with the unique dome nonetheless intact. Large figures of Buddha have also been carved on the stones within the nearby locations. The second important stupa is known as Butkara Stupa. This become one of the Chinese Buddhist pilgrims centre and is located in the historical capital of Mingawara. It is mentioned within the records that the stupa “beneath occasion five reconstruction.” Another Gumpat Stupa is also a famous website online located in Kandag valley (9km from south of Birkot). It consists of some of sacred photographs for worshipping and it's miles said to be the most preserved stupa compared to relaxation.
                     

2) Swat Museum

Swat museum is famous for the antique background of the Gandhara civilization. It is placed among Mingora and Saidu Sharif. The museum showcases the primary antiques and Buddhist artifacts that are the evidence of the glorious civilization. The ancients rings, wooden articles are preserved with care for preserving the antique culture findings.

3) Margazar

This place is positioned approximately 13km from the capital town of Saidu Sharif. It is located on the foot of Mount Ilam. The which means of the word Margazar is “inexperienced land.” This area is surrounded by way of green valleys, water springs and mountains. From right here you can view mountain Koh-e-Alam, which has a height of 10,000 feet. It is a perfect vicinity for a morning stroll.



Four) White Place

One of the specialties of Saidu Sharif is the Sufed Mahal (White Palace), built right subsequent to Margazar. The palace become used because the house of the Wali (ruler) both earlier than and after the independence of Pakistan. Its region is at the Margazar Hill (7000 toes above sea level). This traveler motel has round 30 rooms and the costs consistent with day lie in the range of Rs5000-6000 consistent with day.

Five) Shrine of Akhund

Saidu is called shirf (a pious metropolis) because of the shine of Akhund. The shrine of Akhund is housed in the marble courtyard of a mosque in Saidu Sharif. It is open for the visitors, supplied they're nicely dressed. One also needs to dispose of footwear outside the compound earlier than getting into the shrine.



Fizagat

This is every other picnic vicinity along the river Swat. Fizagat has beautiful parks and all the best first-rate emerald mines. They have the high-quality restaurants and it's far excellent for the youngsters recreational activities in all seasons. They also have a Rock town lodge, any other tourist vacation spot with a 30 km trekking track which depicts the entire photo of nature and also offer fishing facilities. Thames inn is one the great inns of fizagat with beautiful scenery and is famous for the architectural designs.

Malam Jabba

Location: Malam Jabba is one of the maximum lovely inns within the place of Swat. It is 80 seven-hundred toes above the ocean degree. Approximately 314 km faraway from Islamabad, it is located on the top of Hindu Kush mountain variety, in the Northeast of Saidu Sharif. Saidu Sharif is a cute place fifty one km far from this inn.

Accessibility: Tourist can attain Saidu Sharif the usage of the airport facility and from there motors and jeeps are used to journey to different nearby locations.

Tourist Attractions: The Malam Jabba Ski Resort is owned through the Pakistani Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC). The Ski Resort become a joint attempt of Pakistani government and its Austrian counterpart. It had a ski slope of approximately 800m with the very best point of the slope 2804m (9200 ft) above sea level.

Modern facilities which includes curler/ice-skating rinks, chair lifts, snowboarding structures, telephones and snow clearing gadget are to be had on the inn. These are one of the vacationer attractions of the location.

Two stations at Malam Jabba offer the facility of chair raise for tourists and couples for his or her enjoyment. This chair lift can raise about 56 passengers at a time to the peak of 10500 toes. Inside the Malam Jabba resort, the ability of indoor games and other ice games are to be had. In winters, six to 8 toes snow falls across the lodge.



Two lovely tracks for strolling are also available in the region. The surroundings of these tracks blanketed tall timber and delightful scenic perspectives. There is a ‘Green Valley’ in which the visitor courses can take you to enjoy the beauty of a valley which has a inexperienced carpet of grass. Cattles can be visible grazing around in the valley. Flowers and vegetation of different type may be seen there on the manner to Green Valley. Following is the view of Green Valley:

Kalam

Location: Along the higher swat is a lovely valley, referred to as Kalam valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is 270 km force from Islamabad, 29 km from Bahrain and 2000 metres above sea level.

Accessibility: In order to reach Kalam, tourists can use Motorway to reach Mardan interchange which is about one and a half hours force from Islamabad. Mardan onwards they are able to use unique routes together with Dargai, Malakand Pass, Chakdara with a purpose to lead to Saidu Sharif. The general distance from Mardan till Saidu Sharif is 112 km and envisioned time is  and a half hours. From right here onwards, public delivery is available and air conditioned buses. Moreover, Daewoo bus service operates immediately from Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar to Mingora without any stops in among.

Tourist sights: A place recognized for its lakes, waterfalls and greenery. It is one of the maximum popular locations for vacationers. There are small and fertile plateaus adding to its beauty. Additionally, the Ushu and Utrot rivers joing in Kalam, to form the Swat River.

Madyan

Location:It is fifty six km from Mingora metropolis and 560 km from Islamabad. It also lies on the main road that leads to Bahrain, Kalam and other stunning valleys of Swat.

Accessibility: Roads are there which makes it less complicated to get admission to Madyan. Public transport is also available for vacationers. Tourists typically live right here for lengthy as the sites and valleys are easy to get admission to.

Tourist Attractions: Madyan is certainly the fine area for nature enthusiasts. Every form of present day facility is to be had in this valley which include mobile networks, internet, cable, hotels, restaurants and so on. Which makes it exceptional from others. Moreover, there are concrete homes surrounded via tall timber and mountains.

Madyan is surrounded by green valley if Chail, Shanku and Bashigram. Quantities of mushrooms, fruits and wood is produced over there. In addition to this, the rivers and streams have swati fish and trout which makes it particular most of the different valleys. The most important agricultural produce consists of maize, wheat, onions, potatoes and beans.

Miandam

Location:It is a hill station located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is fifty five km from Mingora and 56 km from Saidu Shareef. While speakme approximately Islamabad, it just takes 3 hours42 mins to reach Miandam.

Accessibility: There are metaled roads which pass via the hills and homes. It is a superb vicinity for walkers as tracks are there for tourists.

Tourist sights:few years ago, it completed scientific complicated, mosque and plumbing machine. Moving in the direction of the financial system, it specializes in tourism and agriculture including corn and potatoes. Miandam also promotes medicinal flowers and now approximately 1000 human beings are depending on it for their profits. The anticipated population is 20,000 that have multiplied from 3000 in 1988. In graveyards, there are crave wooden grave posts with floral designs.

Bahrain

Location: It is a hill station placed in Kyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is 312 km from Islamabad and is 10 km from Madyan. Additionally, it's far 4500 toes above the sea stage.

Tourist Attractions:  The meaning of Bahrain is  rivers. This is because Daral and swat rivers meet right here. Due to this, the surroundings is more often than not nice in Bahrain. There are inns and bazaars which are acknowledged for its handicrafts. Tourists visit this area at some stage in the year because many hotels may be found at cheap charges. Furthermore, Bahrain is known for its mosques and buildings and the encircling place has stunning valleys which can be suitable for trekking.

Ushu

Location: In the Northern Kalam, there may be a plateau 6 km wide in which two rivers; Ushu and Utrot intersect (one from north east and one from the west). It is 10 km from Kalam and is 3200 metres above sea level.

There are specially Muslims dwelling on this area who communicate Kashmiri, Pushto, Persian and Punjabi. There are mountains which are well-known for trekking. As the climate in winter may be very cold, so humans are commonly cut off in winters and flow southwards and return lower back whilst the climate is suitable, typically in spring. For ushu, tourism is the primary source of income until now.

Lake Mahodand

Location : Lake Mahodand lies inside the North of Kalam and 12 km away from Ushu. It takes round 6.5 hours to attain this lovely lake from Islamabad that's 381 km away. It is well-known amongst nature and peace fanatics and trout fish hunters. ‘Mahodand’ method ‘Lake of fishes’ (especially trout fishes).

Accessibility: Mahodand valley can be reached via an un-metalled avenue from Kalam in a four×four car. Although the road is rough and problematic, but the splendor of the encompassing landscapes is a deal with for the visitors. Small villages are scattered within the mountains and the hollering smoke that coils into the sky from the houses are some appealing views, which live inside the reminiscence for all time.

The valley is lengthy and wide and it touches Chitral boundary in the intense North. After driving for approximately 4 to 5 hours from the substantial valley of Kalam, 35 kilometers away, you will attain the remarkable valley of Mahodand wherein the small lakes, tall cedar timber and large pastures can be visible. Small birds which can be called ‘non-recreation birds’ fill the air with their melodious music all the day lengthy.



Tourist Attractions: The Lake looks as if a river and modifications its shape in the course of. It is great to go to Lake Mahodand within the spring or overdue June because this is the time whilst glaciers had been melted.

Temporary eating places and accommodations had been built by means of the locals, which offer essential facilities of food and accommodation. There is only one restaurant that cooks accurate local food. Boating centers also are available on hire.

Fishing allows may be acquired from PTDC inn in Kalam. Rising troubles consist of over-fishing by way of the locals and the inappropriate ways of fishing e.G. Electrocution, large nets and dynamiting. This has decreased the populace of the trout fish inside the lake. Authorities must take projects to keep this rare characteristic of the valley.



Another appeal within the vicinity is the ‘Spring of Healing’ where people come from round the world to wash within the water that is stated to have recuperation houses. Trekkers can reach Shandoor Top or Gazar in Chitral through a right song. The valley presents lovely and peaceful tenting web sites. Trekkers are suggested to set up fuel cylinders. This will help to reduce the load on the herbal atmosphere and additionally keep the deteriorating surroundings of the valley. Smalls huts had been constructed through the nomads of the location who take their farm animals to lush inexperienced regions for grazing.



         

There are several waterfalls in this place that growth the splendor of the valley. Waterfalls are of various lengths and sizes. The sound of those waterfalls echo during the valley and creates a cracking sound at the rocks. A tourist defined the splendor of this place as “The staggering landscapes, the canopy of tall cedar trees, the full-size pastures, the roaring waterfalls, the shimmering lakes, the sky touching mountains, and the distinct fragrance of wild plants and herbs go away such robust imprints on the thoughts that the traveller is continually searching for different opportunity to become one with nature once more.”

Kundal Lake

Location: Kundal Lake is located 21 km from Kalam and 281 km from Islamabad. It lies inside the North of Utror valley.

Accessibility: Kundal Lake may be easily accessed from Kalam through Utror from where a hyperlink avenue ends in a green valley referred to as ‘Ladu’ within the foothills of the lake. The trail to the lake from Ladu is simple to comply with as a big stream flows down from the lake, which mingles with River Swat in Kalam valley.

Hiking may be a manner to reach Ladu from Utror or a 4-wheeler can be used to make the adventure easy. It takes 4 hours to attain the lake from Ladu. The first two hours walk is in a slender valley beside a stream but the valley becomes huge later and expands till the lake is reached. Good exceptional shoes with gripping soles ought to be used to stroll via the trail and care need to be taken as an accidental slip can be risky.

Tourist appeal: Kundal is a massive and substantial lake. Its length is two km and width is 1 km. A large watercourse feeds it in eastern facet in which big glaciers melt down in summers. There are two hamlets wherein two small mosques can offer an lodging however it's miles higher to have your own tents in case of emergency use. The mountains around this small valley are included with tall cedar and pine trees.

They have additionally arranged diesel-operated motorboats wherein you could take a tour of the lake and reach the opposite aspect without problems due to the fact in any other case it can take  hours minimum. People who take brief residency over here at some stage in summers plow the open land and harvest potatoes and turnips, which are famous all around the united states of america for its exclusive flavor. Kundal Sanctuary is situated 15km far from Sawaimadhopur on Sawaimadhopur-Kalibhat street (shown inside the image underneath at the right).

Local human beings are friendly and provide steering if one asks them. They also assist in sporting the luggage. They are very cooperative and will offer the standard nomadic delicacies of butter, buttermilk, cheese and maize bread upon request thankfully. Some of them have additionally opened a kind of hut eating places wherein tea is served upon payment.

The lake seems to be an specific reproduction of Lake Saifulmaluk in Naran Kaghan. Both the lakes are nearly of the identical size and look. Location and environment of both the lakes are almost same but one is understood and the alternative remains concealed within the mountains of Swat valley. The tourism authorities want to wake up to publicize the lake and set up special tours to familiarize this valuable gift of nature for all. Different stunning perspectives of the lake are shown within the snap shots underneath:

Two different lakes, Khapiro (Faries), and Spin khwar (White Stream) are placed within the peripheries of Kundal Lake and may be accessed thru the lake in 5 to six hours. It could take almost 4 days to go to all of the three lakes in a go.

Khapiro/Pari Lake I

Location: The call ‘Pari’ or “Khapiro’ approach ‘house of fairies’. It is believed that fairies stay there and shower in the water of this lake. Khapiro Lake is located within the North East of Utror Valley. It has a extensive intensity and lies within the foothills of maximum mountains. 281 km from Islamabad

Accessibility: Khapiro Lake may be accessed from Izmis and Kundal Lake by using trekking. It takes almost 5 hours to attain the pinnacle of Izmis and Kundal Lake. The song may be very sharp from each the perimeters. Beautiful flowers and inexperienced meadows can be visible inside the surrounding.

Tourist appeal: Khapiro Lake is encircled by using sharp rough rocks and mountains with grass and exquisite plant life. It is a fantastically small lake, triangular in shape and a splendid Pari Lake which is situated under it is fed by it. Water of this lake is emerald green in shade. Crystal clean water fills the lake from the waterfall from the glaciers and mountains. Tourists are attracted by way of the inexperienced highlands, sky touching mountains and beautiful surroundings in the vicinity. Except for the month of August and September, the lake is sunk in glaciers during the 12 months.

Khapiro/Pari Lake II

Location: Khapiro/ Pari Lake II is positioned close to Pari Lake I, at the highest altitude in the mountain levels of Swat.

Tourist appeal: The Lake is 0.25 km in duration and is surrounded via steep pastures. When fodder is limited in the plains, grazers take their farm animals to the pastures in summers. It is comparatively extra in size and depth than the opposite lake located in its location and stays open in the months of July, August and September. Kundal Lake is situated inside the foothills down and water from Pari Lake II flows to Kundal Lake. Due to the unsure climate and alarming height, the lake stays undisturbed.

Pari Lake II has a twofold significance:

It offers a large share of water to the giant Kundal Lake.
It is a secure feeding floor for the native in addition to migratory birds.
The high mountains surrounding the lake are a safe dock for the cumbersome Snow-cock and brightly coloured Monal pheasants. These birds can be heard and seen for the duration of the early hours of sunrise.

Pari Lake II is a lovely region to go to as its huge horizon, wonderful landscapes and cool breeze are the valuable gifts of nature that stays in the memory of a vacationer.

Spin Khwar (White Stream) Lake

Location: Spin Khwar is situated closer to the North of Kundal Lake and East of Utror valley. It is 176 km away from Islamabad. The call Spin Khwar has importance as a small white flow inside the east flows all the way down to the lake from the encompassing mountains and is a primary source of water for the lake.

Accessibility: Spin Khwar Lake may be accessed through  tracks: One from Kundal, and the alternative from Ladu valley. The music from Ladu is simple to stroll and less tiring even as the track from Kundal isn't always most effective tough however risky; although it is short and hyperlinks Kundal and Spin Khwar.

Tourist enchantment: The Lake is large in length and is a super safe haven for animals and nearby and migratory birds. Tall coniferous bushes around the lake upload to the splendor of the encircling and the lake. Landscapes surrounding the lake are decorated with wild plant life and inexperienced meadows.

Due to lack of exposure and reputation, Spin Khwar isn't always a great deal visited with the aid of vacationers. However, it has a tremendous ability to draw travelers because of its lovely landscapes. Campsites are to be had near the lake. The lake can end up a well-known recreational spot if proper tracks and different vital facilities are supplied to the visitors.