Swat Travel Guide - English Version
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Disclaimer: This publication was made possible by the support of the American people, provided through the
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The views expressed in this publication/documentary
are the authors' views and they do not necessarily reflect the opinion of USAID, the United States Government
or Chemonics International Inc.
Text by: Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana, Tourism
Consultant, USAID|FIRMS Project
Published by: USAID|Pakistan FIRMS Project
Edition: May 2011
2
TTaabbllee ooff CCoonntteennttss
IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn ......................................................................................................................................... 3
HHiissttoorryy ooff SSwwaatt ..................................................................................................................................... 3
WWhheenn ttoo ggoo ............................................................................................................................................ 5
HHooww ttoo ggeett tthheerree................................................................................................................................... 5
WWhheerree ttoo ssttaayy ..................................................................................................................................... 10
PPllaacceess ooff TToouurriissmm IInntteerreesstt iinn LLoowweerr SSwwaatt ...................................................................................... 11
PPllaacceess ooff TToouurriissmm IInntteerreesstt iinn UUppppeerr SSwwaatt ...................................................................................... 15
VVaalllleeyyss BBeeyyoonndd KKaallaamm ....................................................................................................................... 18
MMaaiinn TTrreekkkkiinngg RRoouutteess iinn UUppppeerr SSwwaatt VVaalllleeyy.................................................................................. 20
EEccoottoouurriissmm iinn UUppppeerr SSwwaatt ................................................................................................................ 21
TTrraavveell TTiippss.......................................................................................................................................... 22
PPllaann YYoouurr BBuuddggeett ............................................................................................................................... 23
LLiisstt ooff TToouurriisstt IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn CCeenntteerrss................................................................................................. 24
GGuuiiddeedd TToouurrss aanndd TToouurriissmm SSeerrvviicceess ............................................................................................... 25
UUsseeffuull PPhhoonnee nnuummbbeerrss ...................................................................................................................... 27
UUsseeffuull WWeebb LLiinnkkss ............................................................................................................................... 27
3
IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn The beautiful valley of Swat, popularly
known as the Switzerland of the East, is a
holiday-maker’s delight and a hallmark of
magnificent scenic beauty and a rich
historical past.
With its roaring rivers, waterfalls,
meandering streams, glacier fed lakes,
pine forests, alpine meadows, snow
covered peaks of Mankial and Flaksair,
fruit laden orchards, lush green fields,
flower filled mountain slopes, and above
all the friendly Swati people who are
famous for their traditional hospitality,
Swat is without doubt one of the most
beautiful tourist destinations in the
northern valleys of Pakistan.
The Valley of Swat sprawls over 10,350
sq. kilometers. The summer temperature
reaches a maximum of 22C and remains
above 7C. Saidu Sharif is the capital of
Swat and its twin city Mingora is the
largest and oldest market town. Madyan,
Bahrain, Miandam, Kalam and Malam
Jabba are its main tourist spots. The
elevation ranges from 991 meters (3,300
feet) above sea level at Saidu Sharif to
6,257 meters (20,528 feet) at the top of
its highest mountain, Flaksair.
HHiissttoorryy ooff SSwwaatt
Swat was described as “Udyana” (the
garden) in ancient Hindu epics. Alexander
the Great crossed Swat River with part of
his army in 327BC. He fought and won
some of his major battles at Barikot and
Udegram and stormed their battlements,
before crossing over the plains of the five
rivers. In Greek accounts these towns
have been identified as Ora and Bazira.
After the death of Alexander the Great the
Greeks quickly lost effective control of
their far flung
colonies and soon
the northern part
of the sub-
continent situated
west of the Indus
which includes
Swat was annexed
by Chandra
Gupta. From the
second century BC
4
to the ninth century AD, Swat was the
cradle of Buddhism where more than
1400 monasteries flourished at one time.
The ringing of the bells in these places of
worship used to create a strange
mysterious impression all around the
valley. During this time Swat became
famous as the hub of the Gandhara School
of Sculpture which was an expression of
Greco-Roman style mixed with the local
Buddhist traditional sculpture. Today,
ruins of great Buddhist stupas,
monasteries and statues are found all
over Swat.
Swat is also the historical land where the
Muslim conquerors, Mahmood of Ghazni,
and Mughal kings Babar and Akbar fought
their battles preparatory to the conquest
of the sub-continent. Mahmood of Ghazni
took the valley in the 11th century after a
fierce battle at Udegram, where his
commander Khushal Khan was killed and
buried. A mosque dating from the
11th century has been excavated on the
hill at Udegram.
The history of modern Swat commences
with the emergence of the Akhund Sahib
of Swat as a charismatic religious leader
and a reformer. With his help and
support, Syed Akbar Shah established the
rule of Shariat in Swat from 1849 to 1856.
But after the sudden death of Syed Akbar
Shah, Swat was left unorganized once
again. In 1915 the territory started its
progression to a more peaceful and stable
life when Miangul Abdul Wadood, the
grandson of the Akhund Sahib and a
powerful political figure of Swat was
unanimously declared by the tribes as
their king. The Swat state was founded in
1917 by Miangul Abdul Wadood, also
known as Badshah Sahib. The state of
Swat was accorded official recognition by
the British Indian Government in 1926
and the title of “Wali” (ruler) was
conferred on Miangul Abdul Wadood.
Miangul Wadood abdicated in 1949 in
favor of his son, Miangul Jehanzeb, who
continued to develop the valley by
building roads, schools and hospitals; and
more importantly by institutionalizing
land reform.
The princely status of Swat, along with
the adjoining states of Chitral and Dir,
was brought to an end by the presidential
order in 1969, and all of them merged
into Pakistan. Now Swat is part of the
Malakand Division which is a Provincially
Administrated Tribal Area (PATA) of the
Khyber Pukhtunkhawa province of
Pakistan.
5
WWhheenn ttoo ggoo
Swat Valley, especially lower Swat, is a
year-round tourist destination. However
the main tourist season for Swat begins in
spring and lasts till autumn (April to
October). April to May is the best time to
visit Swat, when the fresh green grass
carpet covers the slopes. June to August is
the period when most domestic tourists
from the hot plains of Punjab and Sindh
escape the scorching summer heat and
find refuge in the cool areas of Upper
Swat. October-November is the fall season
when yellow and golden are the most
dominating colors on the backdrop of a
clear blue sky. December-March are the
winter months; the road beyond Bahrain
is snowbound during this time.
HHooww ttoo ggeett tthheerree
The valley of Swat is situated on the northeastern tip of the Khyber Pukhtunkhawa
province, surrounded by the scenic valleys of Dir, Chitral and Gilgit. Saidu Sharif, the capital
of Swat, is linked through a metalled road to Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Peshawar via
Mardan and Malakand Pass.
RReeaacchhiinngg bbyy AAiirr
Saidu Sharif/Mingora is also linked by air
to Peshawar and Islamabad. This air route
is presently suspended, but PIA is
planning to start its daily flight operations
from Islamabad and Peshawar to Saidu
Sharif by the mid of May 2011.
6
MMaaiinn RRoouuttee ffrroomm IIssllaammaabbaadd//RRaawwaallppiinnddii && PPeesshhaawwaarr
People travelling from down country on
their own vehicles can take the Motorway
(M-1) and reach Mardan interchange
from Islamabad in about one and a half
hour after covering a distance of 131 km.
From Mardan onwards they can travel via
Takh-e-Bai, Dargai, Malakand Pass,
Batkhella, Chakdara and finally reach
Mingora/Saidu Sharif after covering a
distance of 112 km in an additional two
and a half hours. The total distance from
Islamabad to Mingora/Saidu Sharif is
247Km and it takes around 5 hours with
one stop for lunch and refreshments.
This route is open for all kinds of traffic
throughout the year. The distance from
Peshawar to Mingora/Saidu Sharif is 151
km, using the above mentioned route
7
from Mardan onward. Total driving time
from Peshawar is around 4 hours.
For those preferring public transport,
travelling in an air conditioned bus
service is an option. There are several bus
companies with regular direct service to
Mingora from Lahore, Rawalpindi,
Peshawar and Mardan. The Daewoo Bus
Company operates the most comfortable
and reliable air conditioned bus service to
Mingora from Lahore, Rawalpindi and
Peshawar and also provides connecting
bus services to the passengers of other
major cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad,
Bahawalpur, Multan, Faisalabad,
Sargodha, Abbottabad, Mianwali etc. (For
more information about Daewoo Bus
Service schedule and fares, please visit
their
websitehttp://www.sammi.com.pk or call
their UAN at 111-007-008).
AAlltteerrnnaattee RRoouuttee ffrroomm BBeesshhaamm vviiaa SShhaannggllaa PPaassss
A scenic but slightly difficult and longer
alternate route is available via
Abbottabad and the Karakorum Highway
to Besham via Shangla pass. Besham is
8
270 km from Islamabad via Abbottabad,
Mansehra, Batagram and Thakot. From
Besham it is 69 km to Khawazakhela, a
drive of about three hours on a scenic
road through steeply terraced hills and
pine forests across the Shangla Pass.
Khawazakhela is a large town along river
Swat from where the distance to Mingora
and Madyan is 27 km and 26 km
respectively.
DDiissttaannccee CChhaarrttss
Distance Chart Islamabad – Mingora Route
From To Distance (km)
Travel time
Road Condition
Islamabad Mardan 140 1 ½ hrs. Excellent Motorway (M-I)
Mardan Takht-i-Bahi 14 20 min. Excellent Highway Takht-i-Bahi Dargai 26 40 min. Excellent Highway Dargai Malakand 12 30 min. Excellent Highway Malakand Chakdara 15 30 min. Excellent Highway Chakdara Mingora/Saidu
Sharif 40 1 ½ hrs. Excellent Highway
Total distance and travel time 247 5 hrs.
Distance Chart Peshawar – Mingora Route
From To Distance (km)
Travel time
Road Condition
Peshawar Nowshera 41 40 min. Excellent Highway
Nowshera Mardan 23 20 min Excellent Highway Mardan Takht-i-Bahi 14 20 min. Excellent Highway Takht-i-Bahi Dargai 26 40 min. Excellent Highway Dargai Malakand 12 30 min. Excellent Highway Malakand Chakdara 15 30 min. Excellent Highway Chakdara Mingora/Saidu
Sharif 40 1 ½ hrs. Excellent Highway
Total distance and travel time 171 4 ½ hrs.
9
Distance Chart Besham – Shangla Pass- Mingora Route
From To Distance (km)
Travel time
Road Condition
Besham Alpuri 35 1 hr Two way metalled road but damaged at many places
Alpuri Shangla Pass 7 ½ hr. Two way metalled road but damaged at many places
Shangla Pass Khawazakhela 27 1 hr. Two way metalled road but damaged at many places
Khawazakhela Mingora 29 1 hr. Two way metalled road but damaged at many places
Total distance and travel time 98 3 ½ hrs.
Distance Chart Mingora - Kalam Route
From To Distance (km)
Travel time
Road Condition
Mingora Manglor 10 20 min. Two way metalled road
Manglor Khawazakhela 19 40 min. Two way metalled road but damaged at few places
Khawazakhela Fatehpur 14 40 min. Two way metalled road but damaged at few places
Fatehpur Madyan 10 30 min. Two way metalled road but damaged at few places
Madyan Baharin 10 40 min. Suitable for 4WD vehicles only
Baharin Kalam 35 4 to 5 hrs. Suitable for 4WD vehicles only
Total distance and travel time 98 7 to 8 hrs. Depending on road conditions
10
Distances of other Places of Tourist Interest from Mingora
From To Distance (km)
Travel time
Road Condition
Mingora/Saidu Sharif
Maraghzar 13 30 min. Two way metalled road damaged at few places
Mingora/Saidu Sharif
Udegram 8 15 min. Excellent Highway
Mingora/Saidu Sharif
Malam Jabba via Manglor
42 2 ½ hrs. Two way metalled road damaged at few places
Mingora /Saidu Sharif
Miandam via Fatehpur
56 2 hrs. Two way metalled road damaged at few places
Kalam Ushu 8 1 hr. Suitable for 4WD vehicles only
Kalam Utrot 16 2 hr. Suitable for 4WD vehicles only
WWhheerree ttoo ssttaayy
There are several hotels and guest houses
of different categories in Mingora, Saidu
Sharif, Madyan, Miandam, Bahrain and
Kalam. Conveniently situated,
appropriately furnished, and reasonably
priced guest houses and rest houses of
government departments are available in
other places as well. Many hotels were
damaged during the floods last year.
USAID’s FIRMS Project is working with
more than 200 hotels to rehabilitate and
make them operational once again before
the start of the tourist season of 2011. A
list of fully operational hotels of different
categories at various locations of Swat
Valley is available under the web site
menu item “Where to Stay”. It should be
noted that hotel rates given in the table
are subject to seasonal fluctuations, so
there is possibility of deviation in the
rates mentioned on this list, and they
should thus be confirmed before
reservation.
11
PPllaacceess ooff TToouurriissmm IInntteerreesstt iinn LLoowweerr SSwwaatt
SSaaiidduu SShhaarriiff aanndd MMiinnggoorraa
At an elevation of 990 metres (3,250 feet)
above sea level, Mingora and Saidu Sharif
are twin-towns merged into each other.
Mingora is the biggest market town in
Swat with all the main markets, bus and
coach stands, hotels, restaurants and
shopping places, while Saidu Sharif to the
South is the administrative capital of
Swat. Over the passage of time Mingora in
particular has become heavily congested
and comparatively hot in the summers
compared to Saidu Sharif. The bazaars of
Mingora are fascinating and worth
exploring for hand woven woolen shawls,
jackets and caps, wooden handicrafts, old
silver jewellery, old carpets, semi-
precious stones, Swati embroidered
cloths, dry fruits, honey and imported
electronic items. The shrine of the
Akhund of Swat, residence of former Wali
of Swat, Swat Museum, Swat Serena Hotel
and archeological remains of the Butkara
are also great places to visit and located
at Saidu Sharif.
MMaarraagghhzzaarr At distance of 13 km from Saidu Sharif at
the head of the Saidu Valley, Maraghzar is
a small village at an elevation of 1,287
metres (4,222 feet) from sea level. The
White Palace (presently a hotel) was once
the summer palace of the first Wali of
Swat. The Saidu Stream cascades down
off Mount Ilam behind the palace, and
beside the stream runs the old hindu
pilgrim path up Mount Ilam 2,811 metres
(9,222 feet), which is a sacred place in
Hinduism and most commonly known as Ram Takht. According to Hindu
12
mythology Ram Chandra Jee Maharajah
spent three years of his Ban Bass (jungle
life) here. This path is a full day's hike to
the top and back through the remote
villages. Local guides can be arranged
through the White Palace Hotel.
IIssllaammppuurr ((WWeeaavveerrss VViillllaaggee))
Islampur is a small village 2 km off the
main Saidu Sharif- Maraghzar road.
Visitors can see handloom weaving here
and buy hand-woven shawls and
blankets.
SShhrriinnee ooff AAkkhhuunndd ooff SSwwaatt
((SSaaiidduu BBaabbaa)) The shrine of Akhund of Swat is housed in
the marble courtyard of a mosque in
Saidu Sharif. It is tucked away amongst
the narrow alleys between Maraghzar
road and Aqba road. Saidu is Sharif (holy)
because of the shrine of the Akhund of
Swat. Visitors are welcome here provided
they are suitably dressed and remove
their shoes outside the compound before
entering the shrine.
SSwwaatt MMuusseeuumm
Swat Museum is located on the main
Mingora-Saidu Sharif road and is well
worth a visit. This museum has a huge
13
collection of Gandhara sculptures from
the Buddhist sites in Swat. It is presently
closed for repair and renovation however.
BBuuttkkaarraa SSttuuppaa
Near the museum, about 1 km away, is
one of the most important Buddhist
shrines in Swat. The Butkara stupa, which
dates from the second century BC, was
possibly built by the Mauryan emperor
Ashoka to house some of the ashes of
Buddha. Excavations were carried out
here between 1982 and 1985 by Dr.
Abdur Rahman of Peshawar University.
UUddeeggrraamm
About 8 km from Mingora on the road to
Malakand lies the town of Udegram that
Alexander the Great captured in 327 BC.
This is the site of the ancient town of Ora.
Udegram is a fairly large town of the ruins
which, encircled by huge walls, climb
along the slopes of the mountains
towering above the valley. On the super of
the mountain there existed a castle that
was destroyed by Mahmood of Ghazni in
the 11th century according to tradition.
SShhiinnggeerrddaarr SSttuuppaa
10 km from Udegram on the main
Mingora-Malakand road, the Stupa of
Shingerdar is situated on the left side of
the main road. This is the famous stupa
14
which was built by King Uttarasena to
house his share of the relics of the Load
Buddha.
FFiizzaaggaatt Just outside Mingora, Fizagat is the first
spot where there is a nice picnic spot
along the river and a number of tourist
class and deluxe hotels are located. Most
tourists prefer to stay in these hotels to
avoid the crowd and heavily congested
streets of Mingora.
JJaahhaannaabbaadd BBuuddddhhaa The next settlement farther up north is
Minglor, at a distance of about 10 km
from Mingora. A single metalled road
turns off to the right to Malam Jabba from
here, and 3 km from the turning lies the
Jahanabad village.
The Jahanabad Buddha is a huge seated
figure four metres high, carved in the
seventh century on the face of a large rock
on the other side of the river. The carved
Buddha is directly opposite the village of
Malakpur and is visible from the Malam
Jabba road. The serene-faced Buddha sits
cross-legged, his hands folded in his lap.
To get a closer look at this historic
marvel, one can cross the river through
the next bridge (1 km farther) and walk
up a clear path to reach the rock.
The Mountain Inn Guest House is the best
place to stay in this area. This small family
resort is located on the hillside on the
road to Malam Jabba with a beautiful view
of paddy rice fields and fruit orchards in
the valley.
15
PPllaacceess ooff TToouurriissmm IInntteerreesstt iinn UUppppeerr SSwwaatt The Swat Valley become more scenic the
high you go towards north. From
Mingora, the main Swat Valley road runs
toward north along the Swat River. There
are number of tourist spots on this route
all the way up to Kalam.
MMaallaamm JJaabbbbaa On the same road from Minglor at a
distance of about 35 km, Malam Jabba is
one of the most popular hill resorts in
Swat, located at an elevation of 2,750
metres (9,000 feet) above sea level. This
place was developed as a ski resort with
the facility of a chairlift and a 22 room
hotel, but was unfortunately badly
damaged by militants in the recent past.
Presently there is no accommodation
facility at Malam Jabba but visitors can
come up here on an excursion trip from
Mingora to enjoy the beautiful landscape
of the mountain peaks, lush green
pastures and thick pine forest. This place
is good for a picnic and hiking trip to the
top station of the chairlift.
KKhhaawwaazzaakkhheellaa The main road continues up the Swat
Valley from Minglor, eventually reaching
Chargabh; the next village with a small
bazaar. The countryside is rich and fertile
here, with paddy fields and small
scattered settlements along the road. At a
distance of about 32 km from Mingora,
Khawazakhela is the second largest
commercial center. The main bazaar is
worth exploring for old silver jewellery,
embroidered fabrics, semi-precious
stones, ancient coins, antique chairs, and
beds chests of carved wood. This is where
a road turns off right to Besham on
Karakoram Highway via Shangla Pass
(7,000 feet).
16
MMiiaannddaamm The main road continues north up the
valley and reaches the village of Fatehpur.
A 9 km road branches off towards east
and runs through charming hillside
villages to reach the popular hill resort of
Miandam. Miandam is a very picturesque
tourist spot at an elevation of 1,800
metres (5,900 feet) above sea level.
Surrounded by the terraced fields, fruit
orchards and lush green mountain slopes,
this place is pleasantly cool during
summers. There are a number of
comfortable hotels and guest houses here
that provide accommodation facilities for
tourists.
Miandam is good place for walkers and
hikers. Two walking trails run along the
streams up north east. The total distance
from Mingora to Miandam is 56 km.
MMaaddyyaann Back on main road at a distance of about
8 km from Fatehpur, Madyan is a tourist
resort on the Swat River. The distance
from Mingora to Madyan is roughly 56
kms. At an elevation of 1,321 metres
(4,335 feet), steep wooded hills provide a
scenic backdrop for the fast flowing Swat
River which gushes through the narrow
gorges. Bashigram valley drains into the
Swat River from the east at Madyan. The
source of the Bashigram torrent is the
pristine Bashigram Lake at 11,600 feet
above sea level. The lake can be reached
after a daylong strenuous trek. Its
riverside location and pleasant climate
make it an attractive tourist spot with
rows of shops, hotels and restaurants
along the main road. Antique and modern
shawls, traditional embroidery, tribal
jewellery, and carved wood furniture are
sold in the shops on the main street. The
shawls are woven in the side valley east
17
of Madyan, where this cottage industry
has been thriving for nearly 2,000 years.
There are also a number of comfortable
hotels and guest houses which provide
accommodation facilities to tourists.
BBaahhrraaiinn The main road crosses to the west bank of
the Swat River at Madyan and continues
towards north. From here the valley
steadily closes in and begins to climb
more steeply. The road from Madyan
onward was badly damaged due to flood
in July 2011. Presently, accessibility to
Bahrain and Kalam is only through a
jeepable road. Jeep shuttle service is
available from Madyan to Bahrain and
Kalam. For more information about this
jeep service please dial (0946) 9240159.
Ten kilometers north of Madyan and
about (1,400 metres/4,500 feet) above
sea level, Bahrain is another very popular
tourist spot in the upper Swat. Here the
two rivers Daral and Swat join under a
bridge; the former like a waterfall, and
then winding their way in a torrent
through a gorge below the high cliffs.
Away from the road, along the banks of
the Daral River, there are some
interesting old houses with intricately
carved woodwork. The town is spread out
along the road where most of the hotels
and restaurants are located. The bazaar of
Bahrain is worth exploring for
handicrafts.
KKaallaamm
At Kalam, which is 32 km from Bahrain
and about (2,072 metres/6,800 feet)
above sea level, the valley opens out into
a fertile plateau. This is the place in Swat
Valley that has warranted the title
"Switzerland of Asia". This picturesque
location features thick pine forests, alpine
meadows, crystal clear lakes, cool
mountain streams, and snow covered
18
mountains all in one place. At Kalam the
Ushu and Utrot rivers join to form the
Swat River. Both of these rivers are also
famous as excellent fishing reaches. From
Kalam one can get a breathtaking view of
the snow-capped peak of Flaksair (6,257
meters/20,528 feet). On the way to Kalam
one can also have an excellent view of the
peak of Mankial from the village of
Kulalai. Mankial (5,726 metres/18,787
feet) is the second highest peak of Swat
Valley.
Because of its cool weather during the
summers and stunning scenery, Kalam is
the most popular tourist resort amongst
Pakistani tourists who come here in
droves of thousands during the summer
holidays to escape the summer heat. The
main bazaar is very crowded during the
peak tourist season, and all the
necessities of life are available here.
There are also a number of handicraft
shops and restaurants along the main
road. Across the wooden suspension
bridge lies the old village of Kalam.
During the summer, a favorite activity is
to sit on charpoys placed in the shallow
ends of the river with the cool mountain
water flowing underneath, sipping hot tea
and enjoying tasty Pakoras or Chappli
Kababs with Tandori Nans. Kalam has the
largest number of hotels of different
categories to provide boarding and
lodging facilities to visitors.
VVaalllleeyyss BBeeyyoonndd KKaallaamm To the north of Kalam there are several
beautiful valleys, many of them thickly
forested, as well as waterfalls, glaciers,
lakes and meadows which are accessible
by jeep. A bridge crosses the Swat River at
the north end of Kalam. Shortly afterward
the road forks; the left road goes to Utrot
and Gabral and the right road leads to
Ushu Valley and Matiltan.
UUttrroott aanndd GGaabbrraall Utrot is located at about 16 km from
Kalam. At a height of 2,200 metres (7,200
feet) above sea level, Utrot is a charming
village and a totally un-spoilt location
with excellent walking and fishing
opportunities. There are a number of
picnic spots along the river. A jeepable
road 4 km towards southwest takes one
to Liddu, from where it is a 3 hour walk
19
up to the beautiful Kundol Lake. From
Kundol one can also make an attempt to
climb the mountain ridge on the west to
reach a picturesque glacier fed lake which
is known as Khapero Dund. This lake is
located at 13,300 feet above sea level and
the steep trek to this lake is very
strenuous.
From Liddu, another trail towards
southeast leads to Spinkhor Lake. This
beautiful lake is situated at an elevation of
10,530 feet above sea level. From Liddu
one can also climb up directly to the high
pastures of Dessan. This area is the most
beautiful part of upper Swat with lush
green pastures dotted with colorful wild
flowers. From Upper Dessan one can
reach Godur Lake which is located at an
elevation of 12,600 feet above sea level. A
jeep road runs 8 km northwest from Utrot
to Gabral village which is a lush green
picnic spot along the river. From Gabral
the jeep road continues another 20 km
towards north to Kharkhari Lake,
located at an elevation of 9,500 feet above
sea level. A 13 km walking trail also goes
towards Izmis Lake from Utrot, which is
located at an elevation of 11,230 feet
above sea level. The word ‘Izmis’ means
caves in Kohistani and the lake gets its
name from the several natural caves
surrounding it.
UUsshhuu VVaalllleeyyUshu Valley constitutes some of the most
beautiful parts of Swat. This valley offers
magnificent views of the snow covered
Mount Flaksair which has a height of
6,257 meters (20,528 feet). There are a
number of small hotels and restaurants
along the fast flowing Ushu River. The
distance of Ushu from Kalam is roughly 8
km and it is about 2,300 metres (7,550
feet) above sea level.
Matiltan is next main village in this area.
With its old wooden mosque, potato fields
all around, and Mount Falaksair in the
backdrop it gives a magical view. Beyond
the village of Matiltan the jeep road leads
to the most famous lake of this area; Lake
Mahodand. This heavenly lake is situated
at a distance of 35 km from Kalam and
27km from Ushu. Mahodand means lake
full of fish in the local language, and the
lake stays true to its name and is a very
good spot for trout fishing. It is a popular
picnic spot as well and many tourists
from Kalam come here every day during
20
the summer holidays. From Mahodand
one can go on a challenging trekking
expedition to Laspur in upper Chitral
Valley via Kachikani Pass (4,817
metres/15,800 feet) or to Handrap in
Ghizar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan via
Dadarilli Pass (5,030 meters/16,498 feet).
MMaaiinn TTrreekkkkiinngg RRoouutteess iinn UUppppeerr SSwwaatt
VVaalllleeyy
The upper Kalam area offers unlimited opportunities of trekking. The following are some of
the main trekking routes:
Mahodand to Laspur via Kachi Khani Pass
(4,766m)
Duration 7 days
Standard Demanding
Starting Point Mahodand (Ushu Valley)
Ending Point Sor Lasper (upper Chitral)
Mahodand to Handrap via Dadarli Pass
(5,030m)
Duration 6 days
Standard Demanding
Starting Point Mahodand (Ushu Valley)
Ending Point Handrap (Ghizar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan)
Mahodand to Kandia Valley via Palogah Pass (5,030m)
Duration 4 days
Standard Strenuous
Starting Point Mahodand (Ushu Valley)
Ending Point Dasu (Karakorum Highway)
Mahodand to the Base Camp of Flaksair Peak
Duration 2 to 3 days
Standard Moderate
Starting Point Mahodand (Ushu Valley)
Ending Point Mahodand (Ushu Valley)
21
Utrot to Jandrai via Dessan
Duration 4 to 5 days
Standard Moderate
Starting Point Utrot
Ending Point Jandrai (Dir Kohistan)
Utrot to Kandol Lake, Pari Lake and Spinkhor Lake
Duration 2 to 3 days
Standard Moderate
Starting Point Utrot
Ending Point Utrot
Utrot to Izmis Lake
Duration 2 days
Standard Moderate
Starting Point Utrot
Ending Point Utrot
Note: - It is unsafe to go on any of these treks without a reliable local guide. Ask your hotel
manager for the trekking guide arrangement and other assistance, or contact Sustainable
Tourism Foundation at [email protected] to join a trekking group package.
EEccoottoouurriissmm iinn UUppppeerr SSwwaatt The valleys of upper Swat beyond Kalam
offer an ideal destination for nature
lovers and eco-tourists. The diverse
habitats of these valleys are home to a
variety wild animals including the snow
leopard, Markhor, Musk Deer, Himalayan
Black Bear and Himalayan Ibex. Other
animals include Himalayan Lynx, Brown
Bear, Grey Wolf, Striped Hyena and the
common Otter. For birders, there is a
wide variety of species, including
Brahminy Myna, Tree Sparrow, Mountain
Cliffs, Koklas and Monal Pheasants,
22
Chakor Partridge, Golden Eagle, White-
capped Redstart, Brown Dipper and
common Kestrel.
Note: the opportunity to observe wildlife
in its natural habitat is a unique
experience. It requires patience and
general understanding of wildlife
behavior. Going with an experienced
wilderness guide provides the best
chance of nature study and wildlife
viewing. For more information about
planning a nature study trip please
contact Sustainable Tourism Foundation
Pakistan at [email protected]
TTrraavveell TTiippss Safety and security conditions in Swat -
Swat, known as the Switzerland of Asia
due to its natural beauty, has opened its
arms for according a warm welcome to
tourists as security and peace have been
restored and militants have been pushed
out of the region by the security forces.
With the efforts of the provincial
government and facilitation of Pakistan
Army, tourists have already started
arriving in the area.
The area has become more peaceful and
secure than some other parts of the
country, and included among the safest
areas in view of the statistics of law and
order. Minor incidents occur in some
towns, which cannot be used as negation
of the real situation. Pakistan Army has
established checkpoints at all entry points
and generally the situation in the Valley is
now peaceful for tourism.
Carry your Identification documents –
Visitors are advised to carry their
National Identity Cards (NIC) with them
to avoid inconvenience at the routine
security checkpoints established by
Pakistan Army and Police department en
route. Likewise, foreign tourists should
carry their passport and security
clearance documents with them.
Best time to visit – Swat Valley,
especially lower Swat, is a year-round
tourist destination. However the main
tourist season for Swat begins in spring
and lasts till autumn (April to October).
April to May is the best time to visit Swat,
when the fresh green grass carpet covers
the slopes. June to August is the period
when most domestic tourists from the hot
plains of Punjab and Sindh escape the
scorching summer heat and find refuge in
the cool areas of Upper Swat. October-
November is the fall season when yellow
and golden are the most dominating
colors on the backdrop of a clear blue sky.
December-March are the winter months;
the road beyond Bahrain is snowbound
during this time.
Take care of local norms – Swati people
are known for their hospitality towards
23
visitors and your efforts to take care of
local customs will be most appreciated.
Swat is a conservative society and you can
win much more respect if you act and
dress appropriately. Do not wear shorts
or tight-fitting, revealing clothing. Women
should always cover their head and chest
with a dupatta (long scarf). Taking
photographs of local women is also not
advised.
Drinking water – The water available at
most places in Swat is not safe to drink,
however bottled mineral water is widely
available in the towns and even in
villages. If mineral water is not available,
it is wise to drink bottled drinks or tea. It
is also advisable to bring some water
purification tablets with you; these are
available at chemist shops in all main
cities of the country.
PPllaann YYoouurr BBuuddggeett How much you spend per day on your trip
to Swat Valley mainly depends on your
choice of transport, accommodation and
restaurants. Cost of travel also depends
on the size of your group. If the group you
are travelling in is of medium size (8 to 10
persons), the cost will be less compared
to that for a smaller group (3 to 4
persons).
The following table will help you plan
your budget based on average expenses
for different components of a trip to Swat
Valley.
Expenses on different Components Category of Budget in Pak
Rupees Economy Standard Top End
Hotel Accommodation (per night per double occupancy)
600-800 1500-2000
3000-5000
Food and Beverage (per person)
Breakfast 50 75-100 150-250 Lunch 70 150-250 350-500 Dinner 80 200-400 500-1000 Tea/Snacks 30 50-100 150-300
Transport to Kalam (per person)
Jeep 250 400 1000 Public (One Way)
300 500 (AC) Private
transport Recreation (per day) 100-200 200-400 500-1000
Souvenirs/Handicrafts 50-100 200-500 1000-2000
Total Average Expense (per head per day)
Rs. 1,000 Rs. 2,500 Rs. 5,000
24
LLiisstt ooff TToouurriisstt IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn CCeenntteerrss City Address Contact Information
Islamabad/
Rawalpindi
Agha Khan Road, Markaz F-6,
Super Market, Islamabad.
Tel: (051) 9212760,
9202766,111-555-999 Fax:
9204027
Near International Arrival
Lounge, Islamabad
International Airport
Islamabad, Tel: (051) 9280563
Flashman's Hotel, Room No.7,
The Mall, Rawalpindi Tel: (051) 9272016, 9272020
Lahore
66-D-I, Gulberg-III Tel: (042) 5756737, Fax:
5760062
Out Side International Arrival
Lounge, Lahore International
Airport,
Lahore.
Tel: (042) 9240023
Karachi Shafi Chambers, Club Road,
Karachi
Tel: (021) 9202971
Fax: 9206376
Peshawar TCKP Information Centre
Peshawar Museum, Peshawar
Tel: 091-9213762
Email:
Multan Sindbad Hotel, Nishter , Chowk,
Bahawalpur Road, Multan Tel :(061) 9201291, 4572968
Quetta Muslim Hotel, Jinnah Road Tel: (081) 2825826
Saidu Sharif (Swat) PTDC Motel, Opposite Swat
Serena Hotel
Tel: (0946) 9240159 Fax:
9240156
25
GGuuiiddeedd TToouurrss aanndd TToouurriissmm SSeerrvviicceess
A number of private tour operators and tourism promotion organizations conduct guided
tours for corporate, family and youth groups. A list of main companies/organizations is
given below:
Government Organizations
Name of Organization Address Contact Information
Pakistan Tourism
Development Corporation
(PTDC) Pakistan Tour
(PTL)
Hotel Flashman’s, Room
No.14-19, The Mall,
Rawalpindi
Tel: 051-9272018. 290717
Fax: 051- 9272017-18
Tourism Development
Corporation Punjab
(TDCP)
140- Shadman-II, Lahore Tel: 042-99263285,
9263287
E-mail:
Tourism Corporation
Khyber Pukhtunkhawa
(TCKP)
Peshawar Museum,
Peshawar
Tel: 091-9213762
Email:
Non-profit tourism Organizations
Name of Organization Address Contact Information
Adventure Foundation
Pakistan
Garden Avenue,
National Park Area,
P.O. 1807.
Islamabad-44000
Tel: 051-2825805, Fax: 2272538
Email:
Website:
www.adventurefoundation.org.pk
Alpine Club of Pakistan
8 Ground Floor,
Jihhan Sport
Complex
Kashmir Highway,
Islamabad
Tel: 051-9208963 Fax: 9208964
Email; [email protected]
Website: www.alpineclub.org.pk
Sustainable Tourism
Foundation Pakistan
House No. 5, Street
No. 11
Main Road, Bani
Gala, Islamabad
Tel: 051-2612448
Email; [email protected]
Website: www.stfp.org
26
Private Tour Operators
City Name of
Organization Address Contact Information
Karachi
Zeb Travels Uni Plaza, Hasrat Mohani
Road, Karachi
Tel: 021-32411204,
324114857
Fax: 021-32425181
Gandhara
Tourism
Suite # 204, 2nd Floor,
Gulshan Trade Centre,
Block 5, Main Rashid
Minhas Road,
Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi.
Tel.34991088 – 34971337-
Fax 34991088
Email info@gandharatouris
m.com
Lahore
Indus Guides
17-A/296, Sarwar Road,
Lahore Cantt
Tel: 042-6650197, 6681276
Fax: 042-6673806
Sakuf Travels
& Tours
G-34, Phase-1, commercial
Area, DHA, Lahore Tel: 042-111-643-464
Himalayan
Odyssey
Pakistan
117 J - Sabzazar, Multan
Road, Lahore.
Tel: 042-35066733, 0300-
4550435
Email:
Islamabad/
Rawalpindi
Walji’s Travel
10-Khayaban-e-
Suhrawardy, Aabpara,
Islamabad
Tel: 051-2270749,
2870206-9
Fax: 051-2270753
Pearl Tours PEC Building, G-5/2
Islamabad
Tel: 051-2278323
Email:
Sunrize
Holidays
82-East, Gulistan House
No.1, Ground Floor, Fazal-e-
Haq Road, Blue Area,
Islamabad
Tel: 051-2270596, 2201560
Fax: 2271670
Omer Travels No.3, Shahid Plaza, Jinnah
Avenue, F-6, Blue Area
Tel:051-2874885, 2875408
Fax: 2275006
Peshawar Sehrai Travels
and Tours
UG-267 Dean’s Trade
Centre, Saddar Road
Tel: 091-5272084-5,
5253383 Email:
27
UUsseeffuull PPhhoonnee nnuummbbeerrss Telephone
DCO Swat Office 0946-9240340
Tourist Information Centre 0946-9240159
Daewoo Bus Service Mingora 0946-729102-6
Skyways Bus Service Mingora 0946-862244
Police Station Mingora 0946-9240382, 9240384
Police Station Saidu Sharif 0946-9240398
Civil-Military Liaison Cell 0946-9240421
UUsseeffuull WWeebb LLiinnkkss Web links
Tourism Corporation Khyber Pukhtunkhawa (TCKP)
http://nwfptourism.com.pk
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC)
http://www.tourism.gov.pk
Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP)
http://www.tdcp.punjab.gov.pk
Pakistan International Airline (PIA) http://www.piac.com.pk Pakistan Railways http://www.pakrail.com
Daewoo Bus Service http://www.sammi.com.pk
National Highway Authority http://www.nha.gov.pk
Pakistan Metrological Department http://www.pakmet.com.pk
Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan
http://www.stfp.org
Swat Tourism Official Website http://www.tourswat.com
Swat Serena Hotel http://www.serenahotels.com/serenaswat