Swat Valley

Swat is a beautiful valley, famously recognized as Switzerland of East. It holds wild scenic beauty and a great history. It is a great tourist destination due to the beautiful rivers, streams, waterfalls, lakes that are fed by glaciers, peaks of Mankial and Flaksair blanketed by snow, alpine meadows, pine forests, fruit orchids, lush green fields, beautiful mountain slopes and above all the amazing and loving people of Swat who leave no chance of being the most hospital community.

History:

Swat is known as "Udyana" (the greenhouse) in old Hindu sagas. Alexander the Great crossed Swat River in 327BC. He battled and won a portion of his real fights at Barikot and Udegram and raged their towers, before traversing the fields of the five streams. In Greek records, these towns were known as Ora and Bazira. After the demise of Alexander, the Great, the Greeks rapidly lost robust control, and soon the northern piece of the subcontinent arranged west of the Indus, which incorporates Chandra Gupta attacked swat. From the second century BC to the ninth century AD, Swat supported Buddhism were at one time 1400 cloisters thrived. During this time Swat was popularly known as the centre point of Gandhara School of Sculpture, which was an outflow of Greco-Roman style blended with local Buddhist customary figures. Today remains of incredible Buddhist stupas, religious communities and statues are discovered all over Swat.

Swat is the land where Muslim vanquishers, Mahmood of Ghazni, Mughal Ruler Babar, and Akbar, faced their conflicts preliminary to the victory of the subcontinent. Mahmood of Ghazni took the valley in the eleventh century after a savage fight at Udegram, where his commander in chief Khushal Khan was executed and covered. The historical backdrop of present-day Swat starts with the development of the Akhund Sahib of Swat as a magnetic religious pioneer and a reformer. With his assistance and backing, Syed Akbar Shah set up the standard of Shariat in Swat from 1849 to 1856. Be that as it may, after the abrupt passing of Syed Akbar Shah, Swat was left chaotic. In 1915 the region yet began its movement to an increasingly quiet and stable life when the clans consistently pronounced Miangul Abdul Wadood, the grandson of the Akhund Sahib and a fantastic political figure of Swat as their ruler. The Swat state was established in 1917 by Miangul Abdul Wadood, known as Badshah Sahib. The territory of Swat was agreed with authority acknowledgement by the British Indian Government in 1926, and the title of "Wali" ruler given on Miangul Abdul Wadood.

Miangul Wadood resigned in 1949 for his child, Miangul Jehanzeb, who kept on building up the valley by structure streets, schools, and medical clinics, and even more significantly by systematizing area change. The royal status of Swat, alongside the bordering conditions of Chitral and Dir, was finished by the presidential request in 1969. And every one of them Converged in Pakistan. Presently Swat is a piece of Malakand Division, which is Provincially Administrated Tribal Area (PATA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa territory of Pakistan.

Geography:

Chitral, Upper Dir and Lower Dir in the West, Gilgit-Baltistan in North Kohistan, Buner and Shangla in the East and southeast surrounds Swat. Buner’s southern tehsil was awarded the status of a different region in 1991. Swat valley is arranged in the north of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and encased by high mountains. Swat lies in the lap of hilly ranges, which are the branches of Hindukush, so primarily Swat is secured with cliffs and slopes, the peaks of which are covered up by everlasting snow. Although these enormous extents run sporadically: some toward the west while others toward the east, however, the general heading is North-South. The valley’s length from Landakay to Gabriel is 91 miles. Two fields keep running along the river banks of Swat River from Landakay to Madyan. Past Madyan in Kohistan-e-Swat, the plain is too little even to consider being referenced. The typical width is 5 miles. The most crucial segment of the valley is among Barikot and Khwaza Khela. The most stretched out perspective and the enchanting sight where a noteworthy bit of the valley is at Gulibagh on the fundamental street, which prompts Madyan.

Climate:

From March till October, Swat has the best season for the travel industry. The valley respects the general population through its mountains, lavish green woodlands, running streams, and glades.

People:

Swat Valley consists of a population of 2,309,570, which ranks it as the third-largest district in KPK. The prevalent ethnic tribes are Pashtuns, Gujjars, and Kohistani. They speak Pashto majorly; however, a few living in upper Swat region tend to talk in Torwali and Kalami language too. Swat’s economy runs mainly on tourism, that is about 38% and agricultural activities, which comprise of 31%.

Ecology:

The valleys of upper Swat past Kalam offers a perfect goal for nature darlings and eco-travellers. The differing territories of these valleys are home to wild creatures, including snow panther, Markhor, musk deer, Himalayan mountain bear, and Himalayan ibex. Different creatures incorporate Himalayan lynx, dark-coloured bear, dim wolf, striped hyena, and otter. For birders, there is a wide assortment of animal categories, including Brahminy myna, tree sparrow, mountain precipices, Koklass and Monal fowls, Chakor partridge, brilliant hawks, white-topped Redstart, dark-coloured scoop, and basic kestrel.

Popular Places:

Saidu Sharif and Mingora

A traveller visiting Swat Valley first reaches Saidu Sharif, the capital city and its twin city Mingora. Swat waterway is between the towns of Kanju and Dherai of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It has a height of 970 meters (3182 feet). The capital city is the focal point of the organization's control, and all the provincial government issues dealt with in the administrative structures. Saidu Sharif has a medicinal school additionally. Mingora is the business centre of Swat found 2 km from the capital city of Saidu Sharif. The town is famous for its shopping and has various mineral also holds, for example, emerald saves in slopes northward.

Fizaghat

This tourist spot is another excursion area along the stream Swat. Fizaghat has excellent parks and all the best quality emerald mines. They have the best cafés and is best for the kids and recreational exercises in all seasons. They additionally have a Rock city resort, another traveller goal with a 30 km climbing track which delineates the total picture of nature and gives angling offices. Thames lodging is one the best inns of Fizaghat with delightful landscape and is accessible for the structural plans.

Malam Jaba

Malam Jabba is a standout amongst the most beautiful hotels in the territory of Swat. It is eighty-seven hundred feet above ocean level. Around 314 km far from Islamabad, arranged at the topmost point of Hindu Kush mountain, in the Northeast of Saidu Sharif. The Pakistani Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) owns the Malam Jabba Ski Resort. The Ski Resort was a joint exertion of the Pakistani government and its Austrian partner. It had a ski incline of about 800m with the most noteworthy purpose of the slant 2804m (9200 feet) above ocean level. Present-day offices, including roller/ice-skating arenas, seat lifts, skiing stages, phones, and snow clearing gear are accessible at the retreat. These are one of the vacation destinations of the zone.

Two stations at Malam Jabba give office seat lift for travellers and couples for an added adventure. This seat lift can raise around 56 travellers at an opportunity to the stature of 10500 feet. Inside the Malam Jabba resort, the office of indoor amusements and other ice diversions are accessible. In winters, six to eight feet snow falls around the retreat. Two beautiful tracks for strolling are additionally available in the region. The surroundings of those tracks included tall trees and lovely picturesque perspectives. There is a "Green Valley" where the vacationer aides can take you to encounter the excellence of a valley that has a green floor covering of grass and cattle nibbling around the blossomed various plantation.

Bahrain

Bahrain is a slope situated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 312 km from Islamabad and 10 km from Madyan. Furthermore, it is 4500 feet over the ocean level. The significance of Bahrain is two waterways because Daral and swat streams meet here. Because of this, the air is lovely in Bahrain. There are resorts and bazaars which are known for its painstaking work. Travellers visit this spot because numerous lodgings are available at modest rates. Besides, Bahrain is known for its mosques and structures, and the encompassing territory has excellent valleys which are appropriate for climbing.

Marghazar

This spot is situated 13km away from Saidu Sharif, arranged at the foot of Mount Ilam. The word Marghazar stands for "green land", encompassed by green valleys, water springs, and mountains. One can see mountain Koh-e-Alam, which has an altitude of 10,000 feet.

Miandam

Miandam is a slope in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that is 55 km from Mingora and 56 km from Saidu Shareef. It takes 3 hours 42 minutes to reach Miandam from Islamabad by metaled streets that go through the slopes and houses. It is a decent spot for people who enjoy trekking and vacationers. Moving towards the economy, the area centres around the travel industry and farming, for example, corn and potatoes. Miandam likewise advances medicinal plants, and now around 1000 individuals are subject to it for their pay. The assessed populace is 20,000, which has expanded from 3000 out of 1988. In burial grounds, there is pine for wooden grave posts with biological structures.

Madyan

Madyan is 56km from Mingora city and 560 km from Islamabad, lying on the fundamental street that prompts Bahrain, Kalam, and other beautiful valleys of Swat. Roads make it simpler to get to Madyan with the help of open roof vehicles accessible for vacationers. They stay there for as long as the destinations and valleys are challenging to travel. Madyan is, without a doubt, the best spot for nature darlings. Each sort of current office is accessible in this valley, for example, cell systems, web, link, inns, and cafés. Besides, there are substantial houses encompassed by tall trees and mountains. Madyan is surrounded by green valley if Chail, Shanku, and Bashigram. Foods and staple like mushrooms are grown and delivered over yonder.

Furthermore, the waterways and streams have Swati fish and trout making it remarkable among different valleys. The primary agrarian produce incorporates maize, wheat, onions, potatoes, and beans.

Kalam

Along with upper swat, is a valley, known as Kalam valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is a 270 km drive from Islamabad and 29 km from Bahrain, respectively. It is 2000 meters above sea level. To reach Kalam, sightseers can utilize Motorway to reach Mardan trade, which is around one and a half hours drive from Islamabad. Mardan onwards, they can use various courses, for example, Dargai, Malakand Pass, Chakdara, which will prompt Saidu Sharif.

The complete separation from Mardan till Saidu Sharif is 112 km, and assessed time is over two hours. From here onwards, the open roof vehicle is accessible. Besides, Daewoo transport administration works straightforwardly from Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar to Mingora with no stops in the middle. A spot is known for its lakes, cascades, and greenery. It is the most popular and prominent goal for travellers. There are light and precious levels adding to its excellence. Moreover, the Ushu and Utrot streams joining in Kalam, to frame the Swat River.

Ushu

In the Northern Kalam, two streams; Ushu and Utrot cross (one from the northeast and one from the west). It is 10 km from Kalam and is 3200 meters above ocean level. Muslims reside in Ushu, who speak Kashmiri, Pushto, Persian, and Punjabi. There are mountains which are well known for climbing. As the climate in winter is freezing, so individuals are typically cut off in winters and move southwards and return when the environment is appropriate, as a rule in spring. For Ushu, the travel industry is the fundamental wellspring of salary till now.

Mahodand Lake

Lake Mahodand lies in the North of Kalam and 12 km far from Ushu. It takes around 6.5 hours to achieve this lovely lake from Islamabad, which is 381 km away. It is renowned among nature and harmony sweethearts and trout fish seekers. "Mahodand" signifies "Pool of fishes", 35km away from the tremendous valley of Kalam. One can reach the spectacular valley of Mahodand and witness little lakes, tall cedar trees, and far-reaching fields. Little feathered creatures fill the air with their pleasant music all day long. The Lake resembles a stream and changes its shape all through. It is ideal for visiting Lake Mahodand in the spring or late June since that is when icy masses melt. Temporary cafés and inns have been developed by local people, which give primary offices of nourishment and convenience. There is just a single eatery that prepares excellent meals.

Utrot and Gabral

Gabral is a beguiling slope at a separation of 20 km far from Kalam and situated in Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, at the height of 7500 ft. Chitral District encompasses the valley in the north, Utrot valley in the southwest, upper Dir area in the west, and Mahodand valley in the east. It is celebrated for dark-coloured Swati trout fish, thick productive green timberlands, therapeutic springs, grandiose snow-clad pinnacles, and delightful lakes, among them Shahi Bagh lake situated to the northwest of Sazgul district.

Swat Museum

The swat exhibition hall is well known for the old legacy of the Gandhara human advancement, situated among Mingora and Saidu Sharif. The historical centre exhibits the first collectables and Buddhist relics which are the verification of the heavenly social progress. The people of yore adornments, wooden articles are saved with consideration for protecting the old culture discoveries.

Buddhists Stupas

Nomogram places well known for its religious communities is a standout amongst the most famous archaeological destinations of the Buddhist time frame. Swat loaded up with 1400 delightful stupas and cloisters were utilized as love houses for 6,000 gold pictures of the Buddhists and for making mindfulness about Buddhism through training. There is a belief that the stupas work with the exceptional sort of stones known as the "dress stone". These were the best draftsman of bygone eras, and they are said to look like the "Andan Dhery" religious community, arranged in the Dir area. The Shankardar Stupa is at a separation of 3 km from Barikot towards Saidu Sharif. History suggests it was between the third and fourth century, and it is the main stupa that is left with the first arch still unblemished. Huge figures of Buddha are engraved on the stones in the close-by spots.

The second real stupa is called Butkara Stupa. This stupa was one of the Chinese Buddhist pioneers focus and arranged in the old capital of Mingawara. Another Gumpat Stupa is likewise a celebrated site arranged in Kandag valley (9km from south of Birkat). It comprises of various sacrosanct pictures for loving, and it is said to be the most safeguarded stupa when contrasted with rest.

Jahanabad Buddha

The excellent image of a Buddha cut into a high shake face of rosy shading that ascents on the slope toward the southwest of Janabad (Shakhorai) town, is situated at a separation of 5km to the N-E of Manglawar. This large picture of the Buddha can likewise be seen evident from the street, on the right side when one is the route to Malamjaba. The Buddha figure is approximately 7 meters tall and undoubtedly the most excellent bit of model seen in Gandhara district. Khawazakhela. This town is also an administrative subdivision (Tehsil) of Swat District in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area of Pakistan.

Hotels:

There are several hotels, guest houses, and mess services provided for a beautiful stay. The price ranges are from ordinary to high, depending on the services you avail.

Restaurants:

Swat is known to house many restaurants and cafes that offer excellent Pakistani cuisine. Perks of visiting Swat is the riverside set up for fresh fishing and cooking it in splendid different ways.

Health:

There are both private and public sector hospitals prevailing in the region to attend to the medical needs of both locals and tourists.

Security:

In case of emergency, dial 1122 to avail immediate rescue.

Shopping:

Swat is known for its exceptional culture. The goldsmiths of this valley have made beautiful gems and trimmings that are unique, run of the mill, and territorial. Swati weaving has an incredible centrality and has won a remarkable status because of its creative and inventive supporting everywhere throughout the nation. The untouched silver yarn was utilized in weaving before. Unmarried Swati young ladies have embraced this craft as their pastime. These gifted young ladies adorn every one of the dresses, shawls, covers, bed sheets, cushion covers, table fabrics, cloak, headscarves, cloths, and so on, which is to turn into a piece of their settlement after their marriage. The brilliant trim weaving of Swat is widespread all through the nation. The immense statues of Buddha in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, and the intricately planned figures of Buddha in Swat is adequate confirmation of the durable and committed work of the specialists of that time. The custom still proceeds in the valley of Swat with incredible energy.

In Swat, the dull, dark, stable, and typically toned wood of pecan trees is utilized for craftsmanship. Its hard surface, lovely appearance, and robust scent fortify the excellence of the plans and work of the craftsman. Cedar and pinewood are likewise utilized for woodcarving.

Mainly the typically toned, concealed, structured, and fragranced wood of Deodar tree is used. All these treats can be availed from various shops and bazaars at Swat.

Transportation:

Transport services such as Careem and Uber are unfortunately not available in the area, but local taxis, buses, and four-wheel-drive vehicles are abundantly available to travel and move around effortlessly.

Important Numbers:

DCO Swat Office

0946-9240340

Police Station Mingora

0946-9240382, 9240384

Police Station Saidu Sharif

0946-9240398

Civil-Military Liaison Cell

0946-9240421