1

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

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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

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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 stfpak@gmail.com 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 stfpak@gmail.com

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:

nwfptourism@hotmail.com

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:

tdcpstp@punjab.gov.pk

Tourism Corporation

Khyber Pukhtunkhawa

(TCKP)

Peshawar Museum,

Peshawar

Tel: 091-9213762

Email:

nwfptourism@hotmail.com

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:

afpisb@adventurefoundation.org.pk

Website:

www.adventurefoundation.org.pk

Alpine Club of Pakistan

8 Ground Floor,

Jihhan Sport

Complex

Kashmir Highway,

Islamabad

Tel: 051-9208963 Fax: 9208964

Email; info@alpineclub.org.pk

Website: www.alpineclub.org.pk

Sustainable Tourism

Foundation Pakistan

House No. 5, Street

No. 11

Main Road, Bani

Gala, Islamabad

Tel: 051-2612448

Email; stfpak@gmail.com

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:

hopak.info@gmail.com

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:

info@pearltours.com.pk

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:

sehrai@brain.net.pk

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