Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is famous for its natural beauty. The capital of Swat is Saidu Sharif, but the main town is Mingora. The Swat Valley was once an important center for Buddhists as part of the Gandhara kingdom.
There are at least 100 archeological sites in the valley. Ethnic Afghans almost entirely inhabit the valley. The main language spoken in the valley is Pashto. It is a place of natural beauty with high mountains, green meadows, and lakes and is known as the Switzerland of Pakistan.
The Swat River originates in the Osho Range of Mountains and flows into the Swat Valley. The Swat Valley is located in the middle of the foothills of the Hindu Kush mountain range. It is bounded on the west by Chitral, Upper Dir, and Lower Dir, on the north by Gilgit-Baltistan, and on the east and southeast by Kohistan, Buner, and Shangla.
The length of the valley from Lindake to Gabral is 91 miles. The average width is 5 miles, and it varies from place to place. Swat’s economy is dependent on tourism and agriculture. According to the 2017 census, Swat district has a population of 2,30,9570, making it the third-largest district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after Peshawar and Mardan. The Swat Valley is of great strategic importance as it is located in the region where South Asia, Central Asia, and China meet.
Best time to visit swat valley
Swat is open all year, but October-November is the best time to visit due to the perfect weather, low travel costs, and the absence of high holiday periods.
During the summer, temperatures can reach a high of roughly 14°C (57°F). Temperatures typically drop to a minimum of -26°C (-15°F) in the colder months, such as January.
If you want to view the beauties of Swat during the day, July is the best month to visit. Do you want to spend your vacation getting wet? So, if you want to avoid the rain, stay away from Swat in August. If you want to enhance your chances of not getting rained on, go in December instead.
Tourist Attractions Near Swat Valley
Popular places to visit in Swat Valley are Mingora and Saidu Sharif, Marghzzar, Malam Jabba, Swat Museum, Madian, Bahrain, Kalam (Osho, Atur), Gabral, Peri Lake, Bashigram Lake, and Spin Khwar.
Bahrain Swat
Bahrain is a lovely village on the side of the Swat River that is a popular tourist destination. The picturesque village of Bahrain, also known as Bahrain Valley, is located 59 kilometers (36 miles) north of Mingora on the N95 highway. Although Bahrain is a wonderful place to visit, many travelers stop at this town for short or lengthy stays in the higher Swat, such as Kalam, Gabral, and beyond.
Shops, restaurants, cafes, motels, and other facilities abound throughout the town. Tourists frequently find it a relaxing spot to visit or stay in Bahrain for a few days to enjoy the beautiful scenery and pleasant weather.
Kalam Valley in Swat Valley
Kalam, also known as Kalam Valley, is a Swat sub-valley located at approximately 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) above sea level. Mingora city is 96 kilometers (59 miles) away from Kalam, accessible by the N95 northbound highway. Kalam is a popular tourist destination in Swat, with various attractions and activities to keep visitors occupied and entertained.
The magnificent downtown of Kalam Valley is located on the banks of the Swat River and serves as a marketplace for the exchange or sale of products and services. As a tourist, you will profit from Kalam’s downtown because it has ample services such as stores, restaurants, cafes, and motels.
A quick reminder that during the high season in Swat, when tourism is at its best in Swat, especially during the summer months of June, July, and August, Kalam becomes congested, and all hotels are fully booked.
Many visitors come to Kalam to spend time with friends and family in a camp or a private tent. The riverbank of the Swat River in Kalam transforms into a tent and camping place for tourists throughout the summer. It may appear crowded, but you will have the opportunity to meet residents and other travelers and eat local cuisine with them. As night sets, the camping site in Kalam transforms into a scene of bonfires, BBQ, music, and dancing.
Kandol Lake
Kundol Lake, also known as Kundol Dand, is a body of water in Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, north of the Utror Valley.
Kundol Lake is supplied by Mount Hindu Kush’s melting glaciers and springs. It is the source of utror Khwar, the Swat River’s primary right tributary. The mountains around this little valley are covered in dense cedar and pine trees, and Kundol Lake is only accessible during the summer.
Malam Jabba
Malam Jabba is a hill station in the Karakoram Range, 40 km from Saidu Sharif in the Swat Valley. Malam Jabba is the largest ski resort in Pakistan. Malam Jabba Ski Resort is located at about 800 meters with 2804 meters (9200 feet) above sea level. The resort is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including roller/ice skating rinks, chairlifts, skiing platforms, and snow clearing equipment.
Hundreds of thousands of people visit Malam Jabba over the summer to enjoy and take an elevated fun ride on the chairlift/cable car to see sights that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
In the summer, tourists flock to Malam Jabba to escape the city’s heat and spend time with family and friends. Many visitors come to take in the natural splendor of the area, including massive mountains, enormous thick glaciers, deep forests, beautiful vistas, and nice weather.
Swat Museum
Halfway between Mingora and Saidu Sharif, the Swat Museum is on the east side. Swat has an excellent collection of Gandhara statues, reorganized and labeled to illustrate the story of Wednesday’s life. Terracotta sculptures and utensils, beads, precious stones, coins, weapons, and various metal objects exemplify everyday life in Gandhara.
Marghazar White Palace
Marghazar is a small village in Swat. The renowned Marghazar White Palace, part of the Swat State’s heritage, is located in Marghazar. Marghazar, with its famed Marghazar White Palace, is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Saidu Sharif. Wali of Swat (the Swat State’s King) built the Marghazar White Palace in 1941.
The King imported marble from Agra, bronze from Belgium, and Turkish artisans to design and build the palace. The King and the royal family utilized this white marble castle as their summer residence. This lovely location also served as a royal guesthouse during the Swat State era, housing famous leaders and monarchs worldwide.
Spin Khwar (White Stream)
Spin Khwar (White Stream) is a beautiful lake hidden in the lap of the mountains north of Lake Condole. The name Spin Khwar has a clear significance because a small white stream flows from the surrounding mountains to the lake and is a huge lake water source in the east.
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How To Get To Swat Valley
Swat Valley residents are welcoming, with commendable cultural values and hospitable traditions. It’s one of the best sites to go hiking and see glaciers. Take a look at the several means of transportation that you can use to get to Swat before starting your journey.
By Car
You can take the Mardan Interchange route if you are traveling to Swat from Islamabad. After about an hour and a half of driving, you can follow the Malakand Pass, Batkhela, and Chakdara routes, eventually leading you to Mingora in Swat Valley. The distance between Islamabad and Mingora is around 247 kilometers, and driving to your destination will take approximately 5 hours.
By Bus
Air-conditioned transport services are also available to take you to Swat. From towns including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Mardan, and Peshawar, many bus companies offer direct trips to Swat Valley. If you are a Karachiite, you can take the Daewoo Bus Service to Swat in just 24 hours.
By Plane
Travelers arriving by plane will arrive at the Saidu Sharif airport. Pakistan International Airlines, the country’s national carrier, operates three weekly flights to Swat Valley from Islamabad, each lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Where to Stay in Swat valley
Swat is one of Pakistan’s coolest, most scenic, and most lovely places. During the summer vacations, it is always a popular destination. It cannot be easy to choose the ideal hotel for you and your family. We’ve compiled a list of the best hotels in Swat, together with their pricing and phone numbers, so you and your family can spend some quality time in the mountains.
Serena Hotel Swat
The Serena Hotel in Saidu Sharif, Swat, is one of the most opulent establishments in the Swat region. It offers a wide range of accommodations, from suites to rooms.
- The Royal Heritage Suite is a luxurious suite with a royal
- Suite with a History
- Standard Room Jasmine Suite Deluxe Room
The accommodations have a balcony and spectacular mountain views. The following items are included in the room amenities:
- Wifi is available for free.
- Air-conditioned Rooms
- Towels, robes, and slippers for the electric kettle
- Room service is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Cable Minibar and TV Safe
- Fruit Basket, Iron, and Hairdryer Upon Arrival
Rent per night starts at Rs. 26,062 per day for two people.
Shelton Rezidor Hotel
The Shelton Rezidor hotel in Mingora, Swat, is located off Highway. It includes a garden and a terrace with stunning views over Swat Valley. This hotel features the following accommodations, which have received excellent evaluations on hotel booking websites:
- Deluxe Twin Room
- Deluxe Double Room
- Deluxe Family Suite
This charming hotel, which features Swat’s traditional furniture, is equipped with all of the latest conveniences, including:
- Wifi is available for free.
- The use of air conditioning
- Room Safe with Flat-Screen TV
- Station for coffee and tea
- Room Service is available.
- Service of laundry
- There is no charge for parking.
- Breakfast is provided at no cost
Rates start at Rs. 8,000 per day.
Pearl Continental Hotel
The Pearl Continental Hotel, a 5-star hotel in Malam Jabba Swat, is a visual treat. This adventure enthusiast’s dream comes true, barely 4 hours from Islamabad, with activities such as Hiking, Trekking, Skiing, Ziplining, and Skating on the ice.
The Deluxe Room and Family Room are among the hotel’s 42 rooms. All the rooms are luxurious with these amenities:
- Safe
- Mini-fridge
- Room Telephone
- WiFi
- A flat-screen TV with cable/satellite channels
- Room Service
- Desk with chair
- Iron and ironing board available on request
- Room service
- Free bottled water
- Temperature control
- Bathroom supplies
- Hairdryer
Rates start at Rs. 28,700 per day.
Hilton Palace
In 2015, the Hilton Palace Swat welcomed its first visitors. It is a colorful and comfortable spot to take a break in the gorgeous valley of Swat, centrally located at Fizaghat. The following rooms are available at the hotel:
- Rooms: Twin Rooms, Double Rooms, and Triple Rooms
There are no meals included in the rent, no WiFi, and no parking
The following are some of the amenities:
- Views of the Valley from the Garden and Terrace
- Room Service is available.
Rent per day starts at Rs.10,000 and includes air conditioning, a flat-screen television, and a 24-hour front desk.
Almas Hotel
It is one of the most beautiful and popular hotels in Swat. There are four types of luxury rooms available in this hotel. There are:
- Twin Room
- Double Room
- Triple Room
- Suite
Almas hotel is well acclaimed for its cleanliness, courteous and competent staff, and is the ideal spot to stay in Swat without breaking the bank.
Rent start at Rs. 2,500 per day.
Mingora Hill City Hotel
Mingora Hill City Hotel is a 2-star hotel for travelers in Mam Derai. The following rooms are available:
- Standard Double Room
- Standard Triple Room
- Quadruple Room
- Family Room
There are no booking fees involved with this reservation. The hotel does not have internet access. The following amenities are available in the rooms:
- Balcony-style rooms
- Room Service is available 24/7
- A flat-screen television is provided, as well as a complimentary continental breakfast
- There is no charge for parking.
- Terrace with valley views from the ironing facility
Prices start at Rs. 4,500 per day.
Swat View Hotel
Swat View Hotel, which is rated the second most popular hotel in the Swat region on hotel booking platforms, certainly lives up to the hype. The hotel is located on the banks of the Swat River and offers spectacular views of the river and Swat valley. The following rooms are available:
- Double Standard
- Double Deluxe
- Triple Standard
- Triple Delux
Amenities are:
- Wifi Access
- The use of air conditioning
- Mini Refrigerator
- Cable television is available on a flat-screen television.
- Room service is available.
- The front desk is open 24 hours a day, 7 days
- Service of laundry
- Garden and Terrace Restaurant in the Conference Hall
- Parking a car
Rent start at Rs. 4,000 per day.
Hotel Parkway
Hotel Parkway is an economic location to stay in the Swat region, conveniently located in Fizaghat.
The following rooms are available:
- Double Room on a Budget
- Twin Room on a Budget
- Triple Room (Basic)
- Room for the whole family
- Deluxe Family Room Quadruple Room
The hotel offers the following services:
- The front desk is open 24/7
- Restaurant
- Terrace
- Garden
- Private parking is available for a fee
- Breakfast on the Continental
- Flat Screen TV
- The use of air conditioning
Rent for a day starting at Rs. 3,600.
Swat Regency Hotel
The Swat Regency hotel was created with Swat’s historical aesthetic in mind. Its lovely interiors are a monument to the region’s handicrafts. The following rooms are available at the hotel:
- Standard Double Room
- Standard Triple Room
- Suite
The following are the hotel’s amenities:
- Garden
- Restaurant
- Terrace
- 24/7 front desk
- A continental breakfast
- Room Service
- Private parking is available for a fee.
- TV with cable channels on a flat-screen
Rent start at Rs. 8,600 per day.
Enjoy some swaty delicious cuisine
Swat food, also known as Afghan cuisine, is a Pashtun cuisine. Despite its striking resemblance to Afghan, Persian, and Turkish cuisines, traditional Swat food has its own distinct flavor, perfume, and texture.
Swat cuisine is somewhat spicy but high in herbs, and it is primarily composed of meat dishes like lamb, cattle, chicken, and freshwater fish, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits cultivated in the Swat Valley.
Here are some of the best and most well-known examples of Swat cuisine, which are not only popular among locals but also among visitors to the Swat Valley:
- Chapli Kebab (Swat Chapli Kabab)
- Swat Trout Fish
- Lamb karahi
- Mutton Ribs
- Warjalay aka Chukanr (Green Rice)
- Dum Pukht
- Lamb Chops
- Lamb with Spinach
- Kabuli Pulao
Language in Swat Valley
Seven languages are spoken in Swat. Pashto is the most widely spoken language, but Torwali, Gujri, Gawri, Qashqai, Ushojo, and Badeshi are also spoken. Torwals are claimed to be one of the region’s original inhabitants, having lived there before the Buddhist era.
Culture in Swat Valley
Swat Valley culture is interesting to us because it reveals to us what other people are doing throughout the world and what might be going on in our life or what might happen to us.
Swat valley dwellers have a particular culture that they have followed for many years. Men are in a higher social position than women. When a boy is born, they shoot gunshots into the air and throw a party for the baby, but when a girl is born, the mother is congratulated, and then everyone leaves. When males marry, they select a suitable woman, who must then leave her family and relocate to her husband’s home.
Mobile and Internet Services In Swat Pakistan
There are PTCL internet services available in Swat, but sometimes it shows a very poor network connection. If you want to use your mobile services there, then you must take Zong or Telenor Sim with you. Both catch good signals even in Tops.
Ministry of Information Technology Pakistan is also working at its best to provide fast internet services there to promote tourism at the international level.
Tour Packages To Swat Valley
Many companies propose northern Pakistan tour packages. Swat Valley will be fully operational at the start of the summer season. As a result, businesses will announce swat tour trip packages 2022 for your convenience. On the route, people from Gujrat, Gujranwala, and Sialkot might join the tours. Swat Valley travel packages are available from Islamabad for tourists from Karachi, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Multan. As a result, tourists are advised to take a road trip to Swat and see Kalam Malam Jabba to the utmost extent feasible. You can find multiple tour packages like this:
- 3 Days Tour to Swat Kalam
- 2 Nights 3 Days Trip to Swat Kalam
- 3 Days Tour to Swat Kalam
- 3 Days Trip to Swat Kalam
Package prices vary from place to place.
More about tour packages to swat and swat naran kashmir islamabad tour package read here
Local Guide In Swat Valley Pakistan
In Swat Valley, tour guides operate in the tourism business, delivering guided tours to parties of tourists. They are local historians that provide their tour groups with fascinating or educational information about points of interest at nature attractions, historic sites, galleries, breathtaking spots, and other tourist destinations.
Swat tour guides can lead walking tours, bus excursions, or even river tours aboard a boat. Tour guides are often inhabitants of the region in which they provide tours and are often hired by visitors’ bureaus or travel businesses.
Regardless of the tour guide’s specialty in Swat, some basic responsibilities apply to all professions. Their major role is to ensure that everyone on tour is as secure as possible. They’ll keep an eye on the group’s activities in Swat to ensure that everyone follows the site’s or guide’s safety rules.
They may be required to provide first-aid or emergency assistance to guests in specific instances. Itineraries are usually planned by tour operators in Swat. They will conduct extensive research before conducting the tour and will be well-prepared and organized for each step of the procedure, from greeting tourists to arranging transportation between places.
Tourist review About Swat Valley
Swat was fantastic, and I had a great day touring with my buddies. We traveled in a group of four and arrived at Mingora at about 11:30 a.m. after a 3.5-hour drive from Islamabad. Because our trip was in August 2021, the weather was ideal.
We drove to the upper region after spending one night in Mingora to explore the other well-known tourist attractions. We spent a total of 6 days in this gorgeous region, visiting hundreds of amazing sights. This was our first trip to SWAT, and we didn’t expect much, but towards the end of our tour, we felt that 6 days weren’t long enough.
Swat Valley is not dirt cheap, but it is quite inexpensive. The prices of hotels, food, transportation, and other amenities are lower than in Pakistan’s major cities
