Introduction
Swat Valley, Pakistan, is a charming and serene valley located in the northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is known for its stunning scenic splendor, vibrant culture, and rich history. Often referred to as the Switzerland of Pakistan, Swat Valley is hosting some of the most stunning and breathtaking landscapes in all of Pakistan.
Whether you are looking for a quest, wildlife, or simply a quiet getaway, Swat Valley is the ultimate destination. Here are the top 15 places to visit if you are in Swat Valley:
Top 10 Places to visit in Swat Valley
Marghazar White Palace:
Marghazar White Palace is a stunning white marble palace located in the heart of Swat Valley at about 2200m above sea level. The royal family built this place during the late 1930s as a guest house. It is around 8 miles away from Mingora. The palace is renowned for its intricate architecture and exquisite views. Queen Elizabeth II visited this palace in 1961 as a royal guest.
Saidu Sharif:
Saidu Sharif was the capital of Swat Valley before the establishment of the state and is home to multiple administrative offices, schools, and hospitals. The place is home to Swat Museum, which reserves artifacts and objects from Buddhist and Pre-Buddhist era. It is also the site of the ancient Buddhist ruins of Butkara Stupa, a World Heritage Site.
Madyan:
Madyan is a popular hill station in a small town located in the southern part of Swat Valley. It is 30 Miles away from Mingora and 28 Miles away from Kalam Valley. The lake is about 1325 m above sea level on the bank of Swat River. It is known for its lush green meadows and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are a number of great hotels and restaurants in Madyan.
Kalam Valley:
Kalam is a charming valley located in the northern part of Swat Valley. It is a sub-valley of Swat at about 2110 m above sea level. The Valley is only a 90 Minute drive away from Mingora. If you decide to visit Kalam in Summer, please book your hotels beforehand as it gets very crowded during the season and almost every hotel remains occupied. It is popular for its picturesque views of the valley and the snow-capped mountains.
Malam Jabba:
Malam Jabba is a ski resort located in Swat Valley, 29 miles away from Mingora. The ski resort is at an elevation of 2800 meters. It is a popular tourist destination and is known for its beautiful skiing slopes and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Even if you have no interest in Ski sports and simply just want to escape the crowd, you can come here during the summer vacation.
Ushu Forest:
Ushu Forest is a lush green forest located in the northern part of Swat Valley. It is famous for its spectacular clouds, rainy weather and diverse wildlife, including leopards, wolves, and deer. There is a lake nearby known as Mahodand lake at a distance of 18 miles from the Ushu forest.
Bahrain:
No, it is not the Kingdom of Bahrain. Bahrain is a small town located in the northern part of Swat Valley at a distance of 35 miles from Mingora. You can spend a day or two on your way to Upper Swat. It is popular for its traditional wooden houses and its beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. You can experience the culture and traditions of the local people. It is kind of like a basecamp for the upper destinations. Summer is the ideal time to visit Bahrain.
Mahodand Lake:
Mahodand Lake is a pristine lake located in the northern part of Swat Valley. It is 26 miles away from Kalam, near the Ushu forest. The lake is 2870 meters above sea level and expands over more than 2 kilometers. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters and its abundant population of trout. The way to the lake is a bit rough and rocky, but once you get there, you will forget all the suffering instantly.
Utror:
Utror, better known as Utror valley is a small village in the Swat Valley. It is around 10 miles away from Kalam Valley and 75 Miles away from Saidu Sharif. The village is famous for its scenic views, snow clad mountains and waterfalls
Gabin Jabba:
Gabin Jabba is one of the most famous places in Swat Valley. It is located around 35 miles north of Mingora at an elevation of 2580 meters. Gabin Jabba Translates to Honey Marshes in English which means honey colored water. Gabin Jabba is famous for curative plants and freshwater trout fishes. There are a lot of hotels in Gabin Jabba, but I would recommend you stay at the Camping Pod because it is an ideal solution for cost-effective accommodation. You can also bring your camping equipment as the place gives the perfect vibe of what you call the ideal camping site.
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Conclusion:
Swat Valley is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture scavengers alike. With its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture, it is no wonder why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pakistan. So, if you are looking for a peaceful getaway or an exciting adventure, Swat Valley is the perfect destination.
