Terrorism. Taliban. “Advisory Level 4: Do not travel.” Oh, think of all the nice things you might hear if you say “Swat Valley” in the west. But do they make sense? In this post, we’ll take a look at the top 10 places to visit in Swat.
It is true that some places in Swat have a dark history. In 2007, the Taliban took over the main city of Mingora, killing and displacing many people.
But in the twelve years since then, the beautiful area has been restored to its former glory, and there are now many great places to visit in Swat Valley!
What you won’t hear from Western media is that before the events of the early-to-late 2000s, many places in Swat Valley, especially Kalam, were popular vacation destinations.
Every summer, people from all over the world came to the beautiful mountain area, and many of them came back year after year.
Even after 9/11, when foreign tourism went down, many places in Swat Valley (also called Sawat Valley) stayed popular with people from Pakistan’s cities.
So, even though gora hikers haven’t talked about it in a while, tourism in the Swat Valley is not a new idea.
Even though some of our family members tried to scare us, what we saw and felt was clear—and the opposite of scary: Swat Valley is home to the friendliest people in Pakistan, if not the world.
Places To Visit in SWAT Valley of Pakistan – Tour’s Guide
SWAT Valley Pakistan is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country. The valley encompasses an area close to the Himalayan Mountains. The SWAT Valley is a popular tourist attraction for people from all around the world and it has been featured on many international travel websites. The SWAT Valley is a beautiful mountain valley in the northern part of Pakistan. It is one of the first places to be hit with snowfall and winter, which gives it a very distinct flavor and climate.
First, though… where in Pakistan is Swat Valley?
Do you want to know where Swat Valley is? Good question.
The Malakand Division of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa state is where the Swat Valley is. Swat/Sawat Valley is in the northeast of the province. Most of the people who live there are Pashtun, but Kohistanis also live there.
Mingora is the biggest city in Swat Valley. It is about 4 hours from Peshawar. As far as historical places in Pakistan go, Swat Valley is pretty old. In the 2nd century, Buddhism did very well there.
10 Attractive Places in SWAT Pakistan
Mingora- The Largest City in Swat
Let’s start our tour of Swat with Mingora, the largest city in the valley. It’s a bustling place, and there’s a lot to see and do. Make sure you check out the bazaars—they’re a great place to find souvenirs. If you’re looking for something a bit more peaceful, make your way to the Kandolai Gardens. The views are stunning, and it’s a great place to relax for a while. And don’t forget to visit Saidu Sharif, the spiritual capital of Swat. It’s home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the valley.
Saidu Sharif- Beautiful Place to Visit in Swat
Saidu Sharif is the capital of Swat and it’s a pretty cool place to visit. There’s a lot of history and culture in this town and you can see it in the architecture. The bazaars are worth exploring, too—you’ll find all sorts of treasures there. If you’re looking for a bit of nature, make sure to check out Balakot Lake. It’s a beautiful spot and it’s perfect for a picnic. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go for a hike in the hills nearby. It is one of the most beautiful Places to Visit in Swat Pakistan.
Whatever you do, make sure to take some time to just wander around and soak up the atmosphere. Saidu Sharif is a great place to relax and forget about the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Kalam- Beautiful Places to Visit in Swat Pakistan
Located in Pakistan’s Swat area, the picturesque town of Kalam sits in a valley. The beautiful landscape and relaxed vibe make it a favorite vacation spot. Kalam is a great place to go fishing, hunting, and hiking. If you’re interested in the local culture and history, you should also visit the town’s Buddhist monasteries.
Overall, Kalam is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway.
Bahrain- A Scenic Lake Town
Bahrain is one of the best sites in Swat that you must see. The beautiful scenery in this lakeside town makes it a favorite destination for anglers seeking trout. Walk around the lake or rent a boat to get out and about. And while you’re there, stop around the old bazaar to pick up some unique mementos and presents. If you’re in Swat, don’t miss out on visiting Bahrain.
Madyan- A Lovely Village With Hot Springs
Madyan is a great place to go if you want to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. It is a small town in the Swat Valley, and its hot springs are well-known. People have been coming to Madyan for hundreds of years to soak in the mineral-rich waters, and it is a famous tourist destination. There are also some beautiful mountain views from the town.
So if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Madyan is the perfect place to visit.
Malam Jabba- A Ski Resort
Malam Jabba should be at the top of your list if you want to go to a great ski area. It is in the Swat Valley, and it is the only place in Pakistan where you can ski. Since 2005, the resort has been open. It has a six-kilometer slope, which is great for skiing and snowboarding. There is also a children’s play area and a sledding track that is 2 km long. Even if you don’t like to ski or snowboard, you can still enjoy the views from inside the house.
Miandam- A Town With Scenic Hiking Trails
If you’re looking for a place to wander and take in some stunning natural beauty, Miandam is definitely worth a visit. There are some great hiking trails here that will take you through the forest and up into the mountains. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go for a hike to Kamarisar Lake, which is about a four-hour walk from Miandam. The views from the top of the lake are absolutely breathtaking, and it’s well worth the effort it takes to get there.
Bashigram- A Pretty Village With a Waterfall
If you’re looking for a picturesque spot to visit in Swat, you should check out Bashigram. It’s a small village with a waterfall that’s just gorgeous. You can take a walk along the river and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike up to the top of the waterfall. It’s definitely worth the effort, and the views are stunning. Bashigram is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Swat, and it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
Utror- A Village in the Upper Swat Valley
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, Utror is a village in the Upper Swat Valley that you’ll love. It’s located about an hour’s drive from Mingora, and is known for its stunning natural scenery.The village is nestled in the foothills of the Babusar Mountains, and is surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and dense forests. It’s a great place to go hiking, and there are some lovely trails that wind their way through the mountains.
Utror is also home to the Utror Glacier, which is a popular spot for climbers and hikers. If you’re looking for a breathtaking natural landscape to explore, Utror is definitely worth a visit!
Kabal- A Small Town With a Big Lake
You’re going to love Kabal. It’s a small town, but it’s home to a big lake—Kabal Lake, to be specific. This is a great spot for fishing, and you can also go swimming and boating. If you’re looking for a quiet place to relax, this is it. But that’s not all Kabal has to offer. There are also some interesting Buddhist temples in the area, as well as a few waterfalls. You can’t miss them—just follow the signs. And if you get tired of hiking, don’t worry—there are always plenty of restaurants and snack shops around. It is one of the most beautiful Places to Visit in Swat Pakistan.
Spin Khwar Lake
On both the north and east sides of Kundol Lake, where the Spin Khwar Area is, there are huge mountains. Spin Khwar is important because white water flows into the lake from the east, which is one of the lake’s most important sources of water. There are two ways to get into the lake. The first one is from Kundal, and the second one is from Laddu Valley.
Kumrat Valley
The next place on the list is the Kumrat Valley, which is about 9 hours from the main city of Islamabad and 1 hour from the city of Swat. Kumrat Valley is in the High Dir District, right next to the Gabral, and has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Also, there are many streams and waterfalls. This is a great place for base camping and also include in Places to Visit in Swat, if you like to try new things. If you don’t like camping, you can walk three hours down the town to find a few motels and hotels. Every night, tourists in Kumrat Valley are treated to a beautiful view of the sky that is hard to look away from.
Shingrai Falls
Shingrai waterfall, which is about 20 miles northeast of Mingora in the foothills of the Dwasaray peaks, is such a hidden place. People from the area love going to the magical waterfall because it is cool and quiet there.
Shingardar Stupa is about 3 kilometers north of the city of Brikot village, on the left side of the road that goes from Mingawara to Mardan. The stupa is at the bottom of a small glen that goes down from a bare ridge just above the valley plain.
Conclusion
There is little doubt that Swat is one of Pakistan’s most popular vacation spots. Beautiful landscapes, a calm ambience, and a wealth of history and culture mean that this area has something to offer everyone. Check out our top 10 places to visit in Swat if you want to see the best the area has to offer. There is something for everyone in Swat, from old Buddhist monasteries and breathtaking mountain views to lively bazaars and pristine nature reserves.