SWAT
INTRODUCTION:
Swat is known as the Switzerland of Pakistan. The river Swat is a clear water river starting from the Ushu rage of mountains to
he spread of the valley of Swat. It is the most green valleys of the Northern Pakistan and is well connected to the rest of
Pakistan. There are regular flights from Islamabad to Swat and back. One can also get here either from Peshawar (160
KMs) or Islamabad.(250 KMs) The valley of Swat is located in the middle of foot hills of Hindukush mountain range. The main town
of the valley is Saidu Sharief.
Swat is a place for leisure Lover , Hiker , and archeologist. There are many comfortable hotels where one can stay a while to
relax. In Kalam upper Swat there are some very pleasant walks since weather is pretty pleasant one can easily walk over the
hills for hours and enjoy the unspoiled nature. The Swat is garden of Ashoka and was a prosperous land in the Buddhist times
(2nd BC to 5 AD) There are at least over 100 archeological sites in the valley less then 10% of the are excavated. One can
explore some of those sites in a half day tour of Swat.
Hotels In Swat
There are many hotels in different towns of the valley.
Swat Serena Hotel (Saidu) 3
Swat Continental Hotel 3
Pameer Hotel Swat 2
PTDC Motel (Saidu) 3
Hotel White Palace (Marghazar) 2
Hotel Royal Palace (Saidu) 2
PTDC Motel Miandam 2
Grace Hotel (Madyan)2
PTDC Motel (Kalam) 2
Damazay Guest House (Saidu) 2
Transfers
Islamabad or Peshawar to Swat
250 KMs 5- 6 Hours. Drive in the morning from Islamabad stop at the confluence of Kabul & Indus rivers later continue to
Swat via Charsadha, stop at different village bazaars and pass the Malakand pass. One can have Lunch at a local restaurant on
the way. After Malakand pass you enter the valley of Swat. View the Churchill's picket and Shingardar Stupa on the way.
Takht e Bhai most well preserved Buddhist monastery is on the way before Malakand pass time permitting can visit this
archeological site too. (This will make the trip about 7- 8 Hours )
Swat - Besham
110 KMs 3 Hours. Leave Saidu Sharief via the upper Swat road at Khwaza khela we will take a right turn to the Shangla pass
(7000 Ft) Road is lush green with numerous kinds of flora and pine trees. Have a local Pakistan tea at the pass and continue to
Besham . Besham is the first main town as you come from Swat on the Karakorum Highway.
Tours
Half day Saidu Sharief
Visit the Swat museum, Butkara archeological site ( Where there are 215 Votive stupas and one main Stupa from 2nd century
BC - 5th Century AD ) Also have a detailed walk in Mingora bazaar and shop some of the best shawls and handicrafts of the
region.
Half Day Archeological Sites
Visit Butkara1 Butkara 2 , Udegaram , and Shingardar Stupa all sites of the Kushans Period. Later a detailed lecture in Swat
museum on the chronology of Swat.
Full Day upper Swat valley.
Drive upto Kalam visit the bazaars of Madyan & Bahrain. At Kalam have a short walk in the hills. Late Afternoon return to
Saidu.
Full day walk Kalam to Ushu
A dream of a hiker. Great scenic walk through the green mountains to the glacier of Ushu have picnic on the way return to
Kalam coach or walk back.
Full day Malam Jaba & Miandam
Visit these magnificent points above 7000 ft. Have a stroll in the villages and enjoy the green
scenery. Evening visit Marghazar White palace Hotel .