Swat
is known as the Switzerland of Pakistan. The river Swat is a clear water
river starting from the Ushu rage of mountains to the spread of the valley
of Swat. It is on of 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 foothills of Hindukush mountain range. The main town of the
valley is Mingora and Saidu Sharif.
The Swat women wear colorful embroidered shirts and shalwars (baggy trousers).
The men wear shalwar-gamiz and embroidered caps or silk turban. Swat has
been inhabited for over two thousand years. The first inhabitants were
settled in well-planned towns.
Swat
Valley is full of historical treasures and tales. It was at this pass
that the Emperor Akbar lost most of his 8000-man army in an abortive
attempt to invade Swat in 1586. The 45 km-long road from Pir Baba (RA)
to Barikot passes through Mount Ilam rising through mature pine forests
to Karakar Pass. The hillsides abound with forts, a testament to the
region's strategic importance. Alexander the Great and his army marched
through Chakdar, and subsequent invaders left their mark: the town still
has remains of Buddhist monasteries 
from
the 1st to 7th centuries, while Hindu forts from the 8th to 10th centuries
loom on the hilltops. Worth visiting are the valley's graveyards, which
have been used for 3,500 years. A number of monuments dot the valley
that talks about its rich and vibrant past. Some of the archaeological
sites that one can visit on tour to Swat Valley include Butakara 1 and
Butakara 2, Shingardar Stupa and Udegaram. Mount Ilam (2,811m, 9,222
ft) has been considered sacred since prehistoric times. A trek to the
top brings visitors to a group of massive square blocks of stone, which
archaeologists guess were used as an ancient altar.
Handi Crafts:
The handicrafts of Swat include needlework, embroidery, rug/carpets and
wood work. The wooden artwork in fact has no parallel anywhere in the
area.
The Lower Swat Valley has been occupied for the last 3000 years. The area
between Chakdara Bridge and Saidu Sharif is littered with the remains
of pre historic Aryan's Gandhara grave culture, Buddhist shrines and buildings
of the Hindu Shahi Period. These archaeological sites are concentrated
around three towns; Birkot, Udegram and Saidu Sharif.
Near Chakdara Bridge
there are ruins of Hindu Shahi Period and stupas at Haibatgram, Top Dara
and Landakai.
About 25 kilometres from Chakdara Bridge, Birkot is the site of ancient town Bazira sacked by Alexander in 326 BC. This town is situated on ancient route on the River Swat from Nawa Pass. Here ancient route take a turn to south through Karakar Pass into Buner which further lead to Shabaz Garhi in Peshawar Valley.
Gumbat
Stupa is situated 9 kilometres south of Birkot in the Kandag
Valley. This is one of the best preserved stupas of Swat. It consists
of a cell of about 12 feet square with windows. It is surrounded on all
sides by a narrow passage intended to walk around sacred images while
worshiping. Before Gumbat is a large building known as Kanjar Kot, meaning
Dancer’s Mansion.
Udegram is located 8 kilometres before Saidu Sharif. Aurel Stein identified
this with Ora, a city where Alexander fought one of his battles. Italians
excavated this site in 1950’s. This site was occupied
from 1000 BC to 14th century AD. During Hindu Shahi period from 8th century
to 10th century this was the regional capital of Swat. Ruins of Raja Gira’s
Fort, the last Hindu ruler were excavated by the Italians in 1950’s.
The first mosque built in Swat was excavated in 1985 below the Hindu Shahi
Fort in 1985.
Mingora is the district headquarter and commercial centre of Swat. the
Swat Museum, located between Mingora and Saidu, has a rich collection
of Gandhara art which is worth viewing.Mingora is one of the most important
town of the Swat Valley. It is situated 2km from Saidu Sharif. On the
other side of River Swat near Mingora Airport a site of Gandhara Grave
Culture was discovered by Italians at Aligrama. The site was dated to
1000 BC. Near Mingora in Jambill River Valley a lot of Buddhist remains
and carvings are found. At Panr stupa and monastery of 1st AD century
had been excavated. At Loebanr and Matalai, Italians archaeologist unearth
475 Aryan graves dated 1700 BC.
One
of the most important Buddhist shrines in Swat, is near the museum. Take
the dirt track on the left (north) side of the museum for one kilometer
(about half a mile). The stupa is 400 meters (above a quarter of mile)
across the fields to the left (north).
The stupa, which dates from the second century BC, was possibly built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka to house some of the ashes of the Buddha. In subsequent centuries, it was enlarged five times by encasing the existing structure in a new shell. Italian excavators working in 1955 exposed the successive layers of the stupa, each layer illustrating a stage in the evolution of building techniques.
Kabal:
The
Swat Valley becomes more beautiful the higher you go. In mid-winter it
is sometimes blocked by snow above Bahrain, but in summer you can drive
up beyond Kalam and from there trek north to either the Chitral Valley
or the Gilgit Valley. From Khwazakhela, the road across the Shangla Pass
to the Karakoram Highway is usually open only from April to December.
Miandam
is a small summer resort ten kilometres (six miles) up a steep side
valley and 56 kilometres (35 miles) from Saidu Sharif, making it an
hour's drive. The metalled road passes small villages stacked up the
hillside, the roofs of one row of houses forming the street for the
row of houses above. Tiny terraced fields march up the hillside right
to the top.
Miandam is a good place for walkers. Paths follow the stream, past houses with beehives set into the walls and good-luck charms whitewashed around the doors. In the graveyards are carved wooden grave posts with floral designs, like those used by Buddhists 1,000 years ago.
Madyan:
Madyan is a tourist resort on the Swat River. At 1,321 meters (4,335
feet) above sea level, it is neither as cool nor as beautiful as Miandam,
but it is a larger town and has many hotels in all price ranges and
some good tourist shopping. Antique and modern shawls, traditional embroidery,
tribal jewellery, carved wood and antique or reproduced coins are sold
along the main street. This is the last Swati village, offering interesting
two-and three-day walks up to the mountain villages... ask in the bazaar
in Muambar Khan's shop for a guide. North of Madyan is Swat Kohistan
where walking is not recommended without an armed guard.
The central mosque at Madyan has carved wooden pillars with elegant scroll capitals, and its mud-plastered west wall is covered with relief designs in floral motifs. Both bespeak the Swati's love of decoration.
Bahrain:
Bahrain
is ten kilometres north of Madyan and only slightly higher, at about
1,400 meters (4,500 feet). It is another popular riverside tourist resort,
with bazaars worth exploring for their handicrafts. Some of the houses
have carved wooden doors, pillars and balconies. These show a remarkable
variety of decorative motifs, including floral scrolls and bands of
ornamental diaper patterns almost identical to those seen on Buddhist
shrines and quite different from the usual Muslim designs.
Kalam:
Kalam,
29 kilometres (18 miles) from Bahrain and about 2,000 meters (6,800 feet)
above sea level, the valley opens out, providing rooms for a small but
fertile plateau above the river. In Kalam the Ushu and Utrot rivers join
to form the Swat river. Here, the metalled road ends and shingle road
leads to the Ushu and Utrot valleys. From Matiltan one gets a breath-taking
view of the snow-capped Mount Falaksir 5918 meters (19,415 ft.), and another
un-named peak 6096 meters (20,000 ft.) high.
The
valleys of Ushu, Utrot and Gabral beyond Kalam, constitute some of the
most beautiful parts of Swat. There is good trout fishing around Utrot.
Foreign tourists are advised to contact the local police authorities at
Kalam before preceding to the valleys of Ushu, Utrot and Gabral.
Swat is ideal for camping, trekking and mountaineering. Permits are necessary, and can be obtained from the Tourism Division, Government of Pakistan, Markaz F-7, Islamabad.
The waters of the Swat River around Kalam and in the valleys of Ushu and Gabral abound in brown trout. Fishing licenses must be obtained from the office of the Assistant Commissioner, Fisheries at Madyan and Kalam.
Swat
is a place for leisure Lover , Hikers , 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. Swat is the most historically
interesting valley in Pakistan. It is also one of the most beautiful -
certainly much greener and more fertile than the valleys further north
because it lies within the monsoon belt.
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. Swat is the most historically
interesting valley in Pakistan. It is also one of the most beautiful -
certainly much greener and more fertile than the valleys further north
because it lies within the monsoon belt.
In Lower
Swat, the valley is wide, the fields on either side of the river are full
of wheat and Lucerne, and the villages are prosperous and surrounded by
fruit trees. In Upper Swat, the river tumbles through pine forests hemmed
in by snow-capped mountains. For the historical and amateur archaeologist,
Swat offers several hundred archaeological sites spanning 5,000 years
of history. For the sportsman and trekker, it offers good fishing and
hiking. The people of Swat are Muslim Pathans, Kohistanis and Gujars.
Some have very distinct features and claim to be descendants of Alexander
the Great.
Dresses:
The Swat women wear colorful embroidered shirts and shalwars (baggy trousers).
The men wear shalwar-gamiz and embroidered caps or silk turban. Swat has
been inhabited for over two thousand years. The first inhabitants were
settled in well-planned towns.
History:
In 327 BC, Alexander the Great fought his way to Udegram and Barikot and stormed their battlemens. In Greek accounts these towns have been identified as Ora and Bazira. Around the 2nd century BC, the area was occupied by Buddhists, who were attracted by the peace and serenity of the land. There are many remains that testify to their skills as sculptors and architects. In the beginning of the 11th century AD Mahmud of Ghazni advanced through Dir and invaded Swat, defeating Gira, the local ruler, near Udegram. Later the land was taken over by the Dilazak, who in turn were ousted by the Yusufzais.
In 327 BC, Alexander the Great fought his way to Udegram and Barikot and stormed their battlemens. In Greek accounts these towns have been identified as Ora and Bazira. Around the 2nd century BC, the area was occupied by Buddhists, who were attracted by the peace and serenity of the land. There are many remains that testify to their skills as sculptors and architects. In the beginning of the 11th century AD Mahmud of Ghazni advanced through Dir and invaded Swat, defeating Gira, the local ruler, near Udegram. Later the land was taken over by the Dilazak, who in turn were ousted by the Yusufzais.
Historical
Places:
Swat
Valley is full of historical treasures and tales. It was at this pass
that the Emperor Akbar lost most of his 8000-man army in an abortive
attempt to invade Swat in 1586. The 45 km-long road from Pir Baba (RA)
to Barikot passes through Mount Ilam rising through mature pine forests
to Karakar Pass. The hillsides abound with forts, a testament to the
region's strategic importance. Alexander the Great and his army marched
through Chakdar, and subsequent invaders left their mark: the town still
has remains of Buddhist monasteries from
the 1st to 7th centuries, while Hindu forts from the 8th to 10th centuries
loom on the hilltops. Worth visiting are the valley's graveyards, which
have been used for 3,500 years. A number of monuments dot the valley
that talks about its rich and vibrant past. Some of the archaeological
sites that one can visit on tour to Swat Valley include Butakara 1 and
Butakara 2, Shingardar Stupa and Udegaram. Mount Ilam (2,811m, 9,222
ft) has been considered sacred since prehistoric times. A trek to the
top brings visitors to a group of massive square blocks of stone, which
archaeologists guess were used as an ancient altar. Handi Crafts:
The handicrafts of Swat include needlework, embroidery, rug/carpets and
wood work. The wooden artwork in fact has no parallel anywhere in the
area.
Swat
Valley is an ideal place for trekking and fishing. One can take a walk
from Kalam to Ushu. The trek takes leads to some beautiful spots between
Kalam and Ushu. Visitors who want a taste of northern Pakistan's historical
variety
should head for this lush valley. Located in the monsoon belt, it receives
more rain than most northern areas, so the land is particularly fertile
and green. The Swat River and its tributaries gush through rocky gorges
and are particularly known for trout fishing. The houses of the small
villages in the area are stacked one on top of the other up the mountainsides,
with the roofs of one level of houses used as a front street for houses
on the next level. Karakar Pass (1336 m./4384 ft.) is a mountain pass
in the Hindu Kush in lower Swat Valley. From the top of the pass, one
can view Buner 
Valley.
In short, it is the most green valleys of the Northern Pakistan and is
well connected to the rest of Pakistan. Swat is a place for leisure lovers
, hikers , and archeologists. There are many comfortable hotels where
one can stay a while to relax. There are regular flights from Islamabad
to Swat and back. One can also get here either from Peshawar (160 kilometres)
or Islamabad.(250 kilometres).
variety
should head for this lush valley. Located in the monsoon belt, it receives
more rain than most northern areas, so the land is particularly fertile
and green. The Swat River and its tributaries gush through rocky gorges
and are particularly known for trout fishing. The houses of the small
villages in the area are stacked one on top of the other up the mountainsides,
with the roofs of one level of houses used as a front street for houses
on the next level. Karakar Pass (1336 m./4384 ft.) is a mountain pass
in the Hindu Kush in lower Swat Valley. From the top of the pass, one
can view Buner Valley.
In short, it is the most green valleys of the Northern Pakistan and is
well connected to the rest of Pakistan. Swat is a place for leisure lovers
, hikers , and archeologists. There are many comfortable hotels where
one can stay a while to relax. There are regular flights from Islamabad
to Swat and back. One can also get here either from Peshawar (160 kilometres)
or Islamabad.(250 kilometres).
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.
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.
Lower
Swat Valley:
The Lower Swat Valley has been occupied for the last 3000 years. The area
between Chakdara Bridge and Saidu Sharif is littered with the remains
of pre historic Aryan's Gandhara grave culture, Buddhist shrines and buildings
of the Hindu Shahi Period. These archaeological sites are concentrated
around three towns; Birkot, Udegram and Saidu Sharif. About 25 kilometres from Chakdara Bridge, Birkot is the site of ancient town Bazira sacked by Alexander in 326 BC. This town is situated on ancient route on the River Swat from Nawa Pass. Here ancient route take a turn to south through Karakar Pass into Buner which further lead to Shabaz Garhi in Peshawar Valley.
Gumbat
Stupa is situated 9 kilometres south of Birkot in the Kandag
Valley. This is one of the best preserved stupas of Swat. It consists
of a cell of about 12 feet square with windows. It is surrounded on all
sides by a narrow passage intended to walk around sacred images while
worshiping. Before Gumbat is a large building known as Kanjar Kot, meaning
Dancer’s Mansion.
Mount
Ilam, 2811 meter High Mountain is considered sacred since ancient times.
In the valley of Amluk-Dara near the foot of Mount Ilam is the ruin of
a stupa.
Three
kilometres from Birkot towards Saidu Sharif is Shingerdar Stupa. 1.5 kilometres
from Shingerdar is a large Buddha Carving on a cliff facing the road..
Further after 6 kilometres is the Gogdara Rock Carvings. These 3000 years
old engraving consist of different animals. There are some carvings in
which humans were driving two wheeled war chariots. These carvings were
probably works of ancient Aryans. On the same rock there are some Buddhist
carvings.
Just
two Kilometer away from Mingora, Saidu sharif is an ideal picnic spot
for visitors. There is White Palace Hotel there to stay and enjoy the
scenic beauty of this area
Udegram is located 8 kilometres before Saidu Sharif. Aurel Stein identified
this with Ora, a city where Alexander fought one of his battles. Italians
excavated this site in 1950’s. This site was occupied
from 1000 BC to 14th century AD. During Hindu Shahi period from 8th century
to 10th century this was the regional capital of Swat. Ruins of Raja Gira’s
Fort, the last Hindu ruler were excavated by the Italians in 1950’s.
The first mosque built in Swat was excavated in 1985 below the Hindu Shahi
Fort in 1985.
Mingora is the district headquarter and commercial centre of Swat. the
Swat Museum, located between Mingora and Saidu, has a rich collection
of Gandhara art which is worth viewing.Mingora is one of the most important
town of the Swat Valley. It is situated 2km from Saidu Sharif. On the
other side of River Swat near Mingora Airport a site of Gandhara Grave
Culture was discovered by Italians at Aligrama. The site was dated to
1000 BC. Near Mingora in Jambill River Valley a lot of Buddhist remains
and carvings are found. At Panr stupa and monastery of 1st AD century
had been excavated. At Loebanr and Matalai, Italians archaeologist unearth
475 Aryan graves dated 1700 BC.
Swat
Museum:
Swat
Museum is on the east side of the street, halfway between Mingora and
Saidu. Japanese aid has given a facelift to its seven galleries which
now contain an excellent collection of Gandhara sculptures taken from
some of the Buddhist sites in Swat, rearranged and labeled to illustrate
the Buddha's life story. Terracotta figurines and utensils, beads, precious
stones, coins, weapons and various metal objects illustrate daily life
in Gandhara. The ethnographic section displays the finest examples of
local embroidery, carved wood and tribal jewellery.
Butkara (Butkada) Stupa:
Butkara (Butkada) Stupa:
One
of the most important Buddhist shrines in Swat, is near the museum. Take
the dirt track on the left (north) side of the museum for one kilometer
(about half a mile). The stupa is 400 meters (above a quarter of mile)
across the fields to the left (north). The stupa, which dates from the second century BC, was possibly built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka to house some of the ashes of the Buddha. In subsequent centuries, it was enlarged five times by encasing the existing structure in a new shell. Italian excavators working in 1955 exposed the successive layers of the stupa, each layer illustrating a stage in the evolution of building techniques.
Kabal:
Kabal
is a golfer's paradise: an eighteen-hotel course is open all year round
and anyone can play there by paying the green fees.
Upper Swat Valley:
Upper Swat Valley:
The
Swat Valley becomes more beautiful the higher you go. In mid-winter it
is sometimes blocked by snow above Bahrain, but in summer you can drive
up beyond Kalam and from there trek north to either the Chitral Valley
or the Gilgit Valley. From Khwazakhela, the road across the Shangla Pass
to the Karakoram Highway is usually open only from April to December.
Visit these magnificent points above 7000 ft. Have a stroll in
the villages and enjoy the green scenery.It is outstanding place for skiing
and other activity. There is a chairlift also.
Khuwaza
Khela is a mid point from Mingora to Kalam. It has a small bazaar. A path
from here also leads to Shangilla Pass then to Besham on Karakoram Highway.
Miandam
is a small summer resort ten kilometres (six miles) up a steep side
valley and 56 kilometres (35 miles) from Saidu Sharif, making it an
hour's drive. The metalled road passes small villages stacked up the
hillside, the roofs of one row of houses forming the street for the
row of houses above. Tiny terraced fields march up the hillside right
to the top. Miandam is a good place for walkers. Paths follow the stream, past houses with beehives set into the walls and good-luck charms whitewashed around the doors. In the graveyards are carved wooden grave posts with floral designs, like those used by Buddhists 1,000 years ago.
Madyan:
Madyan is a tourist resort on the Swat River. At 1,321 meters (4,335
feet) above sea level, it is neither as cool nor as beautiful as Miandam,
but it is a larger town and has many hotels in all price ranges and
some good tourist shopping. Antique and modern shawls, traditional embroidery,
tribal jewellery, carved wood and antique or reproduced coins are sold
along the main street. This is the last Swati village, offering interesting
two-and three-day walks up to the mountain villages... ask in the bazaar
in Muambar Khan's shop for a guide. North of Madyan is Swat Kohistan
where walking is not recommended without an armed guard. The central mosque at Madyan has carved wooden pillars with elegant scroll capitals, and its mud-plastered west wall is covered with relief designs in floral motifs. Both bespeak the Swati's love of decoration.
Bahrain:
Bahrain
is ten kilometres north of Madyan and only slightly higher, at about
1,400 meters (4,500 feet). It is another popular riverside tourist resort,
with bazaars worth exploring for their handicrafts. Some of the houses
have carved wooden doors, pillars and balconies. These show a remarkable
variety of decorative motifs, including floral scrolls and bands of
ornamental diaper patterns almost identical to those seen on Buddhist
shrines and quite different from the usual Muslim designs. Kalam:
Kalam,
29 kilometres (18 miles) from Bahrain and about 2,000 meters (6,800 feet)
above sea level, the valley opens out, providing rooms for a small but
fertile plateau above the river. In Kalam the Ushu and Utrot rivers join
to form the Swat river. Here, the metalled road ends and shingle road
leads to the Ushu and Utrot valleys. From Matiltan one gets a breath-taking
view of the snow-capped Mount Falaksir 5918 meters (19,415 ft.), and another
un-named peak 6096 meters (20,000 ft.) high.
PTDC
offers motel accommodation in Miandam, Kalam and Besham. for booking please
contact: PTDC Motels, Ground Floor, Block 4-B, Markaz F-7, Bhitai Road,
Islamabad. Tel: (92) (51) 111 555 999.
Kalam,
is the most beautiful part of the Swat valley. The galaxy of about 150
hotels, land of water falls, lakes, pastures, site of hiking and glaciers,
having all the latest facilities of the modren age. Surrounded by lush
green mountains, covered with forests and vegetation, a diverse and oldest
cultural values to witness and above all the friendly and hospetile people.
strawberries are found every where in the forests of Kalam. Don't forget
to have a gesture of it. See you there at the top of the mountains
Ushu Valley:
Ushu Valley:
The
valleys of Ushu, Utrot and Gabral beyond Kalam, constitute some of the
most beautiful parts of Swat. There is good trout fishing around Utrot.
Foreign tourists are advised to contact the local police authorities at
Kalam before preceding to the valleys of Ushu, Utrot and Gabral. Swat is ideal for camping, trekking and mountaineering. Permits are necessary, and can be obtained from the Tourism Division, Government of Pakistan, Markaz F-7, Islamabad.
The waters of the Swat River around Kalam and in the valleys of Ushu and Gabral abound in brown trout. Fishing licenses must be obtained from the office of the Assistant Commissioner, Fisheries at Madyan and Kalam.
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.
The
valleys of Utrot and Gabral beyond Kalam, constitute some of the most
beautiful parts of Swat. There is good trout fishing around Utrot. Foreign
tourists are advised to contact the local police authorities at Kalam
before preceding to the valleys of Utrot and Gabral.
Swat is ideal for camping, trekking and mountaineering. Permits are necessary, and can be obtained from the Tourism Division, Government of Pakistan, Markaz F-7, Islamabad.
The waters of the Swat River around Kalam and in the valleys of Utrot and Gabral abound in brown trout. Fishing licenses must be obtained from the office of the Assistant Commissioner, Fisheries at Madyan and Kalam.
Swat is ideal for camping, trekking and mountaineering. Permits are necessary, and can be obtained from the Tourism Division, Government of Pakistan, Markaz F-7, Islamabad.
The waters of the Swat River around Kalam and in the valleys of Utrot and Gabral abound in brown trout. Fishing licenses must be obtained from the office of the Assistant Commissioner, Fisheries at Madyan and Kalam.
Lakes
of Swat Valley:
Mohodand
Lake is on a jeep trek from Kalam passing through Ushu Jungle and Mutiltan
Valley. It is a very worth seen place. You can see many water falls on
the way to Mohodand Lake.
Kundalo
Lake:
It is
in Utrot valley.One day trek from Kalam will take you to Kundalo Lake.
It is still untouch lake.It is full of trout and one can do fishing in
it.
