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The Lush-green valley of Swat,
with its rushing torrents, icy-cold lakes, fruit-laden orchards
and flower-decked slopes is ideal for holiday-makers intent
on relaxation. It has a rich historical past, too.
This is "Udayana" (the "Garden") of
the ancient Hindu epics; "the land of enthralling beauty"
where Alexander of Macedonia fought and won some of his major
battles before crossing over to the plains of Pakistan. This
is "the valley of |
the hanging chains" described
by the famous Chinese pilgrim-chroniclers, Huain Tsang and
Fa-Hian in the fifth and sixth centuries.
Swat was once the cradle of Buddhism of all its schools-
Little Vehicle, Great Vehicle and the Esoteric sects where
once 1,400 monasteries flourished. It was the home of the
famous Gandhara School of Sculpture which was an expression
of Graeco-Roman form in the local Buddhist tradition.
| Swat was also the historical
land where the Muslim conquerors, Mahmud of Ghazni, Babur
and Akbar fought their battles preparatory to the conquest
of the South Asia. The ruins of great Buddhist stupas,
monasteries and statues are found all over Swat.The valley
of Swat sprawls over 10,360 sq. kms at an average elevation
of 975 metres. |
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The maximum temperature in July is 38 C and minimum (during
January) is 1 C. The normal temperature is maximum 21 C and
minimum 7 C. The tourist season is year-round.
Swat Valley is divided into 3 main areas, Saidu Sharif, Mingora
and Kalam.
Saidu Sharif
Headquarters of Swat Valley, Saidu Sharif houses the Swat
Museum which contains one of the finest collections of Gandhara
art in the world.
Mingora
3 kms From Saidu Sharif, has yielded magnificent
pieces of Buddhist sculpture and the ruins of great stupas.
Other beauty spots worth visiting are Marghzar, 13kms from
Saidu Sharif, famous for its "Sufed Mahal" or White
Palace, the white marble palace of the former Wali (ruler)
of Swat; Kabl, 16 kms from Saidu Sharif with its excellent
golf course, Madyan, 55 kms from Saidu Sharif, Bahrain, Miandam
and Kalam. Malam Jabba, at 2,636 metres above sea level and
45 kms north-east of Saidu Sharif is being developed as a
ski-cum-summer resort.
Kalam Vally:
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
Kalam valley lies Fifty kilometers from Miandam , the heart
of the Swat valley. Located along the Swat River, Kalam is
by far the most popular destination in these parts. The PTDC
Motel overlooks the entire Kalam Township. The panoramic view
is simply breath taking and the ideal place to see it is from
the Motel restaurant, famous for its traditional food. A days’
excursion to the charming Ushu and Gabral valleys can be conveniently
arranged. Visit to Mohodand Lake is a lifetime experience
Photos are comming soon
Top
places in Northern Areas
Swat Valley | Gilgit
and Hunza Valleys | Chitral (Kalash
valleys) | Kaghan and Naran |
Skardu and Deosai Plains (Baltistan)
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