Around Swat Valley

Miandam (Swat Valley):

At 1,830 m above sea level, Miandam Valley is 50 km from Saidu Sharif and recommended for those looking for a peaceful place full of fragrance and scenic beauty.

Ushu, Matiltan and Mahodand Lake ( Upper Swat Valley):
This is the most spectacular area of upper Swat Valley. While staying overnight at Kalam, you can enjoy a day trip by jeep to these beautiful tourist spots. Distance is just 13-16 km from Kalam.

Utrot-Gabral:

Another scenic valley of upper Swat, located 21-29 km from Kalam. The road is jeepable and jeeps can be hired from Kalam. A day trip with picnic lunch is recommended.

Jahanabad Buddha

The Jahanabad Buddha, etched high on a huge rock face in the 6th or 7th century 1,500-year-old Buddha relief in Jahanabad, is one of the largest such carvings in South Asia. It was attacked in the fall of 2007 when the Pakistani Taliban swarmed across the scenic Swat Valley. The army drove most of them out two years later, but foreign tourists who used to visit the region still tend to stay away.

Shangla Par

District Shangla Par is located in Swat Valley (North Latitude 34-31 to 33-08 and East Longitude 72-33 to 73-01) with its headquarter at Alpuri (8 km from Shangla Top). District Shangla was created out of District Swat on 01-07-1995 and it was fully functional w.e.f. 14-08-2001. The new district consists of two Tehsils namely, Alpuri and Puran.

Shangla Top:

The highest point of the district is Shangla Top (7001 feet or 2,125 meters above sea level), 56 km from Saidu Sharif and 45 km from Besham (Karakoram Highway), connected through a paved single road. The only accommodation available is the Forest Rest House at Shangla Top. It receives an average snowfall from 5 to 8 feet in winter. There is a trout hatchery in Alpuri proper. From Alpuri, on way to village Lilonai, there is a beautiful lake called Bashigram.

Ancient remains of Greek Period Discovered:
Ancient remains of Greek period are discovered at Pirsar. It is said that Alexander of Macedonia stayed here for few days. There some more archaeological finds between Chakaisar and Daut. Alexander reached Indus river passing through Daut. Remains of Hindu Shahi period are also found in Qlandar-Ajmair.

Other Important Places:
Another place worth visiting is Yakhtangi located 28 km away from Shangla Top at an altitude of 6,000 ft. or 1,820 m. above sea level. It takes about 40 minutes by car to reach Yakhtangi from Shangla Top. There is a Forest Rest House with two rooms at Yakhtangi. However, there is a shortage of running water and only source of water are Nullahs.

Other important places of the district are Chakaisar and Karora (3000-3500 ft./ 910-1060 m. above sea level).

Madyan & Bahrain

Both the towns are a good stop-over while travelling from Saidu Sharif to Kalam. Madyan is famous for its trout hatcheries and Bahrain for its meeting

of two rivers and its handicrafts.

Accommodation:

There are several reasonably priced motels to choose from located next to the Swat River where fisherman can be seen wading in the river netting fish, and horses can be seen crossing carrying supplies to the villages on the outskirts.

Kalam Valley (Paradise On Earth)

The most popular tourist spot in Swat Valley (2,073 m) is 100 km away from Saidu Sharif. Kalam valley is located in upper Swat. Lush green pastures and natural vegetation make this beautiful place a paradise on earth.

PTDC’s Seasonal Coach Service:
In addition to PTDC’s seasonal coach service, there is a regular private bus and van service between Mingora and Kalam.

Attractions:
There are numerous beautiful lakes in the vicinity to visit such as the Kalam, Mahodand, Kundol, spin Khod, Dhen Pat, Dishai, and Izmiz, and pastures to many to mention, and famous mountains Lig, Chileesh, Falak Sher Peak 5,918 m (19,416 ft), Shahoo, Chumareen, and Chorat are just to mention a few.