MINGORA, Dec 07 (APP/DNA):Draped in blankets of shimmering snow and echoing with the laughter of families escaping the monotony of city life, the valley of Swat often hailed as the Switzerland of Pakistan, has once again transformed into a magnet for winter tourism.
But this year, more than ever, travelers arrived mostly from plains districts of KP, Punjab and Islamabad said it’s the valley’s seven distinctive features that make it an unrivaled winter destination of Pakistan.
From heavy snowfall to Gandhara-era treasures, and from water rafting to skiing, paragliding, besides trout and river rafting, Swat offers a blend of adventure, culture, and serenity unmatched elsewhere in the country.
Standing at the edge of Kalam’s snow-laden landscape, property dealer Nasir Khan from Peshawar couldn’t hide his excitement.
“Swat is my favorite winter tourist destination. Its seven distinctive features, especially the intensity of snowfall at Kalam and Oshu Valley, are hard to find anywhere else in Pakistan,” he said, sipping warm as cold wave griped Kalam valley.
Kalam, Oshu, Malam Jabba, and Mahudhand remain on top of winter travelers’ lists, offering postcard perfect views and ideal conditions for skiing and other snow sports.
No winter trip to Swat is complete without savoring freshly grilled trout caught from the icy Swat River. Many tourists can be spotted taking selfies with their trout platters before digging in.
Educationist Umar Khan from Nowshera, visiting Malam Jabba with friends, described the moment as unforgettable and highly measmerizing.
“My dream came true today. The valleys, the peaks, the snow—everything feels magical,” he said with a smile wide enough to challenge the mountain horizon.
His group plans to head next to Kalam, drawn by its higher snowfall and the serenity of Gabral and Mahodhand lakes.
The 150-kilometer stretch of the Swat River, fed by glaciers and lakes, offers rare winter rafting opportunities in Fazagut, Fatehpur, Barikot, and Chakdara.
Experts say that if these spots are developed on modern lines, they could attract thousands more adventure seekers each winter.
Swat’s tall, snow-covered mountain ranges Falakser, Mankial, and Elum peaks provide mountaineers and trekkers with thrilling challenges. The region’s famed Deodar forests and diverse wildlife add a touch of wilderness that nature lovers cherish.
While adventure draws many visitors, others come seeking history. Salahuddin Khan, who traveled from Kohat with his family, said, “we came for snowfall and trout fish, but also to revisit the Gandhara artifacts. The treasures at Saidu Sharif Museum are unmatched and this museum was must visit site for lovers of Gandhara art.”
Archaeologists and Buddhist monks frequently visit Swat, drawn by its rich Gandhara heritage sprinkled across ancient sites.
The Swat Motorway has drastically improved accessibility, allowing tourists from Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and beyond to reach the valley with ease. Despite poor road conditions in upper regions, travelers said the journey is worth every twist and turn.
Holiday weekends see streets filled with tourists from across Punjab and KP, bundled in overcoats, filling markets, ski slopes, and trout eateries.
While tourism soars, many visitors voice concerns about rising hotel prices and demanded that it may be regulated on the patterns of Murree.
Rooms in Kalam now range between Rs10,000 and Rs15,000, while Malam Jabba hotels charge Rs8,000 to Rs12,000 per night.
Tourists urged authorities to regulate prices to ensure Swat remains accessible for all.
The tourists said that poor link roads in Swat and Kumrat Valleys have negatively impacted tourism’s revenue.
According to a KP Tourism Department spokesman, several major initiatives are planned including Kalam Winter Gala and Malam Jabba skiing snow sports besides first-ever winter sports rafting at River Swat and paragliding event.
New tourist zones planned at Sola Tanar, Puchar, and Jargo and six new tourist facilitation centers established besides 15 jeepable tracks proposed in Malakand & Hazara and a dedicated tourism wing for merged areas established.
These developments aim to reduce the load on Kalam, Malam Jabba, and Bahrain, while promoting sustainable ecotourism.
Whether it’s the thrill of skiing down Malam Jabba’s slopes, the taste of fresh trout by the riverside, the spiritual calm of ancient Gandhara sites, or simply watching children build snowmen under a pale winter sun, Swat offers an experience that touches the heart.
As the snowfall intensifies and winter deepens in next few months, one thing is clear that Swat remains Pakistan’s crown jewel of winter tourism—unique not for just one feature, but for seven, making it a mesmerizing winter tourism destination of Pakistan.
