The hills were calling

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 one of the greenest 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.

Swat is a place for leisure lovers, 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 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 than 10% of the area excavated. One can explore some of those sites in a half-day tour of Swat.



Islamabad to Swat is approximately 250 kms and 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 but that can extend the trip to around 8 hours.


Tourist Attractions in Swat

Marghazar


Marghazar 16 km away from Saidu Sharif is famous for its Sufed Mahal the white marble palace built by the first Wali (ruler) of Swat.

It used to be the ruler's summer residence. Elizabeth II (Queen of England) and Prince Philip (Duke of Edinburgh) were also hosted there in 1961. Elizabeth II described it as "the Switzerland of the East" during the visit. The marble used to build White Palace was the same marble, which was used to build Taj Mahal. It was turned into a hotel.

Fizagat Park


Fizagat Park is a recreation arena for the tourists and the locals situated at 1 kilometer from Mingora city. Situated along the bank of the River Swat, tourists enjoy the bath and pleasant climate in summer

Malam Jabba


Malam Jabba is a Hill Station in the lower Swat mountain ranges nearly 42 km from Saidu Sharif in Swat Valley. It is 314 kms from Islamabad and 51 km from Saidu Sharif Airport. Malam Jabba is home to the largest ski resort in Pakistan. On the main Madyan-Kalam road, the road turns to the right at Manglor town (12 km from Saidu Sharif), for the Malam-Jabba Dara which has a villages like Salanda, Jehanabad, Talegraam, Badar, Ser, Malam, Kishora, , and finally Jabba. Malam is a small village, which comes prior to Kishora village on the main Malam-Jabba road. Malam is nearly 17 km from Manglor while Kishora is at 18 km distance. Jabba is the uppermost part of the whole Dara. The Malam Jabba ski resort, owned by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, has a ski slope of about 800m with the highest point of the slope 2804 m (9200 ft.) above sea level.

The resort was equipped with modern facilities including roller/ice-skating rinks, chair lifts, skiing platforms, telephones and snow clearing equipment.

Unfortunately, the Taliban destroyed the resort when they were in hold in Swat valley. Now that writ of the government has been reinstated and peace established, tourism has picked up. The government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) has awarded the tender for rebuilding the Malam Jabba skiing resort to a private company. Work is going on in full swing and is almost completed. Skiing has already been restored and a skiing festival was held in Jan as well.






Saidu Sharif and Mingora


At the elevation of 990 metres, Mingora and Saidu Sharif are twin-towns merged into each other. Mingora is the biggest town in Swat with all the main markets, bus stands, hotels, restaurants and shopping malls etc.; while Saidu Sharif is the administrative capital of Swat. Over time, Mingora has become heavily congested and relatively hot in summer as compared to Saidu Sharif. The Bazaars of Mingora are fascinating and worth exploring for woven woolen shawls, jackets and caps, handicrafts, old silver jewelry, old carpets, stones, dry fruits and much more. Saidu Sharif also has many schools, colleges, hospitals and government offices. Swat Serena Hotel, Swat Museum and Butkara remains are also located in Saidu Sharif.

Being capital city of picturesque Swat valley. Saidu Sharif is the principal seat of administration for looking after and managing regional government affairs several colleges, schools, government offices are situated here. Swat museum, the tomb of the Akhund of Swat, beautifully built buildings of Swat State era. Especially Jehan Zeb College, wooden building of Mehmankhana and archeological sites of Butkara I, two and three are worth seeing places in Saidu Sharif.

Mingora the center of economic activities and the only urban area of the valley is adjacent to Saidu Sharif that offers traditional, Pakistani and western food outlets, restaurants and hotels. Locally produced beautifully displayed at its main bazaar, shops, show rooms etc. include semi-precious stones, embroidered dresses, hand woven ladies’ shawls, bed sheets and woodwork. Traditional ornaments and antiques are available at shops. Visitors on trips to Swat valley usually stroll in its bazaars for shopping at the end of their journey can find emerald mines in hills northward of the city famous worldwide for their expensive and valuable emeralds.

Swat Museum


Swat Museum is located on main Mingora-Saidu Sharif road. This museum has a huge collection of Gandhara sculptures from the Buddhist sites in Swat. The original museum was constructed by the Department of Archaeology and Museums in 1958, when a twin museum was inaugurated in Rome.

The building was severely damaged by the 2005 earthquake as well as a bomb blast in 2009. The Italian archaeological mission in Pakistan has beautifully restored the museum and it is open for public again.

Bahrain


This riverside small town, at a distance of 66 km from Saidu Sharif and just 10 km from Madyan, is most frequently visited resort because of its location on the road leading to other beautiful resorts. A humming bazaar with shops. Eateries and hotels make it a popular place.

Household traditional decoration items are available at shops, eateries and hotels make it a popular place. Architectural beauty is fully evident in wooden-made pillars and fixtures of mosques and buildings arousing interest of visitors. Nearby valleys, full of lush green thick jungles offer hiking on narrow mountainous paths.

Kalaam


Being home town of Kohistani inhabitants, Kalam is like an earthly paradise in Swat Valley. Located at a distance of 40 km from Bahrain, Kalam is the main town of this region presenting one of the most panoramic natural beauties. The people known as Kohistani are its original inhabitants proud of their own language and still unchanged traditions. A fascinating view of Falaksair Peak with its melting snow even during summers is breathtaking. The journey is incomplete without seeing and going to Mahodand, a famous lake, about 23 km beyond Matiltan.

 

The picturesque Kalam provides road access to reach magnificent valleys of Ushu, Utrot and Gabral, where journey through green forests and beautiful view of landscape is mesmerizing. Rivers and lakes at Kalam offer good trout fishing as well.

Bashigram


Bashigram Lake is situated to the east of Bashigram valley near Madyan The road to this valley is partly metaled for vehicles. It takes almost forty to fifty minutes to reach this picturesque valley inhibited by simple and hospitable folk. From here. Trekking of four to five hours. Depending on professionalism and enthusiasm of the trekkers lands you in the realm of a serene and enchanting lake of Bashigram.

The above mentioned are the most visited places in Swat Valley, but it is home to a lot of other hidden gems too that need to be explored. Plan a trip of around a week to ten days if you want to fully explore the region.

The Pearl Valley

Azad Kashmir “Heaven on Earth” and “Switzerland of East” is known for its mesmerizing sceneries, tranquil waterfalls, flowering meadows, snow caped mountains and clear pure lakes. Each valley and district of Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) is awe-inspiring and deserves to be appreciated for its natural beauty. Our visit to Rawalakot was as amazing it was with Muzaffarabad.

Kashmir

About Rawalakot:

Rawalakot is also known as “Pearl Valley” situated in the heart of district Poonch of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). It appeared to be Saucer shaped valley and it altitude is 1615 meters high. It is 76 Kilometers far form Kohala and is linked to Islamabad via Azad Pattan and Muzafarabad. Alternate route is to take Guoien Nullah road that is recently constructed between Rawlakot and Azad Patan, road has immensely reduced time to get Rawalakot. It usually takes three and half hour drive from Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Rawalakot. 

Rawalakot

Rawalakot weather is always fluctuating and seems to be erratic. Temperature varies from 16C to 24C in summers, there is heavy snowfall by the end of the November and the whole month of December it usually last throughout January. If you are rain lover the best time to visit Rawalakot is to around the month from April to June.

 

There are small hotels available all over Rawalakot for stay, they are mostly owned by Government, it would be appropriate to make reservations for rooms in advance as these accommodations are mostly used by government officials on their tours. 

Rawalakot is also famous for its educational institutes such as Agriculture University and several colleges and secondary educational institutes. The tourism is at its peak there several activities ranging form trekking, hiking, paragliding and water based activities.  

How to get Rawalakot:

Rawalakot is accessible through Islamabad/Rawalpindi by a three and a half hour long drive. You can leave for Kohala around 7.00AM from Islamabad and reach Azad Pattan than take Guoien Nalla road to finally get Rawalakot. 

Places to Visit:

Poonch is the district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) at the very heart of which lies Rawalakot, its beauty says it all and is referred as “Pearl Valley” and “The Valley of Pearl”. The best advice we can give you is that you have the accurate knowledge of the city when visiting however navigation around city is not that difficult. Some of the must see places are Banjosa Lake, Toli Peer, Poonch River, Tata Pani, Bagh and Ghori Mar.

Banjosa Lake:

Banjosa is a beautiful lake surrounded by lush green mountains offering spectacular views. A few rest houses are constructed in the surroundings of this lake. Some tuck shops are also present at the lake but not properly managed and arranged. Weather is pleasant in summer and occasional snowfall in winter. The lake is located on Banjosa Road, 19 kilometer away from Rawalakot City in Tehsil Hajira, District Poonch, (AJK).

Banjosa Lake

Tolipeer:

Tolipeer is the premier mountainous site in the northeastern region of Rawalakot; it is the point of origin of three different mountain ranges. The tourist rest house on the way up to Tolipeer is also placed in a picturesque scene. There are some relics of an old mazar on the uppermost hilltop. Tolipeer is most accessible during the months of summer; the weather gets really chilly from end of the year in October and lasts till March. The temperature stats to decrease around spring and environment gets really healthy to ones who visit Tolipeer can never ever forgets it.

Tolipeer

Tolipeer Guest House

Poonch River:

The river provides visitors with attractive views of clear water fronts. The river is quite wide and green land right by the side of the river is best spot for outdoor picnic. The weather is pleasant in summers but it gets hot as we move to the month of July while it gets really chilly during winters. This site is located 35 kilometers form Rawalakot at Hajira Kotli Road. People who are fond of natural beauty of water is in for treat for the mesmerizing views of habor.

Poonch River

Hot Spring (Tatta Pani):

On the right side of Poonch river lies Tatta Pani, it is almost 20 kilometers away from Hajira, you can reach Tatta Pani via Hajira-Mandol road and alternate road you can take is from Kotli it almost 26 kilometers. Tatta Pani means “Hot Spring” as well due to its recognition for its “Sulpher Water Springs”. Since the ancient time people know the miraculous/therapeutic property of this water and come from all over to take a dip into the Sulphur springs: this water provides relief from joint pains, fatigue and stress and skin disease. As per test reports hot spring water has got 37 precious minerals which has got therapeutic medicinal values. During winter season a large number of people visit this place daily to have hot water bath for the cure of Skin and rheumatic ailments.

Tatta Pani (Hot Spring)

Bagh:

The town of Bagh is located 48 kilometers away from Rawalakot, this town is located on the union of two mini nullahs, i.e. Malwani & Mall, which flow all the year round.  “Haji Peer Pass” is located about 32 kilometers away from Bagh and is linked through metaled road. All necessities are available is Bagh Bazar, different hotels are available for the visitors to stay the night.

Dirkot Park- Bagh

Paniola:

About 17 kilometers form Rawalakot and 52 kilometers away from Kohala is located Paniola, the sites has known for its charming and clam environment, likewise AJK Tourism Department has constructed many rest houses over here as well, the views here are out of the world.

Paniola

Koyian:

It is 17 kilometers far away from Rawalakot and it is surrounded by dense forests, it seems to be the perfect spot for the stay and tourist rest house has been constructed by Tourism department.

Restaurants:

When visiting Kashmir it is your duty to enjoy there delicacies, most famous dish of Rawalakot is Tawa Ghosth. The best places to enjoy meals are Rawalkot International Hotel and Restaurant and Dhara Resturant.

 

Rawalkot International Hotel and Restaurant

Places to shop:

Rawalakot bazaar is the most visited and one of the busiest markets. Rawalakot has a downtown area, which consists of shops selling everything from groceries to electronic goods. Handicrafts, carpets, wood carvings, mushrooms apples and other fruits are the mostly purchased by tourists.

Rawalakot is only know for its beauty but also for the lively people that resides within, they are supportive in nature especially women, if until now you have not made your mind to visit, here is something that will push you over the edge.

It is every Pakistani dream to visit Azad Kashmir, it was mine the same, I was lucky enough to get to be part of such experience but there still a lot for me and my friends to explore not only in Rawalakot but other valleys of Azad Kashmir. My thoughts on the way back from every visit to Rawalakot was nothing but of serenity, it made me realize not matter where I will be I can always find my way to my paradise.

Travelling To Bahawalpur

It was an autonomous state until the making of Pakistan 1947. The town of Bwp was worked in around 1780 on an old site. It was Nawab Bahawal Khan I (1746 to 1749) who established the framework of Baghdad-ul-jadidin 1748 and made it as his capital. His decision period was about 3 years and was buried in the memorial park of Malook Shah. The chronicled record demonstrates that before the Sikh standard in Punjab the zone of Bwp was a lot more prominent. Aside from the whole Dera Ghazi Khan locale. A few sections of Sukkur, Multan, Sahiwal and Muzzafargarh locale were likewise incorporated into it.
Beside past, it is currently a significantly more created city of Pakistan. It has turned into a Mega city regarding Real Estate, Parks, Markets, and Institutions. A wide range of offices are away just by a telephone call.
Recently structured home perspectives. Bazaars look particular, weaved fabrics, shoes and the fragile privately made filigree stoneware. Created streets, condition, and green belts make the city wonderful

Places to visit

Nur Mahal

Nur Mahal is an extremely delightful castle (mahal) work by Nawab Sadiq, the previous leader of Bahawalpur. It is utilized by the military and nonnatives are not permitted to enter. The development of the castle was finished in 1875 at an expense of Rs 1.2 million. It covers a zone of 44,600 square feet. There are 32 rooms incorporating 14 in the basement, 6 verandas, and 5 vaults.

Tomb of mir jindan

Tomb of Mai Jindan is a standout amongst the most renowned milestones of Pakistan

Lal suhanra

The excursion to Lal Suhanra National Park is intriguing for naturalists. The recreation center was created in 1972, is the home of numerous creatures and flying creatures, including the uncommon chinkara gazelle and abundant wild hog

Darbar mahal

The Darbar Mahal is a notable fortification situated in the Pakistani city of Bahawalpur. The city is nevertheless its grounds are a well known vacation spot as they give closeness and magnificent perspective of the engineering that takes after that of the old Mughalai Forts.

Gulzar mahal

The development of Gulzar Mahal was likewise affirmed in the meantime of Darbar and Nur Mahal. Its engineering is on the comparable lines and the intention is likewise same. It is outstanding amongst other vacation destinations present in Bahawalpur

Sadiq garh palace

This is the main Palace which is better than the rest as far as class and brilliance. Its development took very nearly 10 years before it was finished and the expense caused to fabricate this was 15 Lac Rupees. It is a great Palace with rich green yards with excellent plants and blossoms

Bhawalpur museum

This historical center exists since 1976 comprising of archaic exploration, craftsmanship, legacy, current history and religion. When you visit Bahawalpur the historical center has a great deal to offer as far as vacation spot.

Jamia Masjid Al Sadiq

It is a lovely mosque with a dazzling design. It is white as marble with two gigantic columns (Minars). The marble is liable to excellent calligraphy of the names of Allah and sections of the Quran. The mosque was built up it can suit 50000 to 60000 individuals at one time

Bhawalpur Museum

Regularly known as "Sher Bagh" exists since 1942 on 25 sections of land of land. There are lions, tigers, hyenas, pelicans, cranes, geese, peafowl, dark buck, hoard deer, nilgai, European dear, chinkara and European mouflon enclosures. The visit to the zoo is intriguing when we hear the hints of various creatures and watch them move around, it turns into a fascinating site for the sightseers, particularly youngsters.

Famous Resturants in bhawalpur

Like all Punjabis, this city holds sustenance in high regard, with different renowned luxuries ascribed to this city. Following are probably the most visited and supported places in Bahawalpur.

Chicken cottage

Situated at the Railway street, the eatery is an absolute necessity visit for old and youthful alike. Despite the fact that it's a drive-thru food eatery, it has peculiarly different fan following and the sustenance is finger licking great.

Zanzibar food club

Another hot most loved cheap food club to join this rundown is Zanzibar sustenance club, situated on the roundabout street. Open 12 hours every day, it serves sizzling, tasty sustenance, from burgers to pasta and pizzas, this joint truly is the best the town brings to the table.

Four season resturant

Cheap food eateries might give different places around the local area a keep running for their cash, yet four season eatery truly transcends the opposition by giving the most heavenly nearby dishes and mainland menu, including a plume in their effectively decorated top. Arranged on the Muhammad container Qasim Road, it gives an easygoing and comfortable condition and can house a few major families at one time.

Famous Foods

The native of bhawalpur used to eat meat with great interest. The food includes

·         Seekh kabab

·         Tikka

·         Karahi gosht

·         Nihari

Dresses

The dress is an important part of culture of any region.the dress worn by the people of bhawalpur includes

·         Kurta

·         Embroided shirt

·         Chadar

·         Turban

·         Women mostly wear ghaghra

Footwear

Khussa is the most popular foottwear in bhawalpur