The beauty of the world is incomplete without Pakistan, and in the same case, the beauty of Pakistan is incomplete without Swat Valley. The northern region of Pakistan in particular is exemplary in its natural beauty. Swat valley is also part of this which has many names due to its serene natural beauty and charismatic allure.
It is known as Paradise on Earth, Switzerland of Pakistan, Valley of Kings, Land of Stupas, Fare dwelling Place, and many more. In 1961, British Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Swat called Swat “Switzerland of the East” due to its landscape similarities with Switzerland.
Swat valley is one of the best tourist attractions in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, which is close to the Afghan-Pakistan border. The capital of Swat is Saidu Sharif. Several cultural groups are living in Swat which the most prominent ones are Pakhtuns, Yusufzais, Gujars, and Awans, and the main language spoken is Pashto/Pakhto. The valley is also the hometown of Peace Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai.
Swat valley offers one of the most magnificent and peaceful views of majestic landscapes such as lush green forests, splendid mountains, exquisite meadows, ancient stupas, freshwater lakes, and magical waterfalls. The highest peak in Swat Valley is Falak Sher/Sar Peak which is 5918 meters. This all together makes it a heaven for tourism in Pakistan.
The region is also very popular for hiking, trekking, camping, zip-lining, and cable car riding in summer. It’s also famous for winter sports activities to enjoy skiing, ice skating, ice hockey, bandy, snowboarding, speed skating, curling, etc. The altitude of the Valley is 975.36 meters.
Swat valley will give you a lifetime experience. No doubt it is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world.
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Location of the Valley
Swat valley is located in the northwest mountains of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. It lies in the strategic region where South Asia, Central Asia, and China meet. The valley is about 160 km from Peshawar and 180 km from the capital city Islamabad Pakistan.
History of Swat Valley
The history of swat is very rich, dating back to about 2000 BC. It was known in ancient times as Oddiyana and later the name was changed to Suvastu. The valley was occupied by Buddhists in the second century BC. In 327 BC, Alexander the Great conquered the area. The area remained very peaceful until the 11th century AD.
After that time, it was conquered by Mahmud of Ghazni and was eventually occupied by the Dilazak and later, the Yusufzais. In the 19th century, Swat valley was under Akhund Sahib who controls the land. At this time the conflict finally stopped, the economy of swat valley thrived due to trade, business, and agriculture, and all of the rules changed under peaceful Muslim laws.
Swat state was a rich and independent state recognized in 1849 which is historically known as the State of Yousafzai. Late in 1969, the state of Swat merged with Pakistan.
In the 1990s the conflicts again started that affected the attractions of the Valley. In 2008 The Pakistan army took control of the situation and restore peace in this area. Another factor that also diminishes the tourism industry includes the flood in 2010. But now the situation is changing and the area is considered peaceful and even well established.
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Buddhism in Swat Valley
Swat valley reflects hundreds of years of Buddhist history and is one of the major hubs of Buddhist pilgrimage. There are many Buddhist carvings, viharas, monasteries, and stupas scattered all around the valley.
These sites grab the attention of a large number of tourists from all around the world. Even today almost 400 Buddhist stupas and monasteries may still be seen in Swat. The stupas and monasteries are mostly built higher on the hills.
Hotels in Swat Valley
The valley is coming back to life and Welcomes tourists with an open heart. There are many comfortable hotels includes Swat Serena Hotel, Pameer Hotel Mingora, White Palace hotel, Swat Continental Hotel, Sangam Hotel, New Honeymoon Hotel, Swat Regency Hotel, Rockcity Resort Swat, Hotel Miandam Palace Swat, Hill City Fizaghat, Swat View Hotel, and many others.
The best time to visit the Swat valley is From March till October due to very pleasant weather.
Some specialities of Swat
Swat valley has some specialities that make it unique from other regions of the country. It is famous for handmade items such as ornaments, wooden furniture, handicraft, decorative household articles, and many other items.
The region is also known for its unique culture. Swati embroidery has great worth which is famous all over the country. The blankets, shawls, pillow covers, bed sheets, table cloths, veils, headscarves, and handkerchiefs are decorated by talented Swati women’s.
The valley is producing delicious fruits such as apples, peaches, plum, cherry, and dry fruits are very famous all over the country and abroad also. While visiting Swat do not forget to visit another wonder in KPK Lake Saif ul Malook.
