Swat Valley – Must Visit Scenic and Historical Places

Swat is the most popular destination for Tourists and many visit the area throughout the year. Unlike many regions in Northern Pakistan, Swat roads are always open for transportation. The newly constructed Motorway has made it easier to reach the valley. Swat has a rich history and is one of the scenic places in Pakistan. The traces of the Gandhara Kingdom are present all around the valley. Here are a few of the popular touristic spot you must visit

Swat Map

Malam Jabba – Swat Valley

Malam Jabba is a hill station loacted in the Hindu Kuch range. The valley attracts tourist all year round. In summer the lush green meadows and stream are worth exploring and in winters the area is a must stop for skiing and snow boarding. The region has ski resort and numerous guest houses around the ski slope.  

Malam Jabba – Swat Valley

Takht i Bhai – Swat Valley

Takht-i-Bahi (Throne of Origins) is the most prolific religious and ceremonial complex of the Gandhara Civilization located in Swat Valley Pakistan. It is known as the jewel of Pakistan’s cultural heritage. It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. A visit to Takht-i-Bahi offers a chance to explore the history of the Gandhara Civilization, back when this region was highly civilized, tolerant and peaceful.

It is located  in Takht-i-Bahi of Swat /valley. It is also referred to as the Monastery of Kanishka, the great Kushan King, who ruled Gandhara in the 2nd century CE and was famous for his military, political and spiritual achievements.

Takht i Bahi

Butkara Stupa: 

It is one of the important stupa said t be build by Ashoka during Mauriyan Dynasty. During which Bhuddism spread to Japan, Tibet, Bhutan and China. The ruins are in decline being previously damaged and looted. Many of the remains are in Swat Museum. 

Butkara Ruins Swat Valley

Shingardara Stupa:

Similar to Amlukdara stupa is said to be originated in Kushana times in 2nd to 3rd Century AD.

Shingardara Stupa – Swat Valley Pakistan

Amluk Dara Stupa:

Amluk Dara Stupa is located in the village by the same name and is few kms from the main road. The stupa is high and visible from far. The stupa has been damaged by looter and years of neglect.

Swat Museum

Swat Museum has many important artifacts from the Gandhara Civilization. The Swat valley was centre of Buddhism during Mauriya and Kushana period. Ashoka created the region centre for Buddhism which was spread to other places. Other than Buddhist relics many Swati Artifacts, jewlery and traditional art is showcased.

Swat Museum

Kalam – Swat Valley

North most region in Swat is Kalam valley. It is know for its lush green meadows, pine forests, numerous lakes, and beautiful waterfalls. People stop at the main Kalam city and explore the areas around it. Few of the famous stops are Mohudand Lake, Ushu Valley and Kundol lake. 

Ushu Valley Kalam

Ushu Valley

Ushu Valley is located in Kalam is serene and beautiful valley surrounded by Hindu Kuch mountains and pine forest known as Ushu Forest. The Swat river major tributary flows from this area. The area is accessible via jeep road and a must stop is the Mohudand lake. 

Ushu Valley Swat

Mohudand Lake:

Mahudand lake is located on the Swat River. The lake is accessible by jeep. The lake attracts many people who stop for boating, fishing and to spend their day.

Mahudand Lake – Swat Valley

Kundol Lake:

Kundol Lake is located in Utror Valley. It requires trekking from to reach the Kundol lake. the surroundings are amazing with beautiful mountains and green meadows. From Utror ypu can take a four wheeler till Ladu and then trek for four hours to reach Kundol Lake. 

Kundol Lake – Kalam Valley

Utror Valley

Utror Valley in Swat Pakistan

Izmis Lake:

Izmis Lake is located to in Utror valley in Swat. The lake requires trekking in some of the beautitful meadows adn lush green plain till you reach the lake. It is an amazing and lesser known lakes in Swat Valley. 

Izmis Lake – Kalam

Spin Khwar Lake

Spin Khwar Lake meaning White or clear lake is a beautiful lake hidden in the lap of mountains.  It is located in Utror valley. It flows into the river downhills and is important source of water for the region. You can trek to the lake from Kundol lake and camp by the lake side. One can reach the lake from kundol lake side which is short but very dangerous & steep trek.

Spin Khwar Lake