Introduction
Swat is a
fabulous valley and a famous tourist destination located in the upper
north region of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. Swat district is
situated at a distance of 247 Km (153 Miles) from the capital city of Islamabad
at an approximate travel time of 3 hours via Motorway. Swat is
best known as the Switzerland of the east and is commonly known as “Paradise on
the Earth” for its spectacular natural beauty spread across its area. The upper
Swat is specifically famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse
wildlife. Swat is renowned for its lush green scenic landscapes, alpine
snow-peaked mountains, clear water springs & streams, and picturesque
meadows. In addition, the pollution-free atmosphere, inviting weather, charming
& hospitable people, winter sports activities, and its well-known sky
resort are also among the prominent captivating features of Swat.
The Mountain of Swat
Swat is also famous for its
majestic mountains located among the foothills of the Hindu Kush mountain range
where you can go hiking, trekking, walking, and even meditating. The elevation
of the Swat river valley, at the southern boundaries of the district, is over
600 m and rises rapidly towards the north. There are several mountain peaks
ranging from 4500 to over 6000 m above sea level. The Swat region, containing
the meandering Swat River, is also home to lush green valleys, snow-covered
glaciers, forests, meadows, and plains. The district has varying geology.
The Lakes
of Swat
Swat is
blessed with nature’s beautiful lakes. Its mesmerizing lakes not only add to
the scenic beauty but are also popular attractions among visitors and locals
for fishing, hiking, water sports or simply relaxing in the beauty of nature.
Lakes in Swat carry a rich history with them, and great tales of myths add to
the magic of their landscapes. The breathtaking views of the beauty of lakes in
Swat and it’s freshwaters make them a perfect stop. The swat has numerous ponds
and many majestic large freshwater lakes. The valley has nearly 35 famous
lakes, each of them being unique with its lure and sparkling landscapes. These
lakes are home to numerous species of plants and wildlife.
Weather
& Climate of Swat
The Swat
weather actually tends to be quite moderate and changeable but is rarely
extremely hot. Despite being a relatively small valley, one of the most
surprising things about the Swat climate is just how much it varies from one
region to another. You might experience ‘four seasons in one day, but travel
20-30 minutes in any direction, and the weather is generally completely
different! When it is Spring season in Swat, you can expect average maximum
temperatures to range from approximately 7°C to 13 °C during the months of
March, April, and May. Summer months in Swat i.e. June, July, and August are
normally the warmest months, with average maximum temperatures ranging from approximately
15°C to 17°C. In the Autumn (or Fall), Swat is likely to experience
temperatures ranging from around 8°C to 14°C from September to November. December,
January, and February are generally the coldest months in Swat, with the
average maximum temperature usually around 5°C
Best Time to Visit Swat
Best time to visit Swat Valley is from the mid of March till the
end of May when the weather is mostly mild. June till the end of August is
generally a more suitable time to visit swat when the lower regions of Pakistan
are under intense heat waves and shelter in this refreshingly cool valley is
needed the most. The best time for skiing and other winter sports is from
December till the end of February when especially the upper regions of swat are
under a good snow cover which makes it ideal for skiing and winter sports
activities.
In conclusion, March to November is a more ideal time
to visit swat for family tours with children, school holidays, city breaks,
shot & weekend breaks, etc. December till February is the best time to
visit Swat for winter sports or for winter holidays and adventures.
Swat is
Safe Place for Tourists
Swat is a
peaceful safe place for both domestic and foreign tourists. The locals are keen
to see foreign visitors as their local economy is mostly dependent on tourism.
The people of swat are humble and historically they have a great tendency
toward hospitality whether you are a domestic or international tourist.
Islamabad
to Swat Travel Distance By Road
The
distance between Islamabad and Swat (Mingora) is around 230 km (143 miles). The
route between Islamabad and Swat is mostly covered by M1 and M16 motorways with
a travel time of roughly 3 hours.
Visit
Swat By Air
Saidu
Sharif Airport is opened for catering flights from all major cities of
Pakistan.
Famous
Tourist Places of Swat
- Saidu
Sharif
- Mingora
Bazar
- Bahrain
- Madyan
- Kalam
- Malam
Jabba
- Gabin
Jabba
- The
White Palace of Swat at Marghazar
Great
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