Mingora is a bustling city in the Swat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is the third-largest city in the province and the 26th-largest city in the country. Mingora is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine.
In this blog, Graana.com provides a comprehensive guide to Mingora, Swat. We will cover everything from how to get there and where to stay to the best tourist attractions and local delicacies. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about Mingora, such as the best time to visit and how to get around.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor, we hope this blog will help you plan your trip to Mingora and make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
Overview
Mingora, situated in Swat Valley, KPK, Pakistan, is a metropolitan city with a total population of approximately 331,091 (2017 census). This makes it the third-largest city in KPK and the 26th-largest in Pakistan.
Mingora City Bazaar
Mingora City, also referred to as Mingora Bazar, serves as the primary central business hub in the Swat Valley. It’s closely associated with Saidu Sharif, and the two are located just 2.6 kilometres (1.6 miles) apart, essentially functioning as twin cities. These cities, due to their rapid commercial growth and the development of markets, have gradually encroached on each other’s boundaries, resulting in the reduction of their shared buffer zone.
Mingora Swat Hotels
Following are some of the best hotels in Mingora Swat:
- Swat Continental Hotel
- Rock City Resort
- Sharjah Family Hotel
- Grand Holiday Hotel
- Swat Hotel
- Pameer Hotel
- Sukoon Guest House
- Stay Inn Hotel
Islamabad and Mingora Distance
The distance between Mingora and Islamabad is roughly around 230 kilometres (143 miles). If you’re travelling by road, the journey typically takes over three hours. To get to Mingora from Islamabad, start by taking M-1/AH1 from the Srinagar Hwy, which will take about 22 minutes (20.7 km).
Then, continue on M-1/AH1 and M-16 for approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes (171 km) until you reach Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Finally, you will follow the Bahrain Road (also known as N95) to GT Road in Mingora City, Swat, which will take around 1 hour and 2 minutes (38.9 km).
The one-way journey covering 230 kilometres (143 miles) to Mingora, typically takes a little over 3 hours, assuming favourable road, traffic, and weather conditions. Along the M1 and M2, and Swat Motorway, a few service stations offer adequate amenities for brief stops. These motorways to Mingora offer various services and facilities, including restaurants, coffee/tea shops, retail stores, telephone services, restrooms, prayer rooms, and more.
How to Reah Mingora Swat by Air and by Road
Mingora is accessible both by air and road. Here’s how you can reach Mingora by air and by road:
By Air
The closest airport to Mingora is the Saidu Sharif Airport, also known as the Swat Airport. To reach Mingora by air, you can follow these general steps:
Book a Flight: Look for flights to the Saidu Sharif Airport (SWT) from your location. Several domestic airlines operate flights to Swat from major cities in Pakistan, like Islamabad and Peshawar.
Arrival at Saidu Sharif Airport: Upon arrival, you can hire a taxi or rent a car from the airport to reach Mingora. The journey from the airport to Mingora usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.
By Road
Reaching Mingora by road is another viable option. You can follow these general directions:
- Choose a Starting Point: Decide on your starting location, whether it is Islamabad, Peshawar, or any other nearby city.
- Select a Route: Plan your route accordingly. The main roads leading to Mingora are the N-95 and N-45, which connect Mingora to other major cities like Islamabad and Peshawar.
- Transportation Options: You can use various modes of transportation, such as private cars, buses, or taxis. Regular bus services are available from major cities like Islamabad and Peshawar to Mingora.
- Ensure you have the necessary documents and permits if required, and it is advisable to check for any travel advisories or road conditions before your journey.
Top Attractions in Mingora
Mingora offers a limited number of tourist attractions, but your visit to this enigmatic city is just the start of your exploration. As you embark on your journey to discover the attractions in Mingora, you might also want to explore other places in Swat to get a more comprehensive view of the valley’s sightseeing opportunities.
Alternatively, if you’re focusing solely on tourist attractions in Mingora, here are some spots to consider:
- Swat Museum
- Mingora Bypass Restaurants and Hotels
- Fizagat Park
- Main Bazaar Mingora
- Mingora Chena Shopping Market
- Saidu Shareef
Mingora Swat Weather
Mingora experiences relatively warm and mild weather in contrast to the upper regions of Swat. On an annual average, the temperature in Mingora hovers around 66°F (19°C). The hottest period, typically June and July, see average temperatures around 86°F (30°C).
Conversely, the coldest period in Mingora falls during the months of January and February, with average temperatures dropping to 41°F (5°C). During the freezing weather, especially at night, temperatures in Mingora can plummet to sub-zero levels, reaching as low as 5°F (-15°C).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Following are some of the most common questions about Mignora Swat.
Q: What are the popular tourist attractions in Mingora, Swat?
A: Mingora offers various attractions, including the Swat Museum, Mingora Bazaar, Malam Jabba Ski Resort, and the famous Butkara Stupa.
Q: What is the best time to visit Mingora, Swat?
A: The best time to visit Mingora is during the summer, from May to September when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the region’s scenic beauty.
Q: What are the accommodation options available in Mingora, Swat?
A: Mingora provides a range of accommodation options, including hotels, guest houses, and resorts catering to various budgets. Some popular choices are the Swat Serena Hotel, Burj Al-Swat Hotel, and Rock City Resort.
Q: What local delicacies must one try in Mingora, Swat?
A: When in Mingora, try the local Pashtun cuisine, including Chapli Kebabs, Lamb Karahi, and various types of flavorful rice dishes like Kabuli Pulao and Yakhni Pulao.
Q: Are there any adventure activities available in Mingora, Swat?
A: Mingora is an excellent destination for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in activities such as hiking, trekking, and skiing in the nearby Malam Jabba Ski Resort during the winter season.
Q: What are the local modes of transportation in Mingora, Swat?
A: The common modes of transportation in Mingora include local buses, taxis, and rented cars. It is advisable to negotiate fares before hiring any mode of transportation.
Q: Are there any cultural events or festivals celebrated in Mingora, Swat?
A: Mingora celebrates various cultural festivals, including the colourful Swat Cultural Festival, which showcases the vibrant traditions, music, and dance of the Swat Valley.
Q: What nearby places can be visited from Mingora, Swat?
A: Some nearby places worth visiting are Malam Jabba, Fizagat Park, Miandam, and the scenic Kalam Valley, all offering breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor activities.
These FAQs should provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect when visiting Mingora, Swat.
To read about Miandam Swat, visit Graana Blog.
