Source: Graana.com
Kalam Valley, a breathtaking gem in the Swat Valley of Pakistan, is renowned for its captivating natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and thriving tourism appeal. Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the Hindu Kush Mountains, this enchanting valley offers visitors a plethora of experiences, from exhilarating treks to serene camping expeditions and everything in between.
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or an adventurous getaway to explore the wonders of nature, Kalam Valley has something to offer everyone.
In this blog, Graana.com delves into the captivating allure of Kalam Valley, highlighting its top attractions, must-try activities, and practical tips for planning your perfect vacation.
Suvastu, once an ancient and tranquil valley in Pakistan, was initially recognised as Udyana before adopting the name Suvasthi around the 11th century.
Swat’s history traces over 2000 years, witnessing continuous habitation by various communities until the 11th century. The struggle for dominance led to Mahmud of Ghazni’s conquest of the Swat valley. The cycle of land acquisition persisted, eventually falling under the control of Yusufzai tribesmen in the 10th century.
During the 19th century, Swat Valley’s economy flourished primarily due to agriculture and trade. Akhund Sahib, a proponent of Muslim law, transformed it into a significant commercial hub, facilitating the trade of commodities such as livestock, carpets, and more.
The population of Swat Valley totals approximately 1,257,602 individuals, comprising various cultural groups, with the Pakhtuns being the most prominent.
Among them, the Yusufzai community resides, utilising a language derived from ancient Sanskrit, often incomprehensible to others. The Kohistani people also inhabit this region. Renowned as the “mini Switzerland” for its breathtaking natural landscapes, Swat Valley was once among Pakistan’s most sought-after tourist destinations, boasting a thriving tourism industry that provided numerous employment opportunities for the local populace.
However, the valley faced challenges when Taliban incursions led to confrontations between the militants and government forces across different areas, resulting in a decline in tourist footfall and subsequent revenue loss.
The conflict between Sufi Muhammad and his son-in-law emerged in the 1990s as they sought to enforce sharia law in Swat Valley, sparking resistance from many locals. The situation escalated into a full-fledged war in 2008, with the Pakistani army assuming control.
The Kalam festival spans a month, typically occurring in July or August. Tourists flock to the scenic Kalam Valley and Mahodand for this vibrant celebration, showcasing the area’s rich cultural heritage and thriving tourism appeal.
An essential part of the festivities includes all-night folk singing performances, highlighting the region’s traditional musical heritage. In addition, attendees don traditional attire crafted from vibrant, brightly-coloured fabrics tailored explicitly for these festive occasions.
The weather in Kalam Valley experiences a typical mountainous climate. During the summer months, extending from May to September, the weather remains pleasant, with mild to moderate temperatures. This period is ideal for tourism and outdoor activities, as the valley blooms with lush greenery and colourful flowers.
In contrast, the winter season, lasting from November to March, brings cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, making it a suitable time for winter sports enthusiasts and snow lovers to visit. The chilly weather during this season necessitates appropriate winter clothing and preparation for snow-related activities.
Visiting Kala Valley by road is very simple in modern times since all the roads are well-developed.
The most efficient mode of travel from Islamabad to Swat is by taxi, with a travel time of approximately 4 hours and a cost ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 33,000. The distance between the two cities varies, ranging from 201 kilometres for vehicles with limited cargo space or single occupancy per seat to more than 340 kilometres for cars accommodating passengers and their luggage.
Kalam poses a challenge for individuals without established networks, but fortunately, multiple transportation options are available, including using taxis. These transportation services are equipped to carry passengers to various destinations within the region known as Pakistan.
The N-95 route is the most convenient road to reach Kalam, starting from Mingora. During the journey, you’ll cross a river on your way to Khwazakhela and Madyan near Bahrain, experiencing approximately an hour of travel through breathtaking landscapes.
Exploring the Kalam Valley promises an adventurous and exploratory journey. From our vantage point in this valley, the panoramic views encompass boundless emerald fields and snow-covered peaks in every direction.
Make sure to include the following destinations on your itinerary when you venture to the picturesque Kalam Valley:
Kalam Bazaar is the leading market and commercial hub for residents in Kalam Valley. Although modest in size, it features hotels with restaurants catering delectable meals to travellers passing through or visiting their families.
Situated approximately 32 kilometres from Kalam, Mahodand Lake is one of Pakistan’s most frequented tourist destinations. Accessible via four-wheel-drive vehicles, the lake spans a surface area that stretches up to 2 kilometres in length, with varying widths ranging between 10 to 50 metres, contingent upon the water levels.
Kalam’s alpine wonderland is adorned with five-finger peaks, creating a mesmerising and spellbinding landscape. Rising from the lush, undulating green meadows, the mountains loom over the meandering paths trailing this charming area.
Located at an elevation that allows for an immersive experience in unspoiled nature, the village of Boyun is a brief 45-minute journey from the central city. The friendly locals warmly welcome visitors, who often meticulously plan their entire day to immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings fully.
After a three-hour drive from Kalam Bazaar, you’ll encounter 2 kilometres of challenging terrain leading to this lake. Successful navigation through the rugged hillsides is a prerequisite, followed by the opportunity to capture the breathtaking view with your camera, finally revealing itself.
Situated just a 15-minute drive from Mahodand, the Saifullah Lake treats visitors to spectacular vistas. During summer, tourists can delight in boating and fishing activities here.
The recent surge of this lake in popularity has transformed it into one of Pakistan’s top tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all corners of the country. They witness the breathtaking natural beauty encompassing vast lakes, including this one, where stunning scenery awaits at every turn.
There are couple of things that you can do in the valley:
Kundal Lake offers a breathtaking spectacle, boasting pristine views enveloped by majestic mountains. To reach this destination, a minimum of three hours is required from Kalam, as the journey involves following the Swat River branch, leading tourists and guides to this picturesque location.
Situated approximately 40-50 kilometres south of Kalam, Bahrain is a renowned riverside resort known for its vibrant bazaars showcasing local handicrafts. It serves as an ideal destination for travellers to enjoy their evenings while traversing through the region. You can easily find a number of hotels in Kalam.
Located in the mountains of Swat Valley, Miandam offers another tranquil and exceptional lodging option. Upon arriving at the town, you’ll be greeted by a serene ambience, surrounded by beautiful trees that create a distinct and enchanting atmosphere.
Given the colder climate, it’s important to consider this factor when planning your trip or preparing clothing for any accompanying adventurers exploring the wonders of Pakistan.
The journey from Kalam to Kumrat spans approximately 62.8 kilometres and takes approximately 4 hours and 6 minutes via Utrar Road and Utrar-Dir Road. However, an alternative route provides a more expedient option for those seeking a shorter travel time.
Travellers taking this picturesque route will be treated to a scenic drive adorned with the vibrant hues of autumn trees and the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Along the way, they will pass several villages nestled amidst agricultural land.
Following are some of the most common questions about Kalam Valley.
Kalam Valley offers a range of exciting activities, including trekking, camping, trout fishing, and exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
The best time to visit Kalam Valley is during the summer, from May to September when the weather is pleasant and the valley is full of lush greenery and blooming flowers.
Yes, Kalam Valley has a variety of accommodation options. This includes hotels, guesthouses, and campsites, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of visitors.
Some popular tourist attractions in Kalam Valley include Mahodand Lake, Ushu Forest, Matiltan Waterfall, and the scenic Swat River, offering visitors a chance to explore the region’s natural wonders and scenic beauty.
Kalam Valley is accessible by road, and visitors can reach it by car or public transport from major cities like Islamabad and Peshawar. The journey offers stunning views of the picturesque Swat Valley and surrounding areas.
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