Pakistan - Swat
A land of Greatest Mountains & Colorful Culture - A Complete Guide to Pakistan
Basic Info History Climate Places to Visit Slide Show Search Tours

Who or Why, or Which or What,
is the Akhund of Swat?

Is he tall or short, or dark, or fair,
Does he sit on a stool or sofa, or chair
or squat
The Akhund of Swat?

Is he wise or foolish young or old?
Does he drink his soup and his coffee cold,
or Hot,
The Akhun of Swat?

Some one, or no body knows Iwot,
Who or which or, why or what
is The Akhund of Swat?

( Written By Edward Lear 1862 . Akhund of Swat was the king of Swat before English He was a sufi who led his nation. Later after the English conquest English made His Son Jehanzeb the Wali (Owner) of Swat and in 1969 Swat came in full control of Government of Pakistan.

Swat is known as the Switzerland of Pakistan. The river Swat is a clear water river starting from the Ushu rage of mountains to he spread of the valley of Swat. It is the most green valleys of the Northern Pakistan and is well connected to the rest of Pakistan. There are regular flights from Islamabad to Swat and back. One can also get here either from Peshawar (160 KMs) or Islamabad.(250 KMs) The valley of Swat is located in the middle of foot hills of Hindukush mountain range. The main town of the valley is Saidu Sharief.

Swat is a place for leisure Lover , Hiker , and archeologist. There are many comfortable hotels where one can stay a while to relax. In Kalam upper Swat there are some very pleasant walks since weather is pretty pleasant one can easily walk over the hills for hours and enjoy the unspoiled nature. The Swat is garden of Ashoka and was a prosperous land in the Buddhist times (2nd BC to 5 AD) There are at least over 100 archeological sites in the valley less then 10% of the are excavated. One can explore some of those sites in a half day tour of Swat.

Hotels In Swat

There are many hotels in different towns of the valley.
Swat Serena Hotel (Saidu) 3*
Swat Continental Hotel 3*
Pameer Hotel Swat 2*
PTDC Motel (Saidu) 3*
Hotel White Palace (Marghazar) 2*
Hotel Royal Palace (Saidu) 2*
PTDC Motel Miandam 2*
Grace Hotel (Madyan) 2*
PTDC Motel (Kalam) 2*
Damazay Guest House (Saidu) 2*

Transfers

Islamabad or Peshawar to Swat
250 KMs 5- 6 Hours. Drive in the morning from Islamabad stop at the confluence of Kabul & Indus rivers later continue to Swat via Charsadha, stop at different village bazaars and pass the Malakand pass. One can have Lunch at a local restaurant on the way. After Malakand pass you enter the valley of Swat. View the Churchill's picket and Shingardar Stupa on the way. Takht e Bhai most well preserved Buddhist monastery is on the way before Malakand pass time permitting can visit this archeological site too. (This will make the trip about 7- 8 Hours )

Swat - Besham
110 KMs 3 Hours. Leave Saidu Sharief via the upper Swat road at Khwaza khela we will take a right turn to the Shangla pass (7000 Ft) Road is lush green with numerous kinds of flora and pine trees. Have a local Pakistan tea at the pass and continue to Besham . Besham is the first main town as you come from Swat on the Karakorum Highway.

Tours

Half day Saidu Sharief
Visit the Swat museum, Butkara archeological site ( Where there are 215 Votive stupas and one main Stupa from 2nd century BC - 5th Century AD ) Also have a detailed walk in Mingora bazaar and shop some of the best shawls and handicrafts of the region.

Half Day Archeological Sites
Visit Butkara1 Butkara 2 , Udegaram , and Shingardar Stupa all sites of the Kushans Period. Later a detailed lecture in Swat museum on the chronology of Swat.

Full Day upper Swat valley.
Drive upto Kalam visit the bazaars of Madyan & Bahrain. At Kalam have a short walk in the hills. Late Afternoon return to Saidu.

Full day walk Kalam to Ushu
A dream of a hiker. Great scenic walk through the green mountains to the glacier of Ushu have picnic on the way return to Kalam coach or walk back.

Full day Malam Jaba & Miandam
Visit these magnificent points above 7000 ft. Have a stroll in the villages and enjoy the green scenery.Evening visit Marghazar White palace Hotel .

Travel & Culture Services Pakistan

Slide Show - Online Booking
| Home | Tours | Conferences & Incentives | Hotels | Islamabad | Karachi | Lahore | Peshawar| Quetta | Multan | Hyderabad | Hunza | Gilgit | Chitral | Swat | Karakorum Highway | History | Archeology | Weather | Security | Contact Information |