Swat Valley is a popular tourist destination in Pakistan. It is known as Pakistan's Switzerland, with one of the oldest civilization records and one of the most beautiful landscapes one could ever witness.
It is located in the Hindukush mountain range, amid the foothills. It is a portion of Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province. The area surrounding Swat Valley is strategically significant since it stands at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and China.
Swat Valley is accessible via Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad. The total distance from Peshawar is 151 kilometers, and the distance from Rawalpindi, via Nuwshera-Mardan and Malakand Pass, is 270 kilometers. We can easily get regular flights to Swat's capital, Saidu Sharif. When traveling in a private automobile, the M-1 highway can be used to get to Mardan Interchange from Islamabad in around 1.5 hours (131km).
To reach Mingora or Saidu Sharif, a distance of 112 km can be covered via Takh-e-Bai, Dargai, Malakand Pass, Batkhella, and Chakdara. It takes about 5 hours to cover the 247-kilometer route. At some moment during the year, the traveling routes are open. Public transportation systems have also improved in recent years. Daewoo buses are frequently used for transportation.
History of Swat Valley
The history of Swat Valley may be traced back over 2000 years. It used to be known as Udyana, but the name was later changed to Suvastu. Until the eleventh century, the valley was a fairly peaceful place to live. The valley was disrupted by the sport of strength, and it was initially taken by Mahmud of Ghazni. With the help of the Yusufzais, the routine of getting the lands continued, and Swat valley was once again taken over.
Swat valley used to be beneath Akhund Sahib, who followed Muslim law, during the nineteenth century. Agriculture boosted the Swat valley's financial structure during this period.
The population of Swat valley is estimated to be around 1,257,602 people, with Pakhtuns, Yusufzais, Kohistanis, Gujars, and Awans being the most prominent cultural groups.
Swat Valley is referred to as "mini-Switzerland." Its landscapes are proof of botanical grandeur, and it was once one of the most popular tourist destinations with a thriving tourism sector. There have been events that have resulted in the decline of tourism, which was formerly one of the Swats economy's primary sources of revenue. The valley's charms have been harmed by the battle between the Taliban and the Pakistani military.
The conflict began in the 1990s, when Sufi Muhammad, a preacher, attempted to impose sharia law on the people of Swat Valley. In 2007, his son-in-law attempted to follow in his footsteps by enforcing Christianity through the use of force. The Pakistani military took control of the situation, and the fighting in Swat was put to an end in 2008. Another factor that contributed to the tourism industry's decline was the 2010 floods, which devastated most of the infrastructure, including roads and bridges, making it difficult to visit Swat Valley.
Buddhism in Swat Valley
Swat Valley is also regarded around the world as the "sacred place of Buddhist piety and study." It was previously one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers. It was once said that during one of Buddha's final reincarnations, he came to Swat and taught the mastery of peace and harmony. The name "cradle of Buddhism" was also given to it. As previously stated, the title of swat used to be Udayana and it refers to historical epics.
It was also stated in the archives that Alexander of Macedonia had fought many major wars in this territory before crossing the Indus River delta. Swat Valley is also known as the "Valley of the Striking Chairs." According to the chronicles, Swat was once the cradle of Buddhism, with 1400 monasteries that survived and prospered, as well as the creation of the Gandhara School of Sculpture.
What to Know before visiting Swat Valley
Climate
Swat has a great tourist season from March to October. The valley welcomes visitors with magnificent mountains, rich virgin woods, jogging streams, and meadows.
Languages
Pushto and Kohistani are two of the most common languages spoken in the Swat Valley. Locals now speak Urdu and English in addition to their native languages.
Swat Valleys' History
They're also famed for their handcrafted ornaments and family heirlooms. The ladies embroidered gadgets are the company's hallmark. Women's shawls, wood furniture, handicrafts, and honey, for example, are well-known items. They are also well-known for their costly and semi-precious stones.
Wood carving: The large Buddha sculptures in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, and the artistically sculpted Buddha statues in Swat are an adequate testament of the artists' long-term and dedicated effort. Despite this, the Swat Valley's culture continues to thrive with fervor.
Swat Valley tours
Swat Valley attracts thousands of tourists every day from all over Pakistan. Pakistan Travel Diaries offers swat tour packages from all over Pakistan. Offering economical as well as luxury tours. You can also create your own custom tour according to your needs.
