This is Swat valley - The Switzerland of pakistan

known as the Switzerland of Pakistan, Swat valley is one of the major tourist attractions of Pakistan. The best season for tourism is from March till October. The visitors can enjoy its magnificent mountains, lush green forests, running streams and meadows. Some of the major languages spoken in the swat valley area are Pushto and Kohistani. Nowadays Urdu and English are also spoken by the locals.

Swat valley has one of the oldest civilization’s history and one of the beautiful Scenery one could ever see. Located between the foothills of Hindukush mountain range, Swat valley is part of the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. Swat valley's location has a major strategic importance as it lies in the region where South Asia, Central Asia and China meet. The major attractions of the Swat valley include its archaeology, the lush green sites, history and the art.

Swat valley can be accessed through Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. There are regular flights to Saidu Sharif, the capital city of Swat. Travelling by road M1 Motorway can be used to reach Mardan Interchange from Islamabad, then from Mardan via Takh-e-Bai, Dargai, Malakand Pass, Batkhella, Chakdara to Mingora or Saidu Sharif. It takes almost 5 hours to cover the distance of 247 km. The travelling routes are open throughout the year. Nowadays, public transport has also improved and Daewoo buses are commonly used for travelling.

The history of Swat valley goes back to around 2000 years. It was known as Udyana and later the name was changed to Suvastu. The population of Swat valley is around 1,257,602 and they have a number of cultural groups living in which the most prominent ones are Pakhtuns, Yusufzais, Kohistanis, Gujars and Awans. Swat Valley is known as the 'mini Switzerland'. Its landscapes are a proof of natural beauty and it was one of the most visited areas and had a major tourism industry.

Swat valley is also famous in the world as the holy land of Buddhist, learning and piety. It was one of the major hubs of Buddhist pilgrimage. It was said in the early times that Buddha himself came to Swat in the process of his last reincarnations and he spread the learning of peace and harmony. It was also given the name of 'cradle of Buddhism'.

As mentioned earlier the name of swat was Udayana and it stands for the ancient epics. It was also mentioned in the history that Alexender of Macedonia had fought many major battles in this land before he crossed the delta of Indus River. Swat valley has also been named as the 'valley of hanging chairs'. The history also states that Swat was once the cradle of Buddhism where 1400 monasteries had survived and flourished and they also made a Gandhara School of Sculpture.

Swat Valley’s Heritage

Swat valley is famous for handmade ornaments and decorative household articles. The embroidered items made by women are the trademark. For example; Ladies shawls, wooden furniture, handicrafts and honey are famous items. They are also very famous for precious and semi-precious stones.

Wood carving

The ancient statues of Buddha in Swat are sufficient proof of the long lasting and devoted labour of the artists and the tradition still continues in the valley of Swat with great enthusiasm. The dark black, hard, durable and naturally hued wood of walnut trees is used for this art. Its hard texture, pleasant appearance and strong fragrance reinforce the beauty of the designs and labour of the artist. Cedar and pinewood are also used for woodcarving. Especially the naturally hued, shaded, designed and fragranced wood of Deodar tree is used.

Swati Ornaments

Swat is known for its unique culture. The goldsmiths of this valley have made beautiful jewellery and ornaments that are original, typical and regional. The pretty girls of Swat can be seen wearing these artistic forms of jewellery.

Swati Embroidery

Swati embroidery has a great significance and has won a unique status due to its innovative and creative underpinning all over the country. Pure silver yarn was used in embroidery in the past. Unmarried Swati girls have adopted this art as their hobby. These talented girls decorate all the dresses, shawls, blankets, bed sheets, pillow covers, table cloths, veils, head scarves, handkerchiefs, etc. which is to become a part of their dowry after their marriage. The golden lace embroidery of Swat is famous throughout the country.

Areas of Interest

Some of the major places that are the significant tourist spots in Swat valley will be discussed in detail which includes the famous historical Buddhist Stupas, Swat museum, Margazar, White Palace and Fizza Gat. Coming to the upper Swat Valley Miandam, Malam Jabba, Madyan, Behrain, Kalam and Ushu will be explained. We will also be covering the major lakes of Swat Valley that are Mahodand, Kundal, Khapiro and Spin Khawar.

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