Malam Jabba: A Winter Wonderland in Pakistan
Malam Jabba is a hill station and ski resort in the Hindu Kush mountain range, nearly 40 km from Saidu Sharif in the Swat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is one of the two ski resorts in Pakistan, the other being Naltar in Gilgit Baltistan. Malam Jabba is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, as well as nature lovers who want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

Perched about 8,700 feet above sea level, Malam Jabba is an excellent skiing resort. The mighty Karakoram range and black mountains surround the resort and offers excellent views.

Malam Jabba is located nearly 40km from Saidu Sharif in Swat Valley. it is 314 Kilometers from Islamabad and 51 Kilometers from Saidu Sharif Airport.

Malam Jabba Popular Attractions:
Malam Jabba Ski resort has a ski slope of about 800m which is facilitated with a chairlift. The highest point of the slope is 2,804 m (9,200 feet) above sea level. There is a smaller slope with ski-lift for amateur skiers as well. The resort is equipped with snow clearing equipment and roller/ice skating rinks.
Ski Resort is the joint effort of the Pakistan government with its Austrian counter part.

Well equipped with modern facilities, Ski resort has fine infrastructure and offers a number of facilities like roller/ice-skating rinks, chair lifts, skiing platforms, telephone facility and snow clearing equipment.
Apart from presenting wonderful scenic views, the Ski Resort has some monuments that add to the excitement of a traveler.
it has two Buddhist stupas and six monasteries that are scattered around the resort. The presence of the monuments at such a height clearly indicates that the area was inhabited for over 2000 years.
Malam Jabba also offers two exciting trekking trails that offer excellent scenery.

Passing through the Ghorband Valley and Shangla Top is one of the treks, which is about 18 kilometers from the resort. The other trek passes through the Sabonev Valley and is about 17 kilometers from the resort.
You can enjoy skiing on the powdery slopes of the Skiing Resort, trek to the some spectacularly beautiful places or simply sit outside your cottage and enjoy the scenic beauty that the resort has to offer.

How to Get There
Malam Jabba is about 314 km from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. You can either drive or take a flight to reach there. If you choose to drive, you will need to follow the AH1/M-1 and M-16 highways to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and then take the Bahrain Road/N-95 to Malam Jabba Road. The total driving time is about 4.5 hours. If you prefer to fly, you can take a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Islamabad to Saidu Sharif Airport, which operates twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. The flight duration is about 45 minutes. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or a car to reach Malam Jabba, which is about 50 km away. The road trip will take about 1.5 hours.

What to Do There
Malam Jabba is famous for its ski resort, which was built in collaboration with Austria in 1988. The resort has an 800-meter long ski slope, a chairlift, a roller/ice-skating rink, and other facilities for winter sports. The resort also hosts the annual Malam Jabba Winter Sports Festival, which attracts skiers and snowboarders from all over the country and abroad. The festival features various competitions, cultural shows, and musical performances. The resort is open from December to March, depending on the snow conditions.

Malam Jabba is not only a winter destination, but also a summer retreat. The area is surrounded by lush green forests, meadows, and streams, offering a refreshing escape from the heat and pollution of the cities. You can enjoy trekking, hiking, camping, and sightseeing in the summer months. Some of the attractions in the vicinity include the Buddhist stupas and monasteries, which date back to the 2nd century BC, the Swat Museum, which displays the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region, and the Fizagat Park, which is a recreational spot along the Swat River.

What to Expect
Malam Jabba has a temperate climate, with cold winters and mild summers. The average temperature ranges from -2°C to 15°C in winter, and from 15°C to 30°C in summer. The area receives heavy snowfall in winter, which makes it ideal for skiing and other snow activities. The area also experiences rainfall in summer, which adds to the beauty and freshness of the landscape. The following chart shows the average monthly temperature and precipitation in Malam Jabba:

+———-+——————+———————+
| Month | Temperature (°C) | Precipitation (mm) |
+———-+——————+———————+
| January | 2 / -2 | 104 |
+———-+——————+———————+
| February | 5 / -1 | 97 |
+———-+——————+———————+
| March | 11 / 3 | 123 |
+———-+——————+———————+
| April | 16 / 7 | 114 |
+———-+——————+———————+
| May | 21 / 11 | 80 |
+———-+——————+———————+
| June | 25 / 15 | 69 |
+———-+——————+———————+
| July | 27 / 17 | 236 |
+———-+——————+———————+
| August | 26 / 17 | 214 |
+———-+——————+———————+
|September | 24 / 14 | 90 |
+———-+——————+———————+
| October | 19 / 9 | 48 |
+———-+——————+———————+
| November | 13 / 4 | 40 |
+———-+——————+———————+
| December | 7 / 0 | 75 |
+———-+——————+———————+

Malam Jabba is a safe and secure place to visit, as the security situation in the Swat Valley has improved significantly in recent years. The local people are hospitable and friendly, and the culture is rich and diverse. You can find a variety of cuisines, handicrafts, and souvenirs in the area. However, you should also respect the local customs and traditions, and dress modestly and appropriately.

Where to Stay
Malam Jabba has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, guest houses, cottages, and campsites. One of the most luxurious and comfortable places to stay is the Pearl-Continental Hotel Malam Jabba, which is a five-star hotel with 76 rooms, a restaurant, a spa, a gym, and a conference hall. The hotel also offers ski equipment rental, ski lessons, and ski passes. The hotel is located near the ski resort, and offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys. The room rates start from $100 per night.

If you are looking for a more affordable and cozy option, you can try the Malam Jabba Hill View Hotel, which is a three-star hotel with 20 rooms, a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a terrace. The hotel is also close to the ski resort, and offers free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast. The room rates start from $30 per night.

If you want to experience the nature and adventure of Malam Jabba, you can opt for camping in the forest or the meadows. You can either bring your own tent and equipment, or rent them from the local tour operators. Camping is a great way to enjoy the fresh air, the starry sky, and the wildlife of the area. However, you should also be prepared for the weather conditions, and follow the safety and environmental guidelines.