Miandam Valley

Miandam valley is a small but charming hill station in the Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is situated at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) above sea level, and is about 55 kilometers (34 miles) away from Mingora, the capital of Swat valley. Miandam valley is known for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and rich culture. It is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy the tranquility and freshness of the mountains.

Miandam is a small summer resort ten kilometres (six miles) up a steep side valley and 56 kilometers (35 miles) from Saidu Sharif, making it an hour’s drive. The metaled road passes small villages stacked up the hillside, the roofs of one row of houses forming the street for the row of houses above. Tiny terraced fields march up the hillside right to the top.

Miandam is a good place for walkers. Paths follow the stream, past houses with beehives set into the walls and good-luck charms whitewashed around the doors. In the graveyards are carved wooden grave posts with floral designs, like those used by Buddhists 1,000 years ago.

Miandam is enriched in medicinal plants, owing to which the town is the site of a World Wide Fund for Nature project promoting sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants, and now about 1,000 people are dependent on the medicinal plant trade for their entire income. The primary economy of the region is based on tourism and agriculture. While agriculture is mostly centered on corn and potatoes, As of 1988, its population was 3,000, but it is now estimated to be 20,000, including neighboring hamlets.

Top Attractions

Miandam valley has many attractions that you can visit and enjoy. Some of the top attractions are:

• Miandam Forest: Miandam forest is a dense and lush forest that covers the hills and valleys of Miandam. It is a great place for hiking, walking, and birdwatching. The forest is home to various species of plants, animals, and birds, such as pine, walnut, oak, deodar, wild olive, pheasant, partridge, and eagle. The forest also has a stream that flows through it, creating a soothing sound and a refreshing atmosphere.
• Miandam Graveyard: Miandam graveyard is a unique and historical site that showcases the ancient culture and art of the region. The graveyard has wooden grave posts that are carved with floral motifs and geometric patterns. These grave posts are similar to those used by the Buddhists in the past, and reflect the influence of the Gandhara civilization that flourished in the area in the 2nd century BC. The graveyard is a peaceful and serene place, where you can admire the craftsmanship and the history of the people.
• Miandam Medicinal Plants: Miandam valley is rich in medicinal plants, which have been used by the local people for centuries for various purposes. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has initiated a project to promote the sustainable harvesting and marketing of these plants, and to provide livelihood opportunities for the local communities. Some of the medicinal plants that are found in Miandam valley are asparagus, mint, thyme, sage, rosemary, lavender, and chamomile. You can learn more about these plants and their benefits from the WWF staff or the local guides.
• Miandam River: Miandam valley also has a river that flows through it, called the Miandam River. The river originates from the Miandam and Gabral glaciers, and is a source of water for the valley. The river is also a great spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking.

How to Get There

Miandam valley is about 314 kilometers (195 miles) 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 Kalam. 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.