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Introduction

Swat Valley

The lush green and historic Swat Valley is an integral part of the strategic and significant region where three parts of the Asian continent–South Asia, Central Asia and China, meet.

The names found in ancient sources for Swat are Udyana and Suvastu because of the scenic beauty of the valley and the name of the river respectively.

Swat Valley, situated in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is a dream destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts. Swat Valley is renowned for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and rich history. It is often called the “Switzerland of Asia” for its stunning landscapes and snow-capped mountains. Swat Valley has many attractions to offer, from historical sites and archaeological ruins to glacial lakes and alpine meadows. Whether you are looking for a relaxing retreat or an exciting escapade, Swat Valley has something for everyone.

Location and Accessibility

Swat Valley is located in the Malakand Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, at an average elevation of 980 meters (3,220 feet) above sea level. Swat Valley is surrounded by the Hindukush mountain range, which separates it from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan. Swat Valley is divided into two main regions: Upper Swat and Lower Swat. Upper Swat includes the areas of Kalam, Bahrain, Madyan, and Ushu, while Lower Swat includes the areas of Mingora, Saidu Sharif, Marghazar, and Malam Jabba.

Swat 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 Fridays1. The flight duration is about 45 minutes. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or a car to reach your desired destination in Swat Valley.

Weather and Climate

Swat Valley 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 freshness and beauty of the landscape.

Swat valley History

The historical and cultural remains of the area provide evidence about human activities covering a large span of time.

Alexander the Great came here in 327 BC en route India and conquered Bazira and Ora. At his departure the inhabitants of the area threw off Greek yoke, and enjoyed either independent or semi-independent status subsequently.

In the meantime Buddhism penetrated here and Swat became center of Buddhist/Gandhara civilization. The Turki Shahis incorporated Swat in their kingdom but at the decline of their power it remained exposed to Hindu Shahis’ influence.

In early tenth century CE/AD, the Muslims occupied Swat. Consequently, Afghans from different tribes, commonly called Swati Pukhtun, came and settled here. They remained independent of the neighboring powers.

he Yusufzais conquered Swat in the first quarter of the sixteenth century and emerged and remained dominant segment. Instead of forming a government they lived in the tribal fashion, divided into two dalas (factions) headed by their own tribal chiefs called Khans and Malaks.

The Swat Yusufzai enjoyed freedom and neither had paid taxes to Delhi or Kabul not yielded obedience to any foreign law or administrative system. They fought Akbar’s mighty arms for years and incurred great losses over them.

The people of Swat Valley Khyber Pakhtunkhwa not only fought the British in the historic battle of Ambela in 1863 but frequently raided British controlled territories and provided asylum to anti-British elements.

When British forces were sent against Umara Khan of Jandol to relieve their garrison in Chitral in 1895 the Swatis commanded all the three main passes leading to Swat: Morah, Shahkot and Malakand. In spite of tough resistance, the British, however, succeeded in making their way by a stratagem.

They established garrisons at Malakand and Chakdara and created the Agency of Dir and Swat, commonly called Malakand Agency, in 1895 for protecting their strategic interests.

Political Officer later Political Agent was posted in Malakand for dealing and communicating through him with the local states (Dir, Chitral and later Swat as well) and the tribes. The rulers and tribal chiefs in the Agency were paid subsidies for pro-British services and role.

The Swatis, however, rose en mass in 1897 to oust the British from Malakand and Chakdara under the leadership of Sartor Faqir, but in vain.

The left-bank lower valley was brought under loose British control and protectorate in 1895, but the rest of the left-bank valley continued to enjoy independent status till the emergence of Swat State.

The right-bank valley was, however, already made part of Dir State during the years 1879–1881 and hence remained part of Dir State since then but with the interval for the years 1907–1911.

The Shamizai, Sebujni and Nikpi Khel sections, however, made common-cause and put an end to Dir’s authority over the area, in March 1915.

They constituted five-member council to look after the affairs of their area and finally brought Abdul Jabber Shah from Sithana and installed him as king of Swat, 24 April 1915.

Abdul Jabbar Shah remained in power for more than two years, but on 2 September 1917 the jarga broke relations with him and asked him to go back. On his departure the jarga installed Miangul Abdul Wadud as the next king.

He ruled till 1949 and extended and consolidated the state. He abdicated in favor of his son Miangul Abdul Haq Jahanzeb on 12 December 1949, with which Jahanzeb became the next ruler and ruled till the merger of the state in 1969.

During Abdul Wadud and Jahanzeb’s reign Swati territories forming part of Swat State enjoyed an amazing peace and development in the fields of education, health and communication.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Swat Valley is during the spring and summer months (April to June), when the weather is mild, and the landscape is adorned with blooming flowers and lush greenery. Autumn (September to November) is also a favorable time to visit, offering clear skies and vibrant foliage.

Experience the Magic of Swat Valley: Embark on a journey of discovery and adventure in Swat Valley, where natural wonders and cultural treasures await at every turn. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or serene moments of contemplation amidst nature, Swat Valley promises an unforgettable experience for vertical explorers of all kinds.

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