Ushu Valley: A Hidden Gem in the Swat Valley

Ushu Valley (also spelled Usho) is a small valley in the Kalam Valley of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a major tourist attraction in the region. Ushu Valley is known for its amazing beauty, crystal clear rivers, and a pleasant climate throughout the year. The valley is surrounded by lush green forests, snow-capped mountains, and glaciers, offering a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Ushu Valley constitutes some of the most beautiful parts of Swat. This valley offers magnificent views of the snow covered Mount Flaksair which has a height of 6,257 meters (20,528 feet). There are a number of small hotels and restaurants along the fast flowing Ushu River. The distance of Ushu from Kalam is roughly 8 km and it is about 2,300 metres (7,550 feet) above sea level.

Matiltan is next main village in this area. With its old wooden mosque, potato fields all around, and Mount Falaksair in the backdrop it gives a magical view. Beyond the village of Matiltan the jeep road leads to the most famous lake of this area; Lake Mahodand. This heavenly lake is situated at a distance of 35 km from Kalam and 27km from Ushu. Mahodand means lake full of fish in the local language, and the lake stays true to its name and is a very good spot for trout fishing. It is a popular picnic spot as well and many tourists from Kalam come here every day during the summer holidays. From Mahodand one can go on a challenging trekking expedition to Laspur in upper Chitral Valley via Kachikani Pass (4,817 metres/15,800 feet) or to Handrap in Ghizar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan via Dadarilli Pass (5,030 meters/16,498 feet).

Ushu Valley: How to Get There

Ushu Valley 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 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. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or a car to reach Kalam, which is about 73 km away. The road trip will take about 2 hours.

From Kalam, you can take a jeep to Ushu Valley, which is about 8 km away. The road is unpaved and bumpy, but the scenery is breathtaking. The jeep ride will take about 30 minutes.

Ushu Valley What to Do There

Ushu Valley is a perfect place for a relaxing and refreshing vacation, as well as for some thrilling and exciting activities. You can enjoy the following things in Ushu Valley:

• Trekking and hiking: Ushu Valley offers some of the best trekking and hiking trails in the region, ranging from easy to challenging. You can explore the Ushu Forest, which is famous for its spectacular clouds and rainy weather, the Ushu Glacier, which blocks the road to Mahodand Lake in winter, and the Ushu River, which originates from the Ushu and Utror glaciers. You can also trek to the nearby attractions, such as Mahodand Lake, Matiltan, and Utror.
• Fishing and boating: Ushu Valley has some of the most pristine and beautiful lakes and rivers in the country, where you can enjoy fishing and boating. Mahodand Lake, which is about 27 km from Ushu Valley, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, as it is home to various species of fish, such as trout, mahseer, and carp. You can also rent a boat and paddle around the lake, admiring the stunning views of the mountains and the forest. Ushu River, which flows through the valley, is also a great spot for fishing and boating, as well as for swimming and picnicking.
• Sightseeing and photography: Ushu Valley is a photographer’s dream, as it offers some of the most scenic and picturesque views of the Swat Valley. You can capture the beauty of the valley in different seasons, from the greenery and flowers of spring and summer, to the colors and fruits of autumn, to the snow and ice of winter. You can also visit the historical and cultural sites in the area, such as the Buddhist stupas and monasteries, which date back to the 2nd century BC, the Swat Museum, which displays the rich heritage of the region, and the Fizagat Park, which is a recreational spot along the Swat River.

What to Expect

Ushu 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.

Ushu Valley 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

Ushu Valley has a limited range of accommodation options, as it is a remote and undeveloped area. You can choose from guest houses, cottages, and campsites. One of the most comfortable and affordable places to stay is the Ushu Forest Guest House, which is a cozy and clean guest house with 10 rooms, a restaurant, and a garden. The guest house is located near the Ushu Forest, and offers free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast. The room rates start from $20 per night.

If you are looking for a more adventurous and natural option, you can try 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.