Utror Valley

Utror Valley, also spelled Atror, is a valley located in the Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is surrounded by snow-clad mountains, green pastures, and waterfalls. The area of the valley is about 47,400 hectares (117,000 acres). Utror Valley is 16 km (9.9 mi) away from Kalam Valley and 116 km (72 mi) from Saidu Sharif. Utror Valley is a peaceful and picturesque destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts.

Utror or Atror, is a valley which is located in the Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is surrounded by snow clad mountains, green pastures and waterfalls. The area of the valley is about 47,400 hectares (117,000 acres). Utror is 16 km (9.9 mi) away from Kalam Valley and 116 km (72 mi) from Saidu Sharif.

Utror is surrounded by Bhan valley on the east, Upper Dir District on the west, Kalam on the south and Gabral on the north. The altitude of the valley at Utror proper is 2,300 metres (7,500 ft) and reaches to 2,900 metres (9,500 ft) 2900 at Kundol Lake.

Utror Valley How to Get There

Utor 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 Utor 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.

What to Do There

Utror Valley offers a variety of activities for different tastes and preferences. You can enjoy the following things in Utor Valley:

• Trekking and hiking: Utor Valley has some of the best trekking and hiking trails in the region, ranging from easy to challenging. You can explore the Utor Forest, which is famous for its misty and rainy weather, the Utor Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in the area, and the Utor River, which originates from the Utor and Gabral glaciers. You can also trek to the nearby attractions, such as Kundol Lake, Matiltan, and Gabral.
• Fishing and boating: Utor Valley has some of the most pristine and beautiful lakes and rivers in the country, where you can enjoy fishing and boating. Kundol Lake, which is about 19 km from Utor 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. Utor 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: Utor 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

Utror 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.

Utror 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

Utror 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 Utor 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 Utor 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.

Utror Valley Top Attractions

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

• Kundol Lake: Kundol Lake is a glacial lake located at an elevation of 2,900 meters (9,500 ft) above sea level. It is one of the most beautiful and serene lakes in the region, with crystal clear water and a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The lake is accessible by a 3-hour trek from Utor Valley, and is a perfect spot for camping, fishing, and boating.
• Utror Glacier: Utor Glacier is one of the largest and longest glaciers in the area, covering an area of 28.5 square kilometers (11.0 sq mi). It is a source of water for the Utor and Gabral rivers, and is a spectacular sight to behold. The glacier is accessible by a 4-hour trek from Utor Valley, and is a great place for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
• Buddhist Stupas and Monasteries: Utor Valley has a rich and ancient history, dating back to the 2nd century BC, when it was part of the Gandhara civilization. The valley has many archaeological sites, such as the Buddhist stupas and monasteries, which are the remnants of the Buddhist culture and art that flourished in the region. The stupas and monasteries are located in various places in the valley, such as Ladu, Gabral, and Anakar, and are worth visiting for their historical and cultural significance.