MY TRIP TO SWAT VALLEY.

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Swat is a beautiful valley with some captivating views, located in Malakand division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. I remember in childhood, we used to visit swat via mardan, takht bhai via old routes in back 90's. Now it was such an amazing trip to watch so many fine roads, motorways that are  hassle free and so convenient while on way to swat. Swat Motorways M16 has undoubtedly made the tour more beautiful.

Historical background:

It used to be state in back 1849, established by Muslim saint Saidu Baba. In British Raj it was recognized as a princely state between 1918 to 1947.

 However today I am going to travel swat and it's capital city "Saidu Sharif" including stay at Serena hotel, "Marghazar white Palace" & a stay at  Rock city resort fizaghat, Swat shopping mall and  "Malam Jabba" . In recent times it becomes more famous for it's winters sports festivals. Especially in snow fall season " Malam Jabba" is considered the best ski resort. You can find some adventure sports here also like ziplining and Giant swing.

Access:  Swat motorway is the easiest and most convenient way to arrive swat directly. The only problem is by passing through Mingora city that is bit congested in rush hours. Our plan was to visit saidu Sharif first, so we moved ahead towards Dir, Bajaur and took a bit longer yet scenic route    (covered BAB-E-DIR, UNIVERSITY OF MALAKAND) and then entered some where near Swat museum at Saidu Sharif.

You can watch my Swat Valley Vlog 1 at my YouTube channel click here 

First of all I will start with beautiful Swat motorways pictures. I have been more concentrating on the roads as this making the journey beautiful than destination. Otherwise I remember it used to be a tough drive in past to arrive swat that's why I do enjoy the journey on new roads. 




MARGHAZAR WHITE PALACE: 

Marghazar is a small town and a hill station located around 20 minute drive and 11 km from main Saidu Sharif. It's a scenic drive towards the white Palace, built in 1940 by the first king of swat. Now it's used as a historical place and museum but it also serves as a hotel stay for night. Room are available there. The lawn is beautiful with rose flowers. There are souvenir shops inside and outside near parking. overall a nice place at least for one time visit. 




Serena Hotel, Saidu sharif. 

No doubt a serene and suvastu accommodation, with beautiful traditionally decorated rooms and green lawn and restaurant. However I personally didn't like as it's located in main saidu Sharif and it doesn't give the natural vibes due to traffic noise despite of it's beautiful gardens. It's an old building from British time so if some one like that vibes then must go.





Rock city Resort Fizaghat: 

One of the best hotel to stay in Swat. I personally don't prefer the tall building with multiple stories. I have phobia with such tall building enclosed ones. I will always prefer a hotel with open spacious gardens with maximum two stories and an access to open area with a view. So after a long search on google I finally find one such beautiful property. Located on main Mingora Kalam road this hotel has nice rooms with a view of river swat and it is located on small hill. Next you can easily get from here towards Malam Jabba, Shangla Pass and kalam etc. Mall of Swat is also located just 5 minutes drive from here.  For watching full video click my YouTube channel's video  My tour to swat valley part 2








Swat Shopping Mall:


Swat shopping Mall is one of the spacious mall in Pakistan that is built on a small hill, located on main Mingora Kalam road near famous town fizaghat. Overall it is a scenic building with some nice shops including dresses, ice-cream parlours, pizza hut, Bella Ciao restaurant and a nice open dining area with nice views of river swat and fizaghat park. A must visit place when you are in swat. 





Malam Jabba: 


A home to the longest ski resort in Pakistan with a 5 star accommodation at the hilltop. It's an all in one holiday resort where you can get chairlift, zipline, Giant swing in all seasons. While in winters you can avail all winter sports and skiing options as well. There are multiple hotels but depends on your choice and budget you can opt any. There is an army mess and you can get there if you have any reference. Majority of people who can afford to stay at pc comes here to the pc. The giant swing is located at the back of Pc and the chairlift located in front of pc. while the zipline is operated from the roof of pc. There is also Gloria jean coffee near the chairlift. Overall a nice place.

















 




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