I've spent most of my adult life, not looking at the Middle East when deciding on a travel destination. My friend Jenn told me about a spot that I simply had to look into that sits squarely on her bucket list. Swat Valley, Pakistan. In the 1960's before they became an official part of Pakistan, Queen Elizabeth II visited the valley and dubbed it "The Switzerland of the East." And it has been called that ever since.
I have to wonder, how on Earth I missed such a beautiful place. Probably because the State Department has warned travelers for years about treacherous travel in Pakistan. We did find Osama Bin Laden there. Between threats from the Taliban and pockets of civil war, our country hasn't exactly been advertising for us to visit this mountainous country. But, that doesn't always mean that it's not worth the visit.
There are some airways that say they can fly you to and from Pakistan safely, including Qatar Airways and Emirates Airways. But, the most important thing to learn about this area is that the government of Pakistan has focused on making the Swat Valley a safe place for tourists to visit. Many of the people there even speak English. The locals love to meet people from around the world and broaden their horizons. Remember, the politics of a country only applies to politicians. The regular folks are almost always nothing like the stories you see in the news.
The Swat Valley is open for business. They have all kinds of accommodations available for the tourists. The local airport the last I could find was closed for refurbishing, but you can fly into Peshawar or Islamabad and rent a car. The drive is only a couple of hours. The roadways were updated and designed to take people to the beautiful valley for vacations.
The Swat Valley lies in the northern areas of the country, away from the borders of Afghanistan and India. The valley is serene and peaceful and full of people who just want to get away from it all and enjoy their time off. The capital is Saidu Sharif, and that is where a lot of people stay while visiting. There are bazaars to shop at and great restaurants to eat at. The local food is not as spicy as some of its neighboring areas, but is flavorful and the meats you will have to choose from include mostly lamb, chicken, and freshwater fish.
History is everywhere in the Swat Valley. The history of Pakistan, just like all of the other countries in the region, dates back eons. There are ruins of palaces and cities to visit. There are monuments, churches and temples to see. Buddhism is common in the Swat Valley, and the temples are beautiful.
The Switzerland vibe in part comes from the crystal clear freshwater lakes in the mountains. These lakes are wonderful for boating and kayaking, fishing and camping by. There are miles and miles of lush forested Alpine scenery to enjoy in so many ways. There are hikes, bikes, backpacking routes, and many tours that you can join to enjoy the massive outdoors that the Swat Valley has been blessed with. More organized activities throughout the valley include more modern activities like zip lining.
In the Kusch, elevations reach over 9,000 feet, and this makes for a great place to ski. Winter in the Swat Valley is all about the skiing, just like in Switzerland. Resorts are open throughout the winter and as with the rest of the valley, the views are amazing. In the summer, you can take scenic lift rides and enjoy the view without all the snow and cold. Not to say that the region ever really gets a heatwave. Temperatures anywhere but the floor of the valley rarely go above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you want to spend some time where there are other people and get out of the wilderness for a bit, then you won't have any trouble finding a village or town. There are several in the Swat Valley, and the scenery alone will be stunning. There are local amusement parks, sporting events, restaurants and shopping. The people are friendly and love to meet visitors. The towns are mostly in the bottom of the valley, where they are easily accessible and sit alongside the raging river, making for more dramatic scenery. There are temples and monasteries to visit as well, along with mosques. It's a diverse area with a lot of history and culture.
The locals recommend that you visit during the spring between March and June. They say that it is the most beautiful time of the year. I would take that advice, because as I have seen, everywhere you look is breathtaking scenery. It does remind me of Switzerland, a country that I have visited multiple times. There's so much nature to see, and so many views. Spectacular is a word that comes to mind.
Swat Valley is an active, friendly, dramatically scenic part of the Hindu Kusch of Pakistan. Whether it's the new or the old you seek, you will find it here amongst centuries of history in a relatively new part of Pakistan, incorporated in 1969. There are limitless activities in the valley, great hotels, wonderful food, and even waterfalls. That's always a deal maker for me. So, forget about the taboo that surrounds Pakistan. There is an area that is protected by their government to use as a getaway for people from all over the world. It is a sanctuary amongst some of the most tedious political conflicts in the world. It is a once in a lifetime chance to have a true adventure, and that makes it irresistible. Remember to check for any Covid-19 protocols before you go, and be responsible when traveling during the end of the pandemic. So, take the plunge, take a chance, and come to the Swat Valley in Pakistan. Come and see what the world is missing out on and enjoy!
