Swat Snowfall Sparks Winter Tourism Surge

APP

SWAT: After the Pakistan Meteorological Department (Met Office) predicted snowfall, tourists from across the country have rushed to Upper Swat to experience the enchanting snowfall in one of Pakistan’s most picturesque valleys, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Pakistan.”

Winter tourism in Swat has seen a significant surge following forecasts of moderate to heavy snowfall in popular tourist destinations such as Malam Jabba, Oshu, Magudhand, and Kalam valleys. These areas are now attracting large numbers of tourists eager to enjoy snowball fights, skiing, and other snow sports.

Families, particularly from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, have flocked to these scenic spots to take advantage of the beautiful weather and engage in winter activities. Dressed warmly in overcoats, visitors can be seen enjoying the snow-covered valleys and mountain peaks, a sight that brings joy to many.

Naveed Khan, a lecturer from Nowshera, was among those enjoying a snowball fight with friends at Malam Jabba. “Today my dream came true after seeing my first snowfall in my favorite tourist destination of Malam Jabba. The snow-covered valleys and mountain peaks are a big attraction for visitors these days,” said Khan, beaming with excitement.He mentioned that after enjoying Malam Jabba, they were planning to head to Kalam, where snowfall is more intense, owing to its higher altitude.

The Swat region offers an array of adventure sports, including skiing, trekking, and water rafting. Visitors can explore the 150-kilometer-long River Swat, which originates from glaciers and lakes like Mahodand and Gabral, providing unique opportunities for thrill-seekers, even during the winter months.

Despite the challenging road conditions in Upper Swat, tourists like Khan believe the breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscapes make the trip worthwhile. Many tourists from major cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, and others have already arrived, following the Met Office’s prediction of moderate to heavy snowfall in the coming days.

Faraz Khan, a tourist from Peshawar, expressed his admiration for Swat’s diverse offerings, which make it an ideal winter destination. “Swat is my favorite tourist destination. Its seven distinctive features, including snowfall, Ghandhara civilization, water rafting, mountaineering, trout fish, eco-tourism, and the Swat motorway, make it a unique place in Pakistan,” he said.

Waris Khattak, visiting from Karak, shared his excitement about enjoying snowfall and trout fishing in the scenic locales of Kalam and Malam Jabba. He highlighted the importance of preserving Swat’s natural beauty, including its Deodar trees and rich wildlife, while also noting the challenges posed by the region’s rugged terrain.

Tourism in Swat also benefits from its rich archaeological heritage, with many visitors interested in exploring the ancient Ghandhara civilization artifacts housed in Saidu Sharif Museum.

However, hotel prices during the winter season have seen a sharp rise, with rooms in quality hotels at Kalam being charged Rs10,000 to Rs15,000 per night, while rates in Malam Jabba range from Rs8,000 to Rs12,000. This has prompted calls for regulating hotel prices to make the region more affordable for tourists.In response to the growing influx of tourists, the KP Tourism Department has been working on several initiatives to enhance the region’s appeal. A mega project is underway to organize winter sports and tourism events in Swat and surrounding districts.

Recent events have included Kalam’s winter gala, a cycle race, sports rafting at the River Swat, and an international paragliding event at Saidu Sharif. Additionally, efforts are being made to develop new tourist spots in Sola Tanar, Puchar, and Jargo valleys, along with walking tracks to promote eco-tourism.

To ease the burden on popular destinations like Kalam, Malam Jabba, and Bahrian, tourism infrastructure is being expanded. New jeepable tracks are being planned, and tourist facilitation centers have been established. A dedicated tourist wing for merged areas and a new road to Sheikh Badin tourist resort in Dera Ismail Khan are also in the works.

The spokesperson for the KP Tourism Department has advised tourists to exercise caution while traveling to Malakand and Hazara divisions, as the Met Office forecasts heavy rains and snowfall that could cause road closures and landslides in these regions.

The influx of winter tourists is expected to continue as Swat becomes an increasingly popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and families seeking a winter retreat.