RegionOutline guide

Swat

District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Photo: Power22, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Swat Valley is a charming valley in the northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, which is a popular tour destination. During the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in the 1960s, she called it "Switzerland of the East".

Where to eat, drink and stay

Sleep7 places

Serena HotelUS$225 average room rate
Limousine Airport Transfer Service, all-day multi cuisine restaurant, swimming pool and pool bar, Badminton courts, Wi-Fi Access
Price
US$225 average room rate
Phone
+92 946 711637
Website
serenahotels.com
Pamir Hotelsingle Rs 6000, double, Rs 8000, triple Rs 14,000
Breakfast included. Restsurant. Parking. WiFi.
Price
single Rs 6000, double, Rs 8000, triple Rs 14,000
Address
G.T Road, Mingora
Phone
+92 946 713201-3
Website
pameerhotel.com
Prince Hotel
Address
New Road, Mingora
White Palace HotelRs 5400/night
White Palace was built in 1941 by the 1st King of Swat valley (Mian Gul Abdul Wadood). The palace has been converted into a resort hotel. The hotel is located at 2200 m (7000 feet) above sea level on Marghazar Hill, offering beautiful views.
Price
Rs 5400/night
Address
Marghazar Road
Phone
+92 946 865270
Website
whitepalaceswat.com
Chinar HotelRs 780
All rooms are air-conditioned, equipped with televisions that have cable reception and also have the facilities of telephones in each room. Onsite restaurant open for lunch and dinner. An onsite parking facility is available along with a car hire on demand. Armed personnel guard the premises around the clock.
Price
Rs 780
Address
Gulshan Chowk GT Road, Mingora
Phone
+92 946 722849

Show all 7

Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) motelSingle Rs 3,200, double Rs 5,500
An air conditioned tourist complex of 22 rooms, it has a restaurant with sitting capacity of 100 guests, and a craft shop offering traditional craft items and embroidery for sale. In-room satellite TV and telephone, heating, laundry and rent-a-car. The motel remains open all the year round and is terminal to regular coaster service for tourists during peak season which operates between Rawalpindi and Swat under management of PTDC.
Price
Single Rs 3,200, double Rs 5,500
Address
Faizabad Rd., Saidu Sharif
Directions
Opposite Swat Serena Hotel
Phone
+92 334 4362116, +92 946 9240156
Website
tourism.gov.pk
Flying Carpet Guest HouseDorm Rs 150, single Rs 300, double Rs 350-450, breakfast Rs 100, dinner Rs 150
You'll find there everything you need including internet, laundry service, kitchen to use, trekking guides (Rs 300 per half-day, Rs 600 for a full day), in a very friendly, familiar atmosphere.
Price
Dorm Rs 150, single Rs 300, double Rs 350-450, breakfast Rs 100, dinner Rs 150
Address
Madyan hill station
Directions
above the main bazaar (Main Road
Phone
+966 55 999 4209 (WhatsApp)
Website
madyanguesthouse.com

Getting there and around

Getting there

By bus
For those preferring public transport, travelling in an air conditioned bus service is an option.
By plane
Saidu Sharif Airport is also an option for those who prefer air travel. The national airline PIA has three weekly flights from Islamabad which take 30 minutes to reach Saidu Sharif.

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Getting around

Swat Valley, especially lower Swat, is a year-round tourist destination. However the main tourist season for Swat begins in spring and lasts till autumn (April to October).

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Airports and nearby hotels

Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.

Bacha Khan International Airport

Peshawar · International · PEW

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Full travel guide

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UnderstandSwat (Pashto: سوات) is a valley and an administrative district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, close to the Afghan-Pakistan border.

Get inPeople travelling from the rest of Pakistan on their own vehicles can take the Motorway (M-1) and reach Mardan interchange from Islamabad in about 1½ hours after covering a distance of 131 km.

Get aroundSwat Valley, especially lower Swat, is a year-round tourist destination. However the main tourist season for Swat begins in spring and lasts till autumn (April to October).

See

DoThere are many things to do in Swat Valley but visiting ancient archaeological sites is one of the best thing to do. There are many historical places where you will feel an aura of ancient civilizations.

BuySwat is known for precious stones such as zamarod, which was among the gifts given to Queen Elizabeth II upon her visit to the region. They can be bought at the local market, along with some ancient remains.

EatSwat is known for its fishes generally known as "swati mayan". In hotels in Madyan, trout dishes are also available.

Drinkyou can easily buy fruits and make juices and shakes of it.

Stay safeThe area has become more peaceful and secure than some other parts of the country, and included among the safest areas in view of the statistics of law and order.

CopeThere are many hospitals in Swat especially in Saidu Sharif: Government Central Hospital Saidu Sharif, Saidu Hospital with emergency ward and other private hospitals.

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Swat" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Swat District", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Power22, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Improve this guide on Wikivoyage

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Swat" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Summary from the Wikipedia article "Swat District", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia

Photo: Power22, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Improve this guide on Wikivoyage