It is the upper valley of the Swat River, which rises in the Hindu Kush range. The capital of Swat is Saidu Sharif, but the main town in the Swat valley is Mingora. The beautiful valley of Swat, popularly known as the Switzerland of the East, is a holiday-maker’s delight and a hallmark of magnificent scenic beauty and a rich historical past. The Valley of Swat sprawls over 5,337 sq. The summer tem
perature reaches a maximum of 22C and remains below -10. Madyan, Bahrain, Miandam, Kalam, Marghuzar, Fizaghat, Miandam and Malam Jabba are its main tourist spots. The elevation ranges from 991 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level at Saidu Sharif to 6,257 meters (20,528 feet) at the top of its highest mountain, Flaksair. 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). April to May is the best time to visit Swat, when the fresh green grass carpet covers the slopes. The total distance from Islamabad to Mingora/Saidu Sharif is 247Km and it takes around 5 hours with one stop for lunch and refreshments. This route is open for all kinds of traffic throughout the year. Using the above mentioned route from Mardan onwards, the distance from from Peshawar to Mingora/Saidu Sharif is 151 km. Total driving time from Peshawar is around 4 hours. For those preferring public transport, travelling in an air conditioned bus/Hiace Wagon service is an option. There are several bus companies with regular direct service to Mingora from Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Mardan. The Daewoo Bus Service operates the most comfortable and reliable air conditioned bus service to Mingora from Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar.
