The Enchanting Beauty of Kalam Valley: The Crown Jewel of Swat
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When you ask a local Swati about scenic spots in Swat Valley, he might list some dozen places before finally arriving at Kalam. While there's a certain pride in his voice, a pause filled with admiration, as he says with quiet conviction, “Kalam is Kalam.” It's his way of acknowledging the enchanting beauty of Kalam Valley, which is beyond comparison, beyond words.
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The Enchanting Beauty of Kalam Valley Lies in its Special Charms:
What makes Kalam Valley distinguishing
into a unique tourist destination are its myriad of charms. The
resort is a wonderful mix of colourful gerbera. Its splendid mountains, vibrant
forests, azure lakes, grand waterfalls, gushing rivers, torrent streams,
flooded greenery, colourful flowers, pleasant weather, and rich cultural
heritage, make it an ideal haven for nature lovers,
adventurer seekers, and hikers, who come to relish the enchanting beauty of Kalam Valley.
An Earthly Paradise:
Location of Kalam Pakistan:
Lies in the picturesque Swat Valley at the height of 2000 meters (6,600 ft) above the sea level, the distance of Kalam from Islamabad is around 350km, Kalam-Peshawar 257 km, 97 km from Mingora City, and 35 km from Bahrain. The valley opens up into a small and fertile plateau on the bank of Swat River at Pushmal, with the last village of Qarandokay, is its dividing territory with Bahrain, and spreads up to Dir Upper, Chitral, Gilgit Baltistan and Abaseen Kohistan.
A Mixture of Different and Varied Valleys:
The dream resort is a mixture of different and varied valleys,
having an excellent vantage point. Kalam Valley view is outstanding
from this point. Walking tour to Kalam Green Top is a mesmerizing adventure.
The Boyun Village Green Top is situated 3.5 km from Kalam city. The
prominent peak is Falaksar, which is 5918m (19415ft) high above the sea
level. Furthermore, there are many other unknown peaks capped by pristine
snow to add to the enchanting beauty of Kalam Valley. The main town of the area is Kalam. Whereas, Kalam Bazar is a
business hub of Swat Kohistan and remains a focus of tourism activities
throughout the year.
Birth Place of Swat River to Add to the Enchanting Beauty of Kalam Valley:
The resort is a
birthplace of Swat River. It is here in Kalam that River Ushu and Utror
fall into the mainstream river and make it a lifeline for the enchanting beauty of Kalam Valley. It make the resort's journey an unforgettable and mesmerising fact. The road winds up through picturesque valleys and alongside
the shimmering Swat River right from the start.
Single Road to Ushu and Utror:
Kalam is connected to
Ushu and Utror via metaled bridge ending into a single road extending to it.
The valley is surrounded by the towering peaks of Hindu Kush and Himalayas that
offers a paradise of greenery and scenic views. During the summer months, the
lush meadows, blooming flowers, and dense pine forests gives a
visual feast to the enchanting beauty of Kalam Valley. Whereas, the soothing sound of the river creates a sense of peace
and connection with nature.
Kalam Tourist Places: Key
Attractions to the Enchanting Beauty of Kalam Valley
Kalam Ushu: The village of Usho is situated at a distance of about 8 km from Kalam and 110 km from Saidu Sharif at the height of 23,00 meters (7550 ft). The resort is accessible by jeep due to a non-metaled road from Kalam. It is known for its beautiful cloudy and rainy forests as well as glacier, and is one of Kalam famous places. Kalam ushu forest especially attracts a major chunk of tourists to the enchanting beauty of Kalam Valley.
Matiltan: Matiltan runs in the east about 10 km from Kalam, 2 km from Ushu and 112 km from Saidu Sharif. The valley offers a magnificent view of high peaked snow covered mountains. The best tourists’ attraction Mahodand is situated in this track. It offer numerous picnic spots and first-class fishing and hiking opportunities.
Most of the homes in this lush and green plain are built two stories because of high snowfall. They are also known for its traditional wooden structures. Falak Sar Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the region, known for its unmatched beauty.
Kalam Utror Valley: Utror valley is situated at a distance of around 16 km from Kalam and 118 km from Saidu Sharif. The popular hill station is at the altitude of about 2300 meters (7, 500 ft) at Utror proper and reaches to 2,900 meters (9, 500 ft) at Kandol Lake. The resort is also famous for its hag shaded picnic spots and strewn streams full of fish. Surrounded by Gabral and Bhan valleys in the North-East, Upper Dir in the west, the area of Utror is reportedly about 47400 hectares (117, 000 acres, with the population of 6888.
Like other most parts of Swat Kohistan, the modern Muslim graves in the valley are surrounded by intricately carved wooden railings. The place is also famous for flutes. Tourists come from far and wide to listen to the echo of the instruments by the professional flutes players coming from mountains to the enchanting beauty of Kalam Valley.
Gabral: The magnificent valley of Gabral is situated at a distance of 5 km from Utror proper and 20 km from Kalam. Lies over an area of about 38733 hectares, it is surrounded by Chitral District in the north, Utror in south and south-west, upper Dir in the west. The altitude of the valley ranges from 2580 metres at Baila to 5160 metres at Kharkharay Lake top.
These resorts are full
of natural colours and eye catching sceneries scattering through them. This
track is especially famous for its beautiful lakes and trout-filled
rivers. It's less crowded, making it ideal for those who seek peace and seclusion.
The valley also serves as a base for hiking and mountaineering expeditions.
Flora and Fauna:
The towering mountains
around these areas are covered with tall cedar, pine trees and meandered
by different streams and torrents, which are safe haven for bulky
snow-cock and brightly colored Monal pheasants. Snow leopards and Markhor are
also found in the mountains surrounding them, especially towards Chitral.
Kalam Lakes:
The majority of the lakes
of the River Valley of Swat are situated in Kalam, which may also be called the
land of lakes. The prominent ones are including Mahodand, Neelsar, Spin Khwar,
Kundol or Kundal, Izmis, Pari (Khapiro) and Kharkhari lakes.
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Kalam Mahodand: Mahodand Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes of Swat Valley. It is Kalam famous lake and one of the main highlights of the resort at a distance of roughly 23 km from Matiltan and 35 to 40 km from Kalam town. Kalam Valley tour would be incomplete without visiting this true gift of nature, a private sanctuary notable for the nature lovers.
2. Neelsar Lake: Neelsar Lake is also situated in this track towards Usho in the east of Kalam. It is at a distance of roughly ten kilometers from Mahodand and takes almost a full day to reach there. The hike is gentle and the trek ascends gradually. There is also a camping area near the lake where the tourists can pitch their tents and spend a day or two comfortably.
3. Spin Khwar Lake: Spin Khwar is another beautiful lake in the north of Kalam towards Utror valley. Hidden in the mountains lap, this small white stream is accessible through mountainous tracks. The grazers in the area have built small huts and a mosque where one can stay. However, a personal tent is recommended as these huts are in a poor condition due to the lack of attention for its proper maintenance. Godar lake is also situated in this area towards the north of Kalam after Desar Banda.
4. Kundol Lake: Kundol or Kundal lake is another picturesque spot, at about a 3-4 hour trek from Kalam. This high-altitude lake is surrounded by rugged mountain terrain and alpine meadows. For adventurers and hikers, this trek offers a sense of accomplishment and an opportunity to witness the valley's untouched beauty. It is situated in the north of Utror valley. It can be accessed from Kalam via Utror from where a link road ends in a green valley at the foothills called Ladu. The tourist can either hike to Ladu from Utror or take a four-wheeler. It takes almost two hours to reach the beautiful valley of Ladu. There is also a small hut in Ladu where one can take tea and grab something to eat. From Ladu it takes almost three hours to reach the lake. Some locals can guide you and even take your luggage for fee. The people are friendly and can provide the required guidance. The trail to the lake from Ladu is easy to follow as a huge stream flows down from it, which mingles with River Swat in Kalam valley.
5. Izmis Lake:
Izmis lake is located towards the southwest of Utror valley, at an elevation of 11,500 feet about 13 kilometers above Utror bazaar. It is a glacial lake, which is surrounded by various natural caves. Therefore, the lake gets its name Izmis from Caves in Kohistani. A small jeep-able link road from Utror leads part of the way to the lake. The journey ends in a valley called Loypanrghaly. The lake can be accessed from there after a trekking for almost 3–6 hours. Covered with green grasses, this lake attracts grazers from the plains in summer season.
6. Pari (Khapiro) lake: Pari (Khapiro) lake is also located in the north-east of Utror valley at the highest altitude. The name is given to the lake due to the belief that it is an abode of fairies (Khapiri), where they live and bathe in its cool, pure and clear water. The lake is comparatively greater in size and depth than the other lakes situated in the vicinity and remains open in the months of July till September. The western face of the lake is open and its water flows down to the gigantic Kundal Lake which is situated down in the foothills. The towering mountains surrounding the lake are a safe haven for the bulky Snow-cock and brightly colored Monal pheasants. The lake is almost a quarter kilometer in length and surrounded by steep pastures where the grazers take their livestock. The resort can be accessed only by trekking, which would need one the love of nature to endure the hardships of the way as the trail is exasperating and dangerous. The lake is accessible from both Izmis and Kundol lakes. Two ascending tracks lead to it, taking almost five hours to reach the lake.
7. Kharkhari Lake: Kharkhari Lake is also situated in this track towards Utror. The hike is gentle and the trek ascends gradually. There is also a camping area near it, where the tourists can pitch tents. A little further is Katchikuni top or pass which leads into the neighboring District of Chitral.
There are still many lakes, which are yet to the discovered’, according to Jan a local of Kalam Town. ‘They are mostly situated in the far-off ends of Kalam towards Mahodand, Gabral and Utror’, he added. ‘The treacherous mountains make it hard to reach them. The trail is exasperating, dangerous and less approachable. Besides, 7the weather conditions make them largely inaccessible’, he explained. ‘There are also moving grass patches. Maybe, there are marshes underneath, due to which one is unable to move on due to the fear of drowning in them’, he concluded.
Fish Fauna:
The rivers and lakes offer good trout fishing after getting permits obtained from the Fisheries Department. However, due to the fast flow of water, that is limited in winter and violent in summer, which prevents the richness of the aquatic communities.
Adventure and Trekking in Kalam:
Whether it’s trekking up to
the majestic lakes or hiking through Kalam forests and glacial streams, the enchanting beauty of Kalam Valley offers various adventure activities for thrill-seekers. It has
countless opportunities on the offer to explore. The pleasant weather in
summer makes it an ideal spot for hiking. The climate is cool and bracing
for outdoor activities. In winter season, snow blankets the valley,
turning it into a haven for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
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Cultural Significance:
Kalam, Swat, is home to a unique cultural heritage, reflecting the traditions of diverse cultures. Population of the area contains Kohistanis, Pashtun and Gujars. However, being a hometown to Kohistani inhabitants, they are the dominant class and the main royalty/property holders. Here, It is worth mentioning that the Kohistanis comprise three clans-Darray Khel, Nanior and Jaflor. Darray, Nanior and Jaflor were reportedly the grandsons of Raja Gira from his son Kaal, whom he gave Kalam estate.
In Gawri language locality is called Lama. The locality
of Kaal was thus called Kaala Lama, which later on became Kalam. Royalty or
property in the area is distributed on one third basis among the three clans.
Later on, it is subdivided on male population basis.
Kalam Language:
Kalam language is Gawri. Other people, who speak the language, are not included into these clans. They may simply be identified into the communities, which migrated from Dir, Chitral and Indus Kohistan. Hence, they are not recognized as the royalty/property holders by them, although they are the permanent residents of the area. The Kohistanis proper comprise around 60 percent of the total population. Out of which, Nanior has reportedly the highest population, Jafflor the second highest and Darray Khel the last one.
The Pashto speaking
community lives around Jalbanr and Gahail. They may be divided into Malizi,
Swatis, Kashmiris and Hazarwal etc. They are called Pakhtuns because they speak
Pashto language. Like other communities, they are not the proper royalty
holders, although they have been given the possession of lands by the dominant
classes. The population of Pashtuns is about 30 percent. The rest 10 percent
are Gujar living around Gabral.
Historical Charms and Traditional Swati Flavour:
Traditional flavour of local architecture, especially wooden houses, adds a historical charm to the area. The people of Kalam are known for their hospitality, and visitors can experience local way of life by interacting with them. The dishes exhibit traditional Swati flavour, which include specialties like chapli kebab, lamb karahi, and a variety of locally sourced trout dishes.
Regarding Kalam valley hotels, they ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. You can book an ideal accommodation, as Kalam room rent varies and you can find affordable one. The booking process is straightforward, with budget-friendly options and exceptional service, unforgettable views, and the feeling of being at a home. The hotel’s friendly staff and home-cooked meals make it a cozy experience. However, due to increasing popularity of the valley, it is better to start the booking process well in advance.
Most hotels now enjoy online presence, with
websites that offer online booking options. You can browse through the
available options, check prices, and read reviews from previous guests. What’s
more, some hotels offer early bird discounts or special packages for online
bookings, which is a great way to save money and time.
Best Time to Visit Kalam Valley:
The ideal time to enjoy the enchanting beauty of Kalam Valley is during the summer months of May to September. During this time,
the weather is pleasant, and the valley is in full bloom. In winter
(December to February), there is heavy snowfall, turning the valley into a
winter wonderland, which is perfect for snow sports but limit accessibility.
How to Get There:
The easiest way to reach the enchanting beauty of Kalam Valley is by road from Islamabad or Peshawar. Travelers can drive to
Mingora, and then up to Kalam in approximately 3-4 hours, depending on Kalam
road condition. Stunning views on way make the trip worthwhile.
Respect Pristine Environment:
Kalam has an unspoiled
natural beauty. It is, therefore, crucial to keep the enchanting beauty of Kalam Valley that way by ensuring you
leave no trace. Pack out all of your trash and avoid any such activities that
could harm the clean and pristine environment of the valley.
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