My Trip to Beautiful Kalam Valley, Pakistan

The Hidden Gem of Swat

On occasions when our whole family gathers, we often decide to go on a trip to scenic hilly areas and mountains.

During one such gathering, we chose to visit the stunning Kalam Valley in the north of Pakistan, as we hadn’t had the opportunity to explore this area before.

Kalam Valley Gilgit Baltistan

Kalam Valley is a beautiful place in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, located high above the Swat River. It's about 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) above sea level.

The valley, resembling a plateau, is used for farming and offers stunning views of mountains, including Mount Falaksar at 5,918 meters (19,416 feet) and another unnamed peak at 6,096 meters (20,000 feet) high. Just 99 kilometers away from Mingora, Kalam has become a popular tourist spot due to its mountains, forests, and lakes.

This sub-valley of Swat is a treasure trove of natural beauty, featuring lakes, mountains, valleys, and lush green forests. During winter, Kalam transforms into a snow-covered wonderland with glaciers, frozen lakes, and breathtaking panoramic views. It's a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and travelers looking to explore the beauty of the Swat region.

We booked a bus for the entire family and started heading towards our journey. The plan was to leave the house at 3 a.m., as it was a 13-hour-long drive.

Our hotel on hill-top in Kalam.

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Arriving at Our Destination

After a long travel from the hot area of Punjab, when we reached Kalam, a chilly cold breeze welcomed us. It was drizzling there, and the weather was very cold.

As we were dressed in summer clothing, we suddenly felt the need for warmth and jackets. We were not expecting this cold, and we didn't bring any proper warm clothing. We urgently ran towards the market to buy some.

Beautiful view from hotel balcony.

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Kalam market was a very interesting place with a lot of shops and local crafts. After buying jackets, we came back to the hotel. We were very hungry, so we ordered some food, and after enjoying the tasty meal, we went to sleep as we were extremely tired.

Mohdand Valley

There are many tourist attractions in the region, but our plan was very short, so we only visited Mohdand Valley, which is very popular for its beauty.

The lake is 40 kilometers away from Kalam, in the Ushu Valley, part of the Hindu-Kush mountain range. It's 9,400 feet above sea level and about two kilometers long. To reach the lake, start your journey early in the morning, as it takes three to four hours. But it was very crowded that day, so it took us about seven to eight hours to get there.

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The road had some metal patches, but it was mostly rocky and gravelly. I'd say that it is better not to use your own car, as it might get damaged underneath. Instead, rent a Jeep from the local market as we did.

Even though the path was very dangerous and tricky, there were amazing views you can't even imagine. We went through a forest, drove along a river, and then alongside tall mountains all the way.

After many twists and turns, we could finally see the lake, and when you do, it’s hard to look away. Horses were running nearby, and a mesmerizing view enchanted us for a while. There was a campsite and the opportunity to hire a boat; otherwise, you could just sit and relax by the lake.

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts... There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature-the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter."

-Rachel Carson

It was a serene view with the temperature falling down. We ordered food and enjoyed tea in the chilly weather. We had such a great time there, marveling at the stunning scenery.

The valley was filled with lush greenery, tall mountains, and a clear, beautiful lake. Nature’s beauty was everywhere. We felt so happy and peaceful, surrounded by all the amazing sights. It was a truly memorable experience that we enjoyed to the fullest.

We stayed there for two hours and then had to come back because it was already getting late. After traveling for hours, we reached our hotel at 12 a.m. We thanked God we reached safely as it was a dangerous drive on high mountains in the dark.

Time to Leave

After enjoying thee area for two days, it was time to venture back home, even though we didn't want to leave this amazing place. We had our breakfast and packed our luggage but decided to come back here for a long trip to explore the beauty of this area completely.

During our journey, we reminisced about the picturesque landscapes and the memorable moments we had in Kalam Valley. The stunning mountains, the chilly breeze, and the warmth of the local people left a lasting impression on our hearts.

We are eagerly looking forward to our next adventure, where we can immerse ourselves in the natural splendor of Kalam Valley once again. It will certainly be another moment to create cherished memories with our family.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2023 Amara Hassan