- Swat’s history goes almost 2000 years and it was once called Udyana.
- The valley was a very peaceful area for living until the 11th century. The game of power led to the disruption of the valley and it was first conquered by Mahmud of Ghazni.
- It is famously known as the land of the Buddhist learning and piety because the history of Swat was mostly associated with the Buddhist culture. The huge statues of Buddha in Bamiyan, Afghanistan and the elaborately designed statues of Buddha in Swat are sufficient proof of the long lasting and devoted labor of the artists of that era. The tradition still continues in the valley of Swat with great enthusiasm.
- The languages traditionally spoken here are Kohistani and the Pushto language. However, nowadays, due to the city’s rapid development, Urdu and English are also widely spoken here.
- The people of Swat are well known for the handicrafts and ornaments they make. The women that reside here like to wear embroidered clothes and also design and sell them as their main source of income.
- These fabrics are one of the attractions of the area for tourists as they provide a look at the local culture from up close.
- Swat is known for its unique culture. The goldsmiths of this valley have made beautiful jewelry and ornaments that are original, typical and regional. The pretty girls of Swat can be seen wearing these artistic forms of jewelry.
- The people of Swat are generally very hospitable, warm and generous. They are kind to visitors and welcome them with open arms.
- Five day, Swat Tourism Festival, an attempt to increase the socio-economic activities and establish durable peace and harmony, is held at Ushu Ground. The event happening in Swat gives out a clear message of restored order to the whole world that foreigners and people all across Pakistan travel miles to participate in the festival fearlessly.
- Celebrated every year since 2010 in summer in Kalam about 100 km from Swat city, Kalam summer festival was started to celebrate the peace that prevailed once again in Swat after three years of militancy. Because of its history, it has very sentimental importance. It’s arranged on the pattern of the Shandur Polo festival and organized by the KPK tourism development authority and the Pakistan Army.The main attractions are sports events, including paragliding and Jeep rallys. There are also music concerts, Katthak dance, horse dance, and Chitral dance. The festival usually happens from July to August.
- Swat Valley is known as the “mini Switzerland”. Its landscapes are a proof of natural beauty and it is one of the most visited areas and has a major tourism industry.
- With a population of 2,309,570 according to the 2017 census, Swat is the 15th-largest district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- The highest peak of Hindu Kush Range in Swat Valley is Falak Sher/Sar Peak which is of 5918 meters.
- The city of Mingora is famous for its shopping and has a number of mineral reserves as well such as emerald reserves in hills northward of the town.
- Known for its delicious fruits, the orchard-rich Swat valley provides some of the best peaches to the country’s fruit markets from late May to September.
15 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Swat, Pakistan
January 27, 2021
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