Snow-covered valleys of Swat pulling tourists

MINGORA: The tourists from across the country have thronged the mountainous and tourist spots in Swat valley after the recent snowfall.

The upper parts of the valley, including Kalam, Malam Jabba, Miandam, Bahrain, and Mahodand received heavy snowfall, which attracted tourists from different parts of the country. Bushra Khalid, a tourist from Karachi, said that her family planned to visit various parts of Swat valley for four days when they came to know that the valley would receive snowfall.

She said the mesmerising beauty and the snow-covered peaks in the Swat valley were a pleasant surprise for every member of her family. Another tourist, Ayesha Khan from Multan, told this scribe that she had a dream to witness snowfall, which was fulfilled. “Though it’s very cold after the snowfall, particularly the mercury will be below zero in the night, however, the snow-covered peaks and the white sheet of snow is a lifelong experience for me and my family,” she added.

Another female tourist from Peshawar, Khalida Rahman, said that the landscape, peace and facilities for tourists in upper areas like Kalam and Malam Jabba were unexpected for them.

“In three days, we visited Malam Jabba and Kalam as the roads leading to this valley are well constructed now,” she said, adding that the valley was a peaceful area for female tourists. Locals said that upper areas of Kalam received more than three feet snow. “We are planning to spend our weekend in upper parts of Kalam including Mahudand, Ushu and Utror to witness more snowfall,” said Amjad Ali, a tourist from Lahore. According to locals, the number of tourists from various parts of the country was increasing with every passing day due to the recently built roads to scenic locations. “After 15 years, the numbers of tourists are high in Kalam due to better infrastructure and roads now,” said Dr Wadood, president Kalam Hotels Association.