Situated at 3,220 ft in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is the magnificent Swat valley. Dubbed the “Switzerland of the East”, the area is a traveller’s paradise with its refreshing weather, lush green pine trees, snow-capped peaks, and the crystalline waters of the Swat River meandering through its heavenly plains from the Ushu mountain range. Swat is located 250km from Islamabad and 160km from Peshawar. Its capital is Saidu Sharif and Mingora is a popular city with tourists owing to a great variety of hotels and bazaars.

Kalam is an enchanting valley in Swat at an altitude of 6,500 feet. It is surrounded by stunning, tall peaks, luscious forests and beautiful waterfalls. The Ushu and Gabral rivers join to form the Swat River in Kalam. There are several alpine glacial lakes in Kalam, including the Mahodand Lake, Kundol Lake and Izmis Lake forming picturesque spots where tourists can camp or go for boating. Other scenic attractions are Ushu, Maltitan, Utror and Gabral.

Mahodand Lake is an alpine, glacial lake in the upper Ushu Valley, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, at an altitude of 9,600 feet. It is formed at the foothills of the snow-clad mountains of the Hindu Kush range. Gorgeous alpine flowers such orange geums, blue poppy, cinquefoils and gentian grow along the banks of the Lake and lush green pine trees surround it. Camping, fishing and trekking are popular activities around Mahodand Lake.

Recommended Gear:

• Trekking boots/Joggers/Comfortable Shoes/Slippers
• Hand wash/soap/sanitizer, wipes, tooth paste and all other necessities
• Sun Block and Sun glasses