The snowfall lovers have thronged to famous Kalam and Malam Jabba valleys where winter tourism get boom due to construction of Swat Motorway, making scenic destinations in far flung areas accessible for tourists and adventure sports enthusiasts.
Following the Met Office forecast of rains and snowfall over the hills in Swat from (Jan 3-7), tourists along with families from plain districts of KP and Punjab have thronged to Kalam and Malam Jabba to enjoy the moderate to heavy snowfalls.
Kalam is blessed with about 50 lakes including the famous Mahodand lake covering two-kilometre area and 2,865 meters above the sea level at Usho valley, attracting tourists and snowfall lovers from across Pakistan in winter season.
These days, Kalam’s adjoining scenic hilly areas including Matiltan, Ushu, Utror, Gabral and Mohdand viz a viz Kundol lakes’ hotels are jam-packed with tourists amid hide and seek between sun and clouds besides snowfalls over the mountains taking them into state of ecstasy.
The winter tourism has witnessed great boom in Kalam, Malam Jabba, Madain, Behrain after construction of Swat Motorway, which made a positive impact on tourism related businesses in Swat district where a record 1.5million tourists had visited during Eidul Azha’s holidays last year.
As result, hotels and transport sectors have witnessed a great boom in Khyber Pakthunkhwa where a record Rs66 billion revenue generated and Rs27 billion businesses achieved by the rural economy following the arrival of record 2.77 million tourists during Eid vacations.
“Kalam is my favourite place for winter tourism due to its amazing mountainous beauty and snowfalls features,” said Ehtisham Khan, a lecturer of Urdu in a private college from Nowshera district told APP.
He said River Swat coming out of Kalam valley enhances its scenic beauty and make it an ideal tourist destination of Pakistan.
“Whenever I got an opportunity, I visit this scenic hilly station of Pakistan in winter to spend a few days in its cool and pollution-free weather besides enjoy its moderate to heavy snowfalls.”
Kalam’s waterfalls, River Swat’s whitish-blue water and hide and seek between the sun and clouds are adding colors to this awesome hilly station,” he said, adding “I have been visiting Kalam for the last three years and this year my joy was doubled after my three hours were saved by Swat Expressway.
KP Government, in line with PM’s vision, are constructing roads projects amounting to Rs11 billion to provide an easy access to tourists to explore the archaeological and tourism treasures of Khyber Pakthunkhwa including Swat.
