Tourists flock to Kalam, Malam Jabba

Thousands of tourists have thronged to the famous hill stations of Kalam and Malam Jabba in Swat district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) to enjoy the snowfall.

The opening of Swat Motorway has made these 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), thousands of tourists from Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) have reached Kalam and Malam Jabba to witness the soothing spectacle.

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 winters.

These days, Kalam’s adjoining scenic hilly areas including Matiltan, Ushu, Utror, Gabral and Mohdand and Kundol lakes’ hotels are jam-packed with tourists.

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 a result, hotels and transport sectors have witnessed a great boom in Khyber-Pakthunkhwa where a record Rs66 billion revenue has been 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 snowfall 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.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 03, 2022.