Winter resort: Adorned in white, rustic Marghazar valley a treat for tourists

Dilapidated road hampers access to the valley.

SWAT: At an elevation of over 4,000 feet from sea level and wrapped in snow, Marghazar valley in Swat attracts tourists from across the country every winter.

The valley’s awesome beauty has been likened to “paradise” by those who have had the chance to witness it.

However, its not just the scenery that makes the place sacred for many: the valley connects Hindu pilgrim routes leading to Mount Ilam, known as Ram Takht (throne of Hindu god Ram).

The valley’s prime tourist attraction is the White Palace, which once served as a summer house of the first Wali (ruler) of Swat.

Built in 1941 and still sturdy, the white building looks grand blanketed in snow during the winters. Mohammad Zohaib, a tourist from Nowshehra, eloquently described it as “a palace of fairytales.”

Visitors say one of the reasons the valley is still peaceful and serene is because the road leading to it is dilapidated, serving as a deterrent to many tourists.

Ali Khan, a local, said the main link road that connects the valley to Mingora is in a deplorable condition and has not been repaired since it was constructed back when Swat was a state.

Additionally, he said people have to get drinking water from far-off springs, as there is no water pipeline to provide potable water in the area.

But those that make the effort are well rewarded. Among a group of teenagers dancing around and hurling snowballs at one another, one Abu Bakr said, “No place comes close to the dazzling beauty of Marghazar valley. It’s absolutely beautiful.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th, 2012.