‘Heaven on earth’: Malam Jabba sees surge in tourists after a white winter

Thousands from metropolises across the country head to the hill station for a snowy retreat.

MALAM JABBA: Now that incoming showers and snowstorms have abated, tourists are heading towards Swat Valley in large numbers to enjoy the scenic spectacle.

Thousands of people are flocking to Malam Jabba over the past few weeks. Situated over 8,000 feet above sea level, the hill station is one of the most popular resorts of the valley.

Situated over 8,000 feet above sea level, Malam Jabba is one of the most popular resorts of Swat. PHOTOS: FAZAL KHALIQ/EXPRESS

“The serenity of this place is unbelievable. Snow has blanketed the entire area,” Abdul Hai, a visitor from Karachi, told The Express Tribune.

Hai said he was hesitant to come to Swat at first since the security situation has not been ideal over the past few years.

“The environment is quite different from what is perceived in Karachi,” he explained. “The valley is peaceful and life here is very normal—better than any other part of the country. It is heaven on earth,” he said.

Situated over 8,000 feet above sea level, Malam Jabba is one of the most popular resorts of Swat. PHOTOS: FAZAL KHALIQ/EXPRESS

Tourists head to the valley all year round. “Every patch is green during the summer. Water in the streams is crystal clear and the entire countryside is blooming,” said Shamim Zahoor, a tourist from Lahore. However, visitors lamented the lack of infrastructural facilities in the area.



“The commute is dangerous and the roads are in a dilapidated condition,” said another tourist from Lahore, Zahoor Ahmed. A second spell of snowfall has already covered most areas of northern Pakistan, pushing the mercury further down.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th, 2015.