Janshai Meadows is a natural beauty located in the Anakar Valley in Kalam, Pakistan. The valley is renowned for its beautiful meadows, glacial lakes, and lush green jungles, which are covered with snow during the winter season. In the summer, the meadows are adorned with different types of flowers, adding to their allure. Janshahi Meadows has an altitude of approximately 3000 meters.
Janshai Meadows is a hidden gem located in the beautiful Swat Valley of Pakistan. Its stunning beauty, peaceful ambiance, and scenic surroundings make it a perfect destination for visitors looking to rejuvenate their souls. Here’s everything you need to know about Janshai Meadows:
Location
Janshai Meadows is situated 7 kilometers away from Kalam Valley in the Swat region. It lies at an elevation of approximately 3188 meters above sea level. The meadows are in the South West direction from Shahi Banal and in the South direction from Bar Motli.
Surroundings
Janshai Meadows is surrounded by high snow-capped peaks and tall pine trees, adding to its incredible charm. The area is filled with scenic forested hills and features freshwater streams with blue water flowing through the meadow. The presence of animals grazing in the green pastures further enhances the picturesque setting.
Weather
The weather in Janshai Meadows is similar to that of the overall Kalam Valley. The region experiences four seasons, and the best time to visit is during the summer or spring season. In summer, the temperature can exceed 28 degrees Celsius during the hottest days, while in winter, the temperature drops significantly, especially in the highlands, where it can reach as low as -25 degrees Celsius. Snowfall is common in the region, lasting for approximately 30 days during winter.
Things To Do in Janshai Meadows
anshai Meadows offers various activities for tourists to enjoy:
Sightseeing: The lush surroundings and unique natural sights make sightseeing a delightful experience. Visitors can admire the freely flowing blue water, tall mountain peaks, and forested hills.
Trekking: To reach Janshai Meadows, visitors need to embark on an 8 km trek starting from the Blue Waters Spot. The journey follows a smooth path alongside a river, offering a pleasant experience. Additionally, one can trek towards Kalam Valley, which is just 7 kilometers away from Janshai Meadows, with plenty of streams providing fresh water for travelers.
Camping: Janshai Meadows provides multiple camping options, allowing visitors to set up their camps by the river or at the Blue Water Spot. Nearby places, such as Marghazar, also offer camping spots.
Tourist Attractions Near Janshai Meadows
At Janshahi Meadows, one can experience peace and harmony with nature. There are two alpine glacial lakes nearby, Masteej Lake and Andrab Lake, which are both popular tourist destinations. Andrab Lake (also known as Kooh Lake), is at a 5-6 hours hike from Blue Water, and Masteej Lake, which takes about 4-5 hours to reach from Janshahi Meadows. Both lakes offer breathtaking views.
During the winter, it is advisable to stay in small rooms that the locals have made at the top of the meadows, as temperatures can drop to -10 degrees Celsius. These rooms provide better comfort and warmth compared to camping tents. There are several other tourist attractions near Janshai Meadows, which visitors can explore:
Mastij Lake: One of the highest glacial lakes in the Swat region, offering breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and a nearby mesmerizing waterfall.
Desan Meadows: A favorite destination for trekkers, surrounded by green trees that turn rusty during autumn.
Saidu Sharif: The capital of Swat and Mingora region, known for multiple accommodations, food, and access to archeological sites.
Mahodand Lake: A beautiful alpine lake famous for trout fishing and various tourist activities like boating, fishing, and camping.
Bahrain: A busy city with traditional handicraft markets and convenient access to other famous tourist sites in Swat.
Marghazar: A famous hill station with forested hills and the White Palace, once visited by Queen Elizabeth.
Malam Jabba: A ski resort offering skiing opportunities and comfortable hotel options.
Janshahi Meadows Trek
In the winter, snow covers the trek towards Janshahi Meadows, starting from Anakar Valley. The total hike to Janshahi Meadows is about 13-14 km, taking around 7-8 hours in snowy conditions, and 2-3 hours in summers. The hiking level is not too difficult, and there are freshwater streams available for drinking along the trek. The valley is filled with cedar trees and adorned with yellow and white flowers in the summers. Scenic views of Mankial Peak and Desan Meadows add to the beauty of the valley.
How to Reach Janshai Meadows
To reach Janshai Meadows, visitors need to take a jeep to the Blue Waters Spot, as it is not accessible by other means of transport. The journey from Swat to Janshai Meadows is scenic and takes approximately 3 hours by car.
To reach Anakar Valley Kalam from Islamabad/Rawalpindi, one needs to cover a distance of approximately 330 km, which takes about 7 hours via the Swat motorway. From Kalam, it takes an off-road drive of about 20 minutes to reach Anakar Valley, also known as Blue Water.
Accomodations
Janshai Meadows itself is a campsite mostly visited by independent trekkers, so there are limited options for staying in the meadows. Visitors often find it more convenient to plan their stay in nearby areas like Kalam Valley, which offers various hotels and accommodations.
Camping is possible in Janshahi Meadows, and visitors are advised to carry appropriate gear, including a good quality sleeping bag, warm clothing, raincoat or parka jacket, trekking shoes, first-aid kit, and other essentials.
Overall, Janshahi Meadows and its surrounding areas offer an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, making it a must-visit destination in the Anakar Valley Kalam.
