Kalam Valley stands as the most renowned and cherished destination in Swat, offering a treasure trove of natural wonders. This picturesque region boasts awe-inspiring lakes, majestic mountains, enchanting valleys, lush green forests, and a host of other captivating natural attractions.
The origin of the Swat River can be traced back to the merging of two major tributaries, the Gabral and Ushu Rivers. Kalam Valley is renowned for its plethora of mountains, lush forests, and pristine lakes.
Kalam Valley Height
The valley, perched at approximately 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) above sea level, opens up into a high plateau above the river that’s utilized for agricultural purposes. Surrounding this region, you’ll spot numerous towering peaks, including the prominent Mount Falaksar, soaring at 5,918 meters (19,416 feet), as well as another majestic unnamed peak reaching an impressive altitude of 6,096 meters (20,000 feet).
Location of Kalam Valley Pakistan
Kalam is an enchanting valley situated 99 kilometers (62 miles) north of Mingora, nestled in the northern upper Swat Valley along the Swat River’s scenic banks in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.
Weather and Temperature of Kalam Swat
The weather in Kalam Valley is characterized by a mild and generally warm climate. It falls under the humid subtropical climate category (Cfa) according to the Köppen climate classification.
The average temperature in Kalam Valley is approximately 13.4 °C (56.1 °F), and the annual rainfall averages around 639 mm (25.16 in). The driest month is November, with only 15 mm (0.59 in) of precipitation, while the wettest month is April, with an average precipitation of 93 mm (3.66 in).
July is the hottest month of the year in Kalam Valley, with an average temperature of 24.1 °C (75.4 °F). On the other hand, January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 1.5 °C (34.7 °F).
Main Tourist Spots in Kalam
- Ushu / Usho
- Matiltan
- Utror
- Gabral
- Lake Izmis
- The Great Kalam Forest
- Kalam National Forest
- Kalam Forest Playground
Famous Lakes in Kalam Valley, Pakistan
Mahodand Lake
Kalam has a large number of alpine glacial lakes. Two notable lakes in the Kalam Valley are Mahodand Lake and Kundol Lake, both of which are frequently visited due to their easy access routes. Other lakes in the region, such as Lake Izmis, are more difficult to access and must be done on foot.
Mahodand Lake is a large lake in the Swat Valley, located approximately 40 km from Kalam, in the Usho Valley at the foothills of the Hindu Kush Mountains. It is accessible by all-terrain vehicles. Activities such as fishing, boating and camping are common attractions for visitors.
Kundol Lake
Another notable lake in the Kalam valley is the Kundol Lake in the north of the Utror region, 19 km from Kalam. It is located at the foot of the Hindu Kush mountain range and is accessible on foot through the Ladu Valley.
Kalam Moutain Range
Hindu Kush mountain range
Another notable lake in the Kalam valley is the Kundol Lake in the north of the Utror region, 19 km from Kalam. It is located at the foot of the Hindu Kush mountain range and is accessible on foot through the Ladu Valley.
Is it safe to travel to Kalam?
Swat’s main tourist spots such as Mingora and Kalam Valley are safe for tourists. However, it helps to have some local contacts, like anywhere in Pakistan.
The best time to Visit Kalam
High season (June-August & November-December): Families on holiday and Pakistani travelers on extended holidays make the summer months one of the most popular times to visit the Swat Valley.
Distance from Kalam to Islamabad
329 km
Yes, the driving distance between Islamabad and Kalam is 329 km. The journey from Islamabad to Kalam takes approximately 3h 27m.
Reach Kalam from Swat
The easiest way to reach Kalam by road is to use the N95 route (also known as Kalam Road) from Mingora in Swat. The N95 road along the banks of the Swat River takes you through Kalam via Manglor, Charbagh, Khwazakhela, Madyan, Bahrain to your final destination Kalam Valley.
Alternative route to Kalam Valley
There is an alternative route to Kalam via Kanju road. This route to Kalam starts from Mingora, passes through Swat River to Kanju, passes through Swat Saidu Sharif Airport, Derai, Bandai, Ningolai Village, Shakardara, Baidara, Kalakot, Damlai, Madyan, Bahrain to your final destination Kalam Valley.
