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The lush-green valley of Swat with its rushing torrents icy-cold lakes, fruitladen orchards and flower-decked slopes is ideal for holidaymakers intent on relaxation. It has a rich historical past, too.
This is the "Udayana" (tine 'Garden') of the ancient Hindu epics: "the land of enthralling beauty" where Alexander of Macedonia fought and won some of his major battles before crossing over to the plains of Pakistan. This is "the valley of the hanging chains" described by the famous Chinese pilgrim-chroniclers. Huian Tsang and Fa-Hian in the fifth and sixth centuries.
Swat was once the cradle of Buddhism of all its schools - Little Vehicle. Great Vehicle and the Esoteric sects - where once 1,400 monasteries flourished. It was the home of the famous Gandhara School of Sculpture which was an expression of Graeco- Roman form in the local Buddhist tradition. Swat was also the historical land where the Muslim conquerors Mahmud Ghazni Babar and Akbar fought there the battles preparatory to the conquest of the subcontinent. The ruins of great Buddhist Stupas monasteries and status are found all over swat. Churchill was stationed here as a young lieutenant in 1897. The appropriate hill is marked as "Churchill's Piquet '.
Many farmers, the local people are also talented craftsmen producing the famous high backed Swat chairs and stools Women embroider blouses, shawls and tablecloths. Swat honey is another worthwhile souvenir.
The Valley of Swat sprawls over 10,360-sq. km (4,000 sq. miles) at an elevation of 975,36 meters (3,200 ft.). The maximum temperature in July is 37.78°C (100°F) and minimum (during January) is -1.11°C (30°F). The formal temperature is maximum 21.11°C. (70°F) and minimum 7.22°C (45°F). The tourist season is year-round
It is named after Saidu Babu the ancestor of the former rulers of Swat. The shrine of Saidu Baba is a place of great attraction. Jama Masjid in Saidu Sharif is another noteworthy building. It is the headquarter of the project seeking to exploit emerald mines in the region. The palace of Wali of Swat and the tomb of Akhund of Swat are the other important buildings. Near the museums are the remains of Butkara one of the most important Buddhist shrines in the valley.