While Swat was once known as paradise on earth, the valley that fell into darkness under the reign of the Taliban, is now rearing to welcome back tourists and honeymoon couples with the restoration of the Malam Jabba ski resort and the upcoming National Ski Championship in the last week of January, Pakistan Today has learnt.
Located in the Hindu Kush mountain range, home to several ancient cultures, Swat is reputed all over the globe for its fascinating landscapes, crystal clear water torrents, diverse flora and fanna, hospitality, ancient relics and mesmerizing lakes which attract innumerable nature lovers from all over the world.
Malam Jabba, stands at 9200 feet above from sea level, stands on top of a Hindu Kush range mountain, 40 kilometers north east of Saidu Sharif. Surrounded by a wonderful panorama of scenic splendor and mighty mountains, Malam Jabba is much more than just a ski resort. It is a holiday resort that attracts tourists and is home to the remains of ancient civilization. Malam Jabba is 314 kilometers from Islamabad and 51 kilometers from Saidu Sharif airport. Malam Jabba, the land of romance and beauty offers a scenic view that spans the mighty Hindu Kush and Karakorram ranges, one that combines black mountains, gentle slopes, placid plains, torrential streams, lush green meadows and thick green forests of pine. It is nature’s art gallery.
This scenic valley was swept into darkness under Taliban rule when they bombed the PTDC’s Malam Jabba ski-cum-resort, sold its furniture and equipement and destroyed the 800-metre long chair lift. The tourist economy of Swat was destroyed during the Taliban rule, guides lost clients, hotels lost tourists, but hope has returned to Swat as tourism returns to Malam Jabba with the return of the skiing season.
Speaking to Pakistan Today, Ski Federation In-charge Matiullah Khan said that they will host the National Ski Championship in the last week of January in collaboration with the Pakistan Army. He said the provincial government was not taking interest in the event and had yet to provide any assistance. He said the event is expected to attract winter sports lovers from across the country and generate interest amongst the youth. He said foreign skiers had also arrived for the ski championship, take part in the competition and spend two weeks here. He said the event will be a positive gesture to Swat’s business sector but the non-availability of chairlifts, a basic requirement for skiing, would be an impediment. “Skiers will have to climb up the snow-filled mountain while carrying their skiing tools. It is injustice,” said Matiullah, “The government must re-construct the chairlift facility immediately to facilitate skiers.” He said if the government does not assist, the winter sport may loose in charms and shut down in Pakistan.