The lush green and historic Swat, valley, in the Malakand Division lies between 34o –40’ to 35o N latitude and 72o to 74o-6’ E longitude and is part of the Provincially Administrated Tribal Area (PATA) of the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The valley is an integral part of the strategic and significant region where three parts of the Asian continent-South Asia, Central Asia and China meet.
The names found in ancient sources for Swat are Udyana and Suvastu because of the scenic beauty of the valley and of the, respectively.
The historical and cultural remains of the area provide evidence about human activities covering a large span of time. Alexander the Great came here in 327 BC en route India. In ancient time it remained center of Buddhism, still having its marks found from river bed to the mountains. During Abdul Wahud 1917-1949) and Japan Zeb’s (1949-1969) peaceful reign Swati territories forming part of Swat State witnessed unprecedented development in the fields of education, health and communication.
The magnificent Swat Valley popularly known as the Switzerland of Pakistan, is situated north of Peshawar in ancient times it remained centre of then flourishing Buddhist civilization, still having its remnants found at various places. Its old names was Udyana (Land of Gardens). The archeological sites and monasteries dating back to Buddhist era add to its historical charm. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Swat Valley is full of roaring rivers, lush green forests and snow- covered peaks adding to its natural attraction. “Upper” and “Lower” Swat are terms in vogue based on the arbitrary demarcation of higher and lower regions in the valley by Swat River.
Green fruit orchards beautiful lakes, gushing streams and a fascinating landscape make it a place worth seeing.