Ushu Forest and the Swat Rivers: A Complete Guide
Ushu Forest is a great deodar woodland of the upper Swat Valley. This dense forest rests just beyond the town of Kalam. Towering cedars and clear rivers fill the country. Nearby the Swat River is born where two streams meet. Fog and rain lend the woods a magic all their own. This guide covers Ushu Forest and the Swat rivers for the curious traveller. It explains the setting the rivers the valleys the wildlife the activities and how to visit.
This guide offers a general overview. Details and figures vary between sources.
Quick answer: Ushu Forest is a dense deodar forest in the Ushu Valley, just beyond Kalam in the Upper Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Often called the largest deodar forest in Pakistan, it is famed for its towering cedars, clear rivers and misty air. Nearby the Swat River is born where the Ushu and Gabral rivers meet at Kalam. This forest rests on the road to Matiltan and Mahodand Lake. Summer and autumn are the finest seasons.
Great deodar forest
Ushu Forest rests just beyond the town of Kalam. It is located in the Ushu Valley of Upper Swat. Around 2,000 metres lift the valley floor above the sea. Towering deodar cedars cloak the whole country.
A great forest clothes the valley. Deodar cedars rise huge and tall. Many call it the largest of its kind in Pakistan. Its trees form a green and shady world.
A misty air fills the woods. Fog and rain often wrap the forest. Clean, cool air drifts among the trees and this mood lends the woodland its magic.
A national tree crowns the forest. This deodar is prized across the country. Its timber and beauty win wide fame. So the forest holds a special place.
Where the Swat is born
Ushu Forest rests near the birthplace of a great river. A famous stream the Swat, forms just by Kalam. Two mountain streams meet to make it, so the whole valley owes its life to them.
Two rivers meet near the town. Ushu waters flow down from the north east, while the Gabral comes in from the west. Their waters join to form the Swat.
Glaciers feed the mountain streams. Snowmelt swells the rivers each summer. Clear cold water rushes through the forest. Trout swim in the tumbling current.
A great river flows on southward. This stream runs down through the whole valley. Towns and fields line its banks below. So the river shapes the life of Swat.
Ushu Valley and Matiltan
Ushu Forest opens the way to grand valleys. A green valley climbs beyond the trees. Matiltan and its glaciers rise nearby. Travellers find much to see up the road.
A wild valley spreads green above the forest. Deodar forests cloak its lower slopes. Rushing rivers thread the whole country. Grand peaks rise white beyond the woods.
Matiltan rests a little further up. This village marks the heart of Ushu. Huge glaciers gleam above the fields. Falak Sar the tallest peak of Swat, towers over it.
More valleys branch off nearby. Utror charms with meadows and wildflowers. Gabral offers trout and quiet forests. Each rewards the traveller who ventures on.
Forest life and wildlife of Ushu
Ushu Forest teems with life and beauty. Birds fill the tall deodar trees. Wildlife shelters among the woods. Nature lovers find much to enjoy here.
Rich birdlife fills the forest. Pheasants call among the undergrowth. Eagles wheel high above the trees. Rare species reward the patient watcher.
Wildlife roams the deeper woods, small mammals move through the shade, streams draw creatures to the water and quiet walkers may glimpse them at dawn.
A protected forest guards this world. Maintained trails wind through the trees. Picnic spots dot the shady clearings. So the woodland stays safe and green.
Walks, camping and fishing in Ushu Forest
Ushu Forest offers much for every visitor. Trails wind through the shady woods. Rivers and meadows call to all. This forest suits both rest and adventure.
Nature walks reward the gentle visitor. Easy trails wind among the cedars. Families stroll beneath the tall trees and fresh forest air rewards every step.
Camping crowns a night in the woods. Tents rise beside the clear river. Pine scent and river sound fill the night. Stars crowd the dark mountain sky.
Trout fishing draws the keen angler. Clear rivers teem with brown trout. Anglers cast near Matiltan and Shahi Bagh. Fresh catches grace the campfire meals.
Visiting the forest in Kalam
Come in summer or autumn for the finest weather. June to October opens the whole valley. Clear skies and green woods reward the visit. Winter shuts the road with deep snow.
Reach the forest through Kalam. Roads climb first to Kalam through Swat. A rough track then leads up to Ushu. Jeeps handle the road beyond the town.
Base yourself in Kalam town. Hotels and guesthouses serve the visitor. A short trip reaches the forest and back. Book ahead in the busy summer season.
Explore the woods at a gentle pace. Rough tracks lead up the valley. Warm clothes help even in summer. Carry your litter back to the town.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ushu Forest? Ushu Forest is a dense deodar forest in the Ushu Valley, just beyond the town of Kalam, in the Upper Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It rests at an altitude of around 2,000 metres, on the road that climbs from Kalam towards Matiltan and Mahodand Lake. Often described as the largest deodar forest in Pakistan, it is famed for its towering cedars, clear rivers and misty, serene air. A rough track reaches the forest from Kalam, usually travelled by jeep. This woodland forms one of the great natural attractions of the upper Swat Valley.
Where is the Swat River born? A great river is born near the town of Kalam, where two major mountain streams meet. An Ushu River flows down from the north east, while the Gabral comes in from the west. Their waters join near Kalam to form the Swat River. Fed by glaciers and snowmelt from the high peaks the river then flows south through the whole Swat Valley, past towns and fields, shaping the life of the area. This meeting of the waters amid forests and meadows, is one of the defining features of the Kalam area.
What is special about Ushu Forest? Ushu Forest is special above all for its towering deodar cedars, often said to form the largest deodar forest in Pakistan the deodar being the national tree of the country. Clean air, clear rivers and the mist that wraps the trees lend the woodland a serene and magical mood. Rich in wildlife, it is a fine place for birdwatching with pheasants, eagles and rare species among the trees. Well preserved and crossed by trails and picnic spots, it is ideal for nature walks, camping and photography.
What else can you see near Ushu Forest? Near Ushu Forest the upper Swat Valley holds many more wonders. A green valley climbs beyond the trees towards Matiltan a village known for its glaciers, thick forests and views of Falak Sar the tallest peak of Swat. Further on rests Mahodand Lake a beautiful alpine lake ringed by meadows and peaks. Other side valleys, such as Utror with its wildflowers and Gabral with its trout streams, branch off nearby, making the area a rich base for exploring forests, rivers and mountains.
When is the best time to visit Ushu Forest? A best time to visit Ushu Forest runs through summer and autumn from around June to October. Mild weather, clear skies and green woods reward the visit then. During these months the road up the valley is open. Forest, rivers and nearby valleys can all be explored then. In winter from around November to April, heavy snow and the Ushu Glacier block the road beyond Kalam, closing the area to visitors. Those hoping to enjoy the forest and the upper valleys should plan their trip for the summer months.
Green heart of Kalam
Ushu Forest is the green heart of the Kalam Valley. This deodar woodland rests just beyond the town. Towering cedars and clear rivers fill the country. Nearby the Swat River is born where two streams meet. Fog and rain lend the woods a magic all their own. Few forests on earth match this serene beauty.
You may come to Ushu for the forest the rivers or the calm. This woodland rewards the visit either way. You can walk beneath the towering deodar cedars. You can watch the Swat River form from two streams. You can camp beside the clear rushing water. Come to Ushu Forest and discover the green heart of Kalam. This is the woodland jewel of Swat.
