Valleys Trail: A Complete Guide

Valleys trail winds through the green heart of the north. Swat, Kaghan and Chitral string together a route of pure beauty. Rivers, lakes and meadows fill each valley along the way. Forests and snow peaks frame the winding mountain roads. Nature lovers follow the trail from valley to valley. This guide covers the valleys trail for the curious traveller. It explains the route, Swat, Kaghan, Kumrat, Chitral and the planning.

This guide offers a general overview. Details and figures vary between sources.

Quick answer: The valleys trail links the great green valleys of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into one scenic journey. Swat and Kalam offer rivers, waterfalls and forests, while Kaghan and Naran hold famous alpine lakes such as Saif ul Malook. Kumrat charms with deodar forests, while Chitral opens the way to the Kalash valleys and the Hindu Kush. Summer from about May to September, is the finest season. Mountain roads and jeeps link the valleys together.

A trail through the valleys

Valleys trail gathers the finest scenery of the north. Green valleys string together across the province. Rivers, lakes and forests fill them all. So the trail rewards every nature lover.

A green country marks the north. Valley after valley fills the mountains. Rivers and meadows carpet the floors. So the north brims with beauty.

A linked route ties the valleys. Roads run from one valley to the next. Travellers hop from Swat to Kaghan. So the trail joins many gems.

A warm season suits the trip. Warm months open the mountain roads. Green valleys and full rivers reward the visitor. So summer marks the prime time.

Swat and Kalam

Swat opens the valleys trail in style. Green slopes earn it a famous nickname. Rivers and forests fill the valley. So Swat charms every visitor at once.

A famous valley marks the trail. Swat draws the name of a Switzerland. Green slopes and rivers fill it. So the valley wins every heart.

Kalam crowns upper Swat. Rivers and waterfalls fill the valley. Alpine scenery frames the town. So Kalam rewards the mountain lover.

Fine sights dot the valley. Mahodand Lake rests beyond the green Ushu Forest, while Malam Jabba offers slopes for skiers. Bahrain and Madyan line the river road. So Swat brims with places to explore.

Kaghan and Naran

Kaghan holds some of the finest alpine scenery. Naran serves as its lively hub. Famous lakes fill the high valley. So Kaghan draws crowds each summer.

A grand valley marks the trail. Kaghan rises through alpine country with Naran as its busy centre. River rafting thrills the visitors there. So the valley bustles in summer.

Famous lakes crown the valley. Saif ul Malook shines beneath the peaks, while Lulusar feeds the winding Kunhar River. Shogran and Lalazar spread their green meadows nearby. So the lakes and pastures reward the traveller.

A high pass tops the valley. Babusar Top opens to the north. Grand views crown the lofty road. So the pass thrills every visitor.

Kumrat and the forests

Kumrat offers a quieter kind of beauty. Deodar forests carpet the valley. Rivers rush through the untouched country. So Kumrat rewards the offbeat traveller.

A wooded valley marks the trail. Tall deodar forests fill Kumrat. Rivers rush past the green banks. So the valley soothes the weary visitor.

A peaceful escape draws the traveller. Few crowds reach the far valley. Quiet meadows and streams await. So Kumrat suits a restful trip.

An offbeat route reaches the valley. Upper Dir opens the way in. Rough roads climb to the forests. So the journey rewards the adventurer.

Chitral and the Kalash

Chitral crowns the far end of the trail. A wall of the Hindu Kush towers above the valley. Kalash villages nestle in the side glens. So Chitral blends culture and grand scenery.

A grand valley marks the north west. Chitral rests beneath the Hindu Kush. Tirich Mir towers over the country. So the valley awes every visitor.

Kalash glens open nearby. Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir shelter the Kalash. Old customs fill the green valleys. So the glens reward the cultural traveller.

Warm springs and passes await. Garam Chashma bubbles with hot water. High passes climb from the valley. So Chitral rewards the keen explorer.

Planning the valley trail in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Planning the trail takes a little thought. Roads link the valleys across the north. Summer opens the mountain routes. Jeeps reach the highest corners.

A clear route guides the journey. A motorway speeds the way to Swat. Roads then climb from valley to valley. So the trail unfolds with ease.

A summer window suits the trip. Warm months open the high roads. Babusar and the passes clear of snow. So summer marks the best season.

A jeep aids the highest routes. Rough tracks reach the remote valleys. Sturdy jeeps climb to the lakes. So the jeep completes the journey.

Frequently asked questions

What is the valleys trail in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? A scenic journey the valleys trail links the great green valleys of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into one route. It typically takes in Swat and its upper valley of Kalam then the alpine valley of Kaghan with the resort town of Naran. From there it reaches the forested valley of Kumrat and the far northern valley of Chitral with its Kalash glens. Along the way, travellers enjoy rivers, waterfalls alpine lakes, meadows and forests, framed by snow peaks. These valleys are linked by mountain roads, making the trail ideal for a summer road trip through the north.

Which valleys should I include? A choice of valleys depends on your time and interests, though a few stand out on any northern trail. Swat and Kalam are famous for their green slopes, rivers and waterfalls, ranking among the easiest to reach. Kaghan and Naran are prized for their alpine lakes, such as Saif ul Malook along with the high Babusar Pass. For a quieter escape, Kumrat offers deodar forests and untouched scenery, while Chitral opens the way to the Kalash valleys and the Hindu Kush. Many travellers combine two or three valleys in one trip.

When is the best time to travel the valley trail? A fine time to travel the valleys trail is summer from about May to September, when the snow has melted and the mountain roads are open. During these months the valleys turn green the rivers run full and the alpine lakes are at their finest, while high passes such as Babusar are clear of snow. Late spring and early autumn can also be rewarding with fewer crowds and pleasant weather. In winter, heavy snow closes many high roads, though lower Swat and the ski slopes of Malam Jabba remain popular.

How do you travel between the valleys? Travel between the valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is mainly by road, using a mix of cars, jeeps and local transport. A modern motorway speeds the journey from Islamabad towards Swat after which mountain roads wind from one valley to the next. For the rougher, higher routes, such as those to Mahodand Lake, Kumrat or the high passes a sturdy four wheel drive jeep is best. Many visitors hire a car with a driver or join a guided tour, enjoying the scenery without the strain of driving the winding mountain roads themselves.

Is Kumrat worth visiting? Kumrat is well worth visiting for those seeking a quieter, more unspoilt corner of the north. Set in Upper Dir, it is known for its tall deodar forests, rushing rivers and peaceful meadows, offering a more offbeat experience than the busier valleys. Reaching it takes some effort along mountain roads best suited to sturdy vehicles a fact that helps keep the crowds away. For nature lovers, campers and those escaping the busier resorts, Kumrat is one of the most rewarding valleys on the whole trail above all in the green months of summer.

Through the green heart of the north

Valleys trail is a journey through the green heart of the north. Swat, Kaghan and Chitral string together a route of pure beauty. Rivers, lakes and meadows fill each valley along the way. Forests and snow peaks frame the winding mountain roads. Nature lovers follow the trail from valley to valley. Few journeys gather so much beauty in one route.

You may come for the lakes the forests or the mountain culture. This trail rewards the traveller either way. You can wander the green slopes of the Swat valley. You can gaze on the alpine lakes of Kaghan. You can lose yourself in the deodar forests of Kumrat. Come to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and follow the trail through the valleys. This is the green heart of the north.