Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has transformed into a winter wonderland as the season’s first snowfall, forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department, has drawn a large number of tourists to the region, eager to experience snow-covered landscapes, trout fish and adventure sports.
As temperatures dipped over the weekend, families, snowfall enthusiasts, foodies and adventure seekers flocked to popular hills destinations including Malam Jabba, Kalam, Swat, Chitral, Upper Dir and Nathiagali.
The cold weather with chances of snowfall turned lush green mountains into breathtaking white vistas amid mesmerizing aromas of trout fish.
Renowned tourist spots such as Nathiagali, Ayubia, Kaghan, Naran, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Kumrat and Bamborat offered ideal settings for family recreation and winter photography, while the towering Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalayan ranges upstream added to the region’s dramatic charm with their snow-clad peaks.
While destinations like Kalam, Malam Jabba and Nathiagali are known for family-friendly tourism, areas such as Naran, Kaghan and Ayubia cater to thrill-seekers with activities including chairlift rides, skiing and snowboarding. These attractions continue to draw adventure lovers from across the country.
For those in search of a more immersive winter experience, valleys such as Hunza, Skardu, Naltar, Chitral and Swat provide pristine snowfall, panoramic mountain views and opportunities for snow sports. Swat, often called the “Switzerland of Pakistan,” has emerged as a leading winter tourism and skiing destination in the country.
“I came to Malam Jabba with friends after hearing the Met Office forecast for snowfalls,” said Engr Khushal Khan, a resident of Lower Dir. “Malam Jabba and Kalam receive some of the heaviest snowfall in Pakistan.”
He advised tourists to carry extra warm clothing and added that enjoying Swat’s famous trout fish makes the winter trip even more memorable.
Malam Jabba is regarded as a snowfall paradise, receiving an average of nearly ten feet of snow annually, which is ideal conditions for skiing. Its skiing history dates back to 1962, when the first competition was held there. The area gained international recognition after the establishment of a formal ski resort in 1988 and today offers world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities.
The skiing season typically runs from December to March, attracting thousands of visitors. The resort’s chairlift-one of the longest in Pakistan offers panoramic views of snow-blanketed mountains.
Beyond winter sports, Swat’s appeal is enhanced by its rich cultural heritage, including remnants of the ancient Gandhara civilization.
Adventure activities such as river rafting and fishing, particularly for the famed Swat trout, add to the valley’s charm. Nearby valleys such as Kalam, Mankial and Falaksair provide equally stunning backdrops for winter recreation.
“I love snowfall and wanted to experience Swat’s winter charm before returning to the UAE for work,” said Waqar Khan, a transporter from Nowshera.
“Travelling to nearby peaks on snowy tracks is an unforgettable thrill. Brown trout and skiing make Swat truly priceless.”
However, tourists urged authorities to ensure better maintenance of roads during the December-March period, as snowfall often disrupts travel routes. They said that poor road conditions sometimes dampen the experience and can pose safety risks.
Visitors also called for improved infrastructure, regulated hotel charges and enhanced facilities, saying these measures could help Swat emerge as the winter tourism capital of Pakistan.
Former ambassador Manzoor-ul-Haq, who recently visited the valley, said Swat’s unique blend of snowfall, natural beauty and trout fish is rarely found elsewhere in the world. “I have travelled widely, but Swat’s snow-covered peaks, archaeological heritage and scenic beauty are exceptional,” he said, highlighting sites such as Falaksair, Elum and the Saidu Sharif Museum as major attractions for both adventure and history enthusiasts.
Recognizing winter tourism as a key source of revenue, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Department is working on several initiatives to fully harness its potential.
“Winter galas and skiing events are being planned this season,” said a spokesperson for the Culture and Tourism Authority. To reduce congestion at major resorts, new tourist destinations including Sola Tanar, Puchar and Jargo Valley are being developed.
The government is also focusing on environmental preservation through the establishment of camping pods, road improvements and construction of the Mankyal-Bada Sarai road to improve access to snowbound areas.
Plans are also underway for jeep tracks, tourist facilitation centers and an Integrated Tourism Zone with modern amenities at Mankyal under the KITE project. A dedicated tourism police force has been deployed across Swat, Naran and Kaghan to assist visitors and ensure their safety.
Meanwhile, the KP government and the Italian Archaeological Mission have marked 70 years of partnership in Swat, a collaboration that began in 1955 under the patronage of the Wali of Swat. The partnership continues with the launch of the ‘Khyber Path’ project, funded by the Italian government, aimed at excavating and conserving archaeological sites while training local staff.