Usho Forest, located in Kalam, serves as a prime national forest destination for camping and nature viewing, offering a serene and lush environment that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The forest, situated on the way to Mahodand Lake, is renowned for its rich greenery, tranquil atmosphere, and picturesque meadows.
The best time to visit Usho Forest is during the summer season, from mid-April to the last week of September, when the forest is at its most vibrant and inviting. However, it can also be a delightful winter destination for those who enjoy the peaceful solitude of the forest in colder months. Whether you're looking to enjoy the beauty of nature or camp in a peaceful setting, Usho Forest is an ideal spot to connect with the great outdoors.
Kalam
Kalam is a picturesque valley located 99 kilometers (62 miles) from Mingora, in the northern upper part of Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. Situated along the banks of the Swat River, Kalam is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and serene landscapes. The Swat River itself is formed by the confluence of two major tributaries: the Ushu River and the Gabral River, which flow through the valley, adding to the area's charm and vitality.
Kalam is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Pakistan due to its lush green meadows, dense forests, alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, trekkers, and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Kalam Valley, a true gem of Swat, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful destinations in Pakistan. This enchanting valley is known for its breathtaking natural features, including serene lakes, towering mountains, picturesque valleys, and lush green woodlands. The beauty of Kalam Valley makes it a top destination on the bucket lists of nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
The valley is home to approximately 50 glacial lakes, which can only be explored by trekking through narrow paths and high cliffs, adding an adventurous touch to the experience. Among the many scenic spots in Kalam, Ushu Forest, located on the north side of the valley, is particularly notable for its dense, misty woods and tranquil atmosphere. The forest is a prime location for hiking, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the untouched natural beauty of the area.
KalamSee nearby Hotels 6Review ScorePrice per room per night from PKR 7000
Enjoying the snow-capped mountain view from the window of Goodar Resort Kalam is always the most relaxing experience, which every guest deserves. More info
KalamSee nearby Hotels 7.0Review ScorePrice per room per night from PKR
The Sakuf resort is located in Kalam. The hotel features a restaurant where you can get your desired meal and interconnected rooms with a beautiful view of the mountains. More info
KalamSee nearby Hotels 6.5FinePrice per room per night from PKR 3000
Self parking is free. Housekeeping is available on request. Hotel Baba Continental offers 21 accommodations with irons/ironing boards. 32-inch LCD More info
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Relax Cottages is located in Karandukai Kalam and features a garden. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, the property also provides guests with a restaurant. More info
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Set in Kalam, Forest Valley Cottages features a garden. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also welcomes guests with a restaurant and a terrace. More info
KalamSee nearby Hotels 7Review ScorePrice per room per night from PKR 4000
Relax Hotel Kalam, including fully refundable rates with free cancellation. Parking is free, and this hotel also features a 24-hour front desk. More info
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Culture and history
The residents of Kalam Valley belong to several prominent tribes, including the Suri, Lodi, Durrani, Hotaki, and Barakazi tribes. The people of Kalam are known for their warmth, friendliness, and hardworking nature, making them incredibly welcoming to visitors.
In terms of traditional attire, males typically wear the 'Partoog-Korteh' (similar to the Shalwar Qameez) paired with a 'pakul' (a traditional hat). Young men often wear a white kufi or a cap. The tribal chiefs and leaders can be seen wearing a distinctive karakul hat, symbolizing their status in the community.
When it comes to food, Kalam's cuisine offers a rich and flavorful variety. Among the most popular dishes are:
Serge (a local dish)
Tikka
Super long naans
Sugi ka halwa
Chapli kabab
Kawa (a traditional tea)
Kabala Palao (a flavorful rice dish)
These traditional meals reflect the rich culture and heritage of Kalam Valley, offering a true taste of its hospitality and culinary traditions.
The Kalam Festival is an annual event that showcases the cultural and recreational aspects of Kalam Valley, aiming to promote the region's culture, architecture, and tourism potential to both domestic and international travelers. The festival highlights the beauty of the valley, attracting visitors with various activities that reflect its vibrant heritage. The festival also draws attention to the rich cultural history of the Simbai people from Madang Province in Papua New Guinea, offering a diverse experience of traditional dancing, feasting, art, and ritual performances over a period of three days.
In addition to the Kalam Festival, Tappa holds significant cultural importance as one of the oldest and most well-known forms of poetry in Kalam. Tappa is a unique and expressive art form where the first verse is typically shorter than the second, yet both convey deep human emotions. Tappa is deeply ingrained in the local culture and is performed during significant events like funerals and weddings.
Traditional musical instruments, such as the 'mangai' and 'rubab', are used to accompany the singing of Tappa. The song is often performed with a full orchestra and involves intricate harmonies, with up to sixteen different harmony models. The performance of Tappa is a beautiful representation of the region's artistic and musical traditions, deeply reflecting the emotions and cultural values of the Kalam people.
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