Places to Visit in Saidu Sharif, Pakistan, Asia
Saidu Sharif is the administrative headquarters of Swat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan is located about 170 kms northeast of provincial capital Peshawar.
Saidu Sharif is one of the historical sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province houses the Tomb of Akund, the Swat Museum and the ruins of Butkara Buddhist Stupa. The economy of Saidu Sharif depends on tourism and agriculture.
Geography of Saidu Sharif:
Saidu Sharif is placed between latitude 34°45′ in the north and longitude 72°21′in the east with an elevation of 939 meters.
Saidu Sharif is placed about 260 kms from Islamabad, about 1500 kms from Karachi, about 580 kms from Lahore and about 760 kms from Multan.
Transportation in Saidu Sharif:
The airport of Saidu Sharif is located 8 kms north of the city and the major airport of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Peshawar Airport is located at a distance of 175 kms from Saidu Sharif.
Dargai Railway Station (65 kms) Takhat Bhai Railway Station (90 kms) and Mardan City Railway Station (110 kms) are in the proximity of the city. Other than these major railway stations, there are several local railway junctions situated near Saidu Sharif.
Tourists can board buses to Peshawar, Islamabad and Lahore at Saidu Sharif City Bus Stand and also can hire Auto Rickshaws or Jeeps to reach airport and railway stations.
Culture, Food and Shopping in Saidu Sharif:
Swati, Orakzai, Mohmand, Karlal, Jats, Shina, Gandapur, Khattak, Wazir and Bannusi are the tribal communities. The languages spoken by the natives include Pashto, Gujri and Punjabi. Urdu is rarely used.
The hotels of Saidu Sharif offer the varieties of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Indian, Chinese and Western countries cuisine. Also Saidu Sharif city is home to several branded cloth stores, modern food corners, drug houses and hospitals as well.
Places to see in Saidu Sharif:
Swat Museum:
Swat Museum is located between Saidu Sharif and Mingora. It includes Gandhara sculptures from Buddhist sites in Swat and the pictures of Buddha’s life story. Swat Museum has a fine collection of precious stones, tribal jewelry, coins, and local embroidery terracotta figurines, carved wood, metal objects and weapons as well.
Butkara Stupa:
Butkara Stupa is located in the vicinity of Swat Museum is considered as one of the major Buddhist shrines in Swat District. It is believed that, Butkara Stupa was constructed by Mauryan emperor Ashoka during 2nd century BC. The architecture of Butkara Stupa looks really amazing.
Jambil Valley:
Jambil Valley is located few kilometers away from Saidu Sharif. There are several stupas and graveyards located in the vicinity of the valley.
Malam Jabba:
Malam Jabba is a hill station located about 40 kms from Saidu Sharif in the Karakoram mountain range houses the largest ski resort of Pakistan.
Pari Lake:
Pari Lake is situated towards the north-east of Utror valley attracts tourists from all over the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Other tourist attractions near Saidu Sharif are:
- Kundol Lake
- The Malam Jabba Ski Resort
- Madyan
- Kalam
- Spin Khwar Lake
- Mateltan
- Ghabral
- Bashigram Lake
- Utror
- Mahudan
- Daral Lake
- Shahi Bagh Lake
Best time to visit Saidu Sharif:
From March to October is the best time to visit Saidu Sharif.
Accommodation Options in Saidu Sharif:
The best hotels in Saidu Sharif, Mingora and its nearby regions are as follows:
- Serena Hotel
- White Palace Hotel
- Pameer Hotel
- Swat Regency Hotel
- Hotel Al Harmain
- Al Menar Hotel
- Hotel De Papa
- Al Furkhan Hotel
- Hotel Erum
- Faran Hotel