One of the most beautiful valleys of Pakistan, Swat has been populated for over two thousand years. The first occupants at that time created well-planned towns. In 327 BC, Alexander the Great fought his way to Udegram and Barikot and stormed their battlements. Around the 2nd century BC, this very area was occupied by the Buddhists, who were attracted by the peace and calmness of the land. There are many remains that testify to their skills as sculptors and architects. At the end of the Mauryan period (324-185 BC), Buddhism spread in the whole Swat valley, which became a famous center of the religion. The Hindu religion expanded again as Buddhism moved east. By the time of the Muslim invasion (1000 AD), the population was by and large Hindu. The first Muslim arrivals in Swat were Pakhtun Dilazak tribes from south-east Afghanistan. These were later ousted by Swati Pakhtuns. They were succeeded in the sixteenth century by Pakhtuns. Both groups of Pakhtuns came from the Kandahar and Kabul Valley.
Swat, generally known as the Switzerland of Asia, is one of the most beautiful valleys in the World. Swat is a place for leisure Lovers, Hikers, and Archeologists. It is garden of Ashoka. There are at least over 100 archeological sites in the valley less than 10% of they are excavated. One can explore some of those sites in a half day tour of Swat. Its beauty attracts tourists from all over the world to enjoy the soothing and serene sceneries, and the friendly behavior of its inhabitants. A visitor entered in Pakistan would never be contented without roaming about Swat.
The area of Swat is 4000 sq. miles with a population of about 1250000. Its height varies from 2500 ft. to 7500 ft. above sea level. The valley of Swat is situated in the north of N.W.F.P, 35° North Latitude and 72° and 30° East Longitude, and is enclosed by the sky-high mountains. Chitral and Gilgit are situated in the north, Dir in the west, and Mardan in the south, while Indus separates it from Hazara in the east.
