Main image: Sohail.awkum, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Getting There
The valley of Madyan has situated about 56 kilometers in the north of Mingawara (Mingora) city. It lies on the main road that leads to Bahrain, Kalam, and other beautiful valleys of Swat.
By Air: The nearest airport that can be used for air travel to Madyan is Saidu Sharif Airport. At the moment Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates twice a week (Monday & Friday) flights between Islamabad and Saidu Sharif Airport.
By Train: If you want to go to Madyan by train from any part of the country, there is no train available to go to Madyan So you can get off at Nowshehra Railway station or Peshawar station and go Madyan by car, bus and Jeep
By Road: The Swat Expressway was built by the provincial government for the convenience of tourists and the public. You can easily travel on the Swat Expressway by motorway from Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, and Islamabad, from Islamabad to Madyan the total distance is around 298 km (179miles) which is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes’ drive in total.
What to Expect
Madyan at a height of 1032 m. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth that significantly adds up to the popularity of Swat as a tourist spot. Mountaineers really enjoy visiting this place because of the adventurous hikes it has to offer and it would usually take up to two or three days for you to climb up the mountains.
One of the biggest attractions in Madyan is the central mosque. With mud-plastered west wall and elegantly crafted wooden pillars, the design and build of this mosque are truly captivating. In the bazaars and local markets of Madyan, you will come across many interesting traditional items to buy such as embroidered shawls, tribal jewellery and wood carvings. All of these products reflect the love of Swat people for decoration.
The river and streams are teeming with Swati fish and the succulent trout, the precious and delicious gifts of nature. Several private and public hatcheries of trout fish are the unique features of Madyan valley. In the cold and clear water of the valley, the trout fish nourishes and flourishes by leaps and bounds and both the private and public sector collects huge revenue.
History
Madyan is a popular hill station, located at a distance of about 55 kilometres (34 mi) from Mingora, in the Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the Province of Pakistan. It is a tourist destination, and thousands of tourists from all over Pakistan visit this town each year especially in summer enjoying the cold breeze of Swat River.
Madyan is famous for its trout fish Agriculture and tourism related businesses like handicrafts outlets, restaurants and hotels are the main sources of income, although a small fraction is working abroad specially in gulf countries. Madyan valley is known all over the district because of its perfect weather condition. Tourists are attracted by the transparent and colorless water flows in a stream begins from Beshigram Valley and meets with Swat River.
Facilities Available
- It is safe for families.
- Accommodation in town and hilly areas are clean and affordable.
- You can enjoy the hills, greenery, and peace from your hotel and resorts.
- The road to the main towns is paved and accessible throughout the summers.
- Jeep route takes you to the beautiful meadows and valleys. (if you don’t want to hike)
- Tourism Department helps the Tourist/ Visitors through providing broachers in both Urdu and English languages. The local Police and the local Guides can speak multi languages (i.e local languages, Urdu, English and some of them can speak Chinese also).
- Popular tourist locations have most of the facilities available including eateries, shops, dhabas, washrooms, guesthouses, and car/jeep rentals.
- Filling stations are available near to Madyan which includes Petrol and Diesel.
- Taxis are available in on daily rent basis.
