Season 1. Episode. 4: Kalam to Mingora: A Journey with full of Memories
Thursday, 16 May 2024
The morning scene is a bit different in Kalam – cool air and with new energy, we prepared our bikes and started our journey after having a tasty breakfast. The plan was to ride 98 km and reach Mingora via Khuazakheil, crossing the N-95 highway along the Swat River.
Riding along the banks of Swat River was a beautiful experience. The water of the river was sparkling in the sunlight, and the twists and turns of the road emerging from the middle of the mountain were creating a new excitement. After every 5-10 km the views change—some lush green fields and some small houses of door-to-door villages.
Our plan was to take a detour before reaching Mingora and go on the road to visit the historical White Palace, which is about 16.8 km from Mingora. This palace is famous for its royal architecture, and is a dream destination for history lovers.
Reaching Mingora, Swat.
We reached Mingora around 5 in the evening. The hustle and bustle of the city was a different kind of fun. Lucky that one time we got a nice and affordable hotel room. After quickly freshening up and unloading the bike, we set out to visit the famous White Palace of Swat.
Evening time and the golden rays of the setting sun are
making the journey on the road even more surreal. After about 40-50 minutes we
reached the White Palace. The once royal palace has today been converted into a
restaurant. Entry ticket was Rs. 250 per person.
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Glorious white palace, swat |
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The then currency of Kingdome of Swat |
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The then King of Swat |
As we entered the palace, we felt as if we had entered a
different world. The shine of white marble and the architecture of old times
was still there. The interior has been modified in restaurant style, but the
original beauty is untouched. We walked and explored the spring, and spent some
time in the lush gardens of the vehicle.
At 8 o'clock we returned to our hotel. After the
completion of the evening, both of us were relaxing a bit, but our hearts were
still ready for tomorrow's adventure.
Malam Jabba Adventure
Friday, 17 May 2024
Next morning, we had planned to go to Malam Jabba. This
place is famous for its natural beauty, ski resorts and hiking trails. As soon
as we reached Malam Jabba, sunny weather and green valleys welcomed us.
We started our hike from zero point. One step down the
trail through dense forests and open patches, a new story was being heard.
After about 1.5 hours of hike, we reached the summit.
The view from the summit was breathtaking. There was only greenery on each side and the view of the valleys that stretched till the door. This was a place where time seemed to have stopped. We cooked our own lunch there – it felt like a small bonfire, and eating it amidst nature was a different kind of fun. We cooked lunch for us and enjoyed meal.
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Lunch time.👌 |
Till evening we sat in the vehicle soaking in the beauty
of nature. I couldn't figure out how the time passed. After about 3 hours we
started descending. The evening time and the golden glow of the setting sun
were making the hike even more beautiful.
Winding up our 1st tour to North of Pakistan
In the evening, we returned back to Mingora. The ambiance
of the vehicle and the interior space together create a peaceful vibe. At night
we discussed about our journey and decided that it was time to return back to
Quetta.
Saturday, 18 May 2024
In the morning we got our bikes ready and D.I. Started
the ride to Quetta via Khan's route. This journey is officially over, but some
of the experiences will always remain alive.
Expectation of journey
The journey from Kalam to Mingora was a complete
package—a perfect mix of adventure, history, and nature. Be it a bike ride
along the Swat River, the royal vibes of the White Palace, or a hike on the
hills of Malam Jabba, Mukeshpuri trail and from Kalam city to Kalam Glacier, every moment was memorable.
Traveling by bike creates a different connection—every
turn of the road, the touch of every breeze and the sight of every view feels
extremely personal. This was a journey that can never be forgotten.
If you also want to enjoy the combo of nature, adventure
and history, then this route is a must-visit. This journey has ended, but a new
story has been written in our travel diaries. Now just waiting for the next
trip!
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