By: Mr. Tayyab Mir

8'700 feet above sea level, Malam Jabba Ski Resort stands on top of a mountain of the Hindukush range, north east of Saidu Sharif. Surrounded by mighty Karakorams and stunning Black mountains, Malam Jabba is more than just a Ski Resort. It is a holiday resort that caters to all interests and is also home to the remains of ancient civilizations.

Amidst its natural beauty and imprints of Gandhara civilization, lie the wonders of modern tourist facilities such as: 52 room motel, 2 skiing platforms, Roller/Ice Skating rinks, Restaurant offering both local and international cuisine, Telephone facility, Snow clearing equipment etc.

The food, lodging and skiing facilities are all managed by foreign trained staff and offered at competitive prices.

Situated on one of the important offshoots of the Karakoram Highway, Malam Jabba is 314 km from Islamabad and 51 km from Saidu Sharif Airport on Saidu Sharif-Kalam Road. The road diverts right from Manglor to Malam Jabba.

Mighty ranges of the Hindukush, the Karakoram and Black Mountains, gentle slopes, placid plains, torrential streams. Malam Jabba offers unlimited sights to behold. The summer temperatures of 10oC to 25oC give way to lush green meadows and thick green forests of Pine & Deodar trees. In the winter when the temperature falls to -5oC to -10oC, the angel white snow make it the ideal place for skiing.

The enchantment of Malam Jabba goes beyond this natural beauty. The 2000 years old archaeological remains situated at an altitude of 2600 ft above sea level include two Buddhist stupas and 6 monasteries, scattered over the slope opposite the main structure of the ski resort, measuring 310 meters north to south and 500 meters east to west.

The main stupa uncovered in these remains depicts a circular plinth, with moulding. The diameter is 13.01 meters; the maximum surviving height is 1.50 meters. The lower wall curves gently inwards and there is a small projection that steps out a short distance at the base of the actual stupa.

Still more historical sightseeing lies 1 km from Malam Jabba - the ancient mound. It is surrounded on all 4 sides by mountain slopes characterized by slabs of schist. A water spring which much have been used in the past also, is a center of attraction for those charmed by health effects of fresh spring water.

Besides these sights, Malam Jabba boasts of two major trekking tracks paved amidst beautiful scenery. One track winding through Ghorband Valley and Shangla top is 18 km from the resort. It is a jeepable track overlooking the Miandam settlement and reaches Shangla top in 1-1/2 hours from where the adventure seekers can proceed to the Karakoram Highway.

The other major track leads to Saboney valley, 17 km from the resort through thick Pine forests and peach and apple orchards.

Malam Jabba is part of the picturesque Swat valley which sprawls over 10,360 sq.km. Swat, which has been inhabited for over 2000 years is known to be the cradle of Buddhism. The area has also been the battle ground for many battles of Alexander the Great.

The strategic location of Malam Jabba makes it convenient for tourists to access other tourist destinations such as: Mingora, Kabal, Miandam, Kalam.

If Malam Jabba and its surroundings have already began to charm you, then you must visit the sites and experience the enchantment for yourself.