How is the road to Kalam?

[hatim5152]

We are planning to visit Kalam next week. How is the road from Islamabad? Is it doable in a Corolla? How long should it take? This site suggests that a 4WD is needed: http://www.visitswat.org/HowToReach.html

Day 1: Fly from Karachi. Reach ISB at 1PM. Should we spend the night in Minogra or Bahrain?
Day 2: Kalam, spend night in Kalam
Day 3: Utrar or Mohodand. Spend night in Kalam
Day 4: Drive from Kalam to Islamabad for 10PM flight to Karachi.

[asifcae]

kalam road ahead of behrainis in bad shape.. its kacha track but all types of cars go there.. i have been there on my vitz twice so u can drive there...

[hasannazir]

I just came from 10 day tour of naran swat kalam etc. Road in very bad condition from Bahrain onward. However corolla can manage. Almost 3 hour torturous ride. Plus mahodand road also not in good condition and long ride.

I will recommend kalam if you have visited naran atleast two times else go to naran. Sorry from all who do not agree with me.

[hatim5152]

I myself would prefer going to Naran. However, we are going this Eid weekend and there seems to be a forecast for rain in Naran.

[mirzakhawar01]

Rain doesn't matters if you want to visit Naran. Its normal thing !

[mirzakhawar01]

Sir, I recently visited Deosai on my Honda City and planing to have short trip to Kalam in 2nd week of September. Your comments are quite encouraging to take my car there.
But also thinking on why not attempt Ratti Gali instead of Kalam. I haven't seen both, which option should I prefer for Fri,Sat, Sun trip. Please guide

P.S: Sorry to bro hatim5152 that I'm using your thread but you know when Asif bhi is available why to open up another thread.

[asifcae]

well if u have made it through deosai on ur car then u can certainly make it to kalam even.... as far as the comparison is concerned these two places are not comparable actually.. one is a trek (however short) and other is road trip... if u have shortage of time then visit ratti gali lake its a good option with a short trek from dowarian..... if u have time then u can visit kalam even.. try out ushu and utror vallies...

[mirzakhawar01]

Thank you Bahi ! Ratti Galli Locked InShaALLAH
Lets do little trek. Thanks again.

[hatim5152]

A member of our group is an American with a POC. Will have have any issues travelling to Naran via Muzaffarabad?

[asattar1995]

We are planning to visit Kalam next week. How is the road from Islamabad? Is it doable in a Corolla? How long should it take? This site suggests that a 4WD is needed: http://www.visitswat.org/HowToReach.html

Day 1: Fly from Karachi. Reach ISB at 1PM. Should we spend the night in Minogra or Bahrain?Day 2: Kalam, spend night in KalamDay 3: Utrar or Mohodand. Spend night in KalamDay 4: Drive from Kalam to Islamabad for 10PM flight to Karachi.

Go for Ratti Gali trek, you will love the place. Kalam and Naran will be jam packed on Eid days.

[hatim5152]

Ratti Gali

Do you really think so? The travel agent was of the opinion that Eid ul Adha isn't that crowded--people prefer to spend time at home. The hotels seem to be empty judging by online availability.

[asattar1995]

Try your luck dear.

[hatim5152]

How's the temperature of Mahodand lake? Is it good for a short dip?

[asifcae]

abhe temp theek ho ga.. night extra chili ho ge.. daytime theek ho ga.....

[hatim5152]

I meant to say for swimming?

[mirzakhawar01]

Brother if you want to swim then go to Neelawan

[asifcae]

well these places r not for swimming bro plz dont attempt that.. its fatal... no even in summers swimming is recommended here....
many ppl have lost there lives in this way ..

[hatim5152]

[Album] Swat, Pakistan

[hatim5152]

However, extremely disappointed by this

[Album] Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet