Malam Jabba and Kalam Trip- March,2014

[usman.anwar]

AoA PakWheelers

Me and my friends are planning to visit Malam Jabba and Kalam in early March,2014.Plan is to hire a High Roof for the whole trip and take Camping + Cooking equipment with us. Right now our plan is to go for 4 Days/3 Nights.

Day 1: Islamabad - Kalam. Camping near River Swat (hoping to find a camping site)
Day 2: Kalam - Ushu-Mahodand-Kalam. (will probably hire a 4x4 for the day )
Day 3: Kalam- Mengora-Fizza Ghat (Camping at Fizza Ghat)
Day 4: Early morning travel to Malam Jabba and do Skiing all day,Travel back to Islamabad in the evening

This is just an initial plan and we are looking for your expert opinion on how we can better plan the Route/Trip.Basically our aim is to experience skiing and see as much of Swat valley as possible in a limited budget. I also have few questions, I hope you PW Gurus will help like you always do

1- Is Mahodand Lake accessible in early March? How much snow we should expect?

2- We are all amateurs, Is taking fishing equipment with us worth it?

3- Is camping near Kalam or Ushu Forest safe?

4- None of us have ever done Skiing before. How much it costs per head? Who do we need to contact for Equipment/Permit and Training/help? What are the pre requisites for Skiing? Basically I want to know every little detail related to Skiing

Hoping to find great help here.Thanking you guyz in anticipation

[Nedian_Bravo]

I suggest you and your friends join the following group to avoid the hassle.

P.S. I dont have any commercial relations with Nature Explorers, just had a chance to accomplish a trek with them back in Sep 2013.

Nature Explorers presents the most awaited and most thrilling of the event, Skiing at Malam Jabba.
An amazing opportunity to explore the beauty of Swat as well.

---Dates: 27th February- 2nd March 2014 (Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday)
---Last Date for Registration: 21st February, 2014
---Accommodation: *Hotel (rooms on sharing basis)
*Camping (optional) (on sharing)
Trip Cost:
---From Islamabad:
* Rs.10,000/-
---From Lahore:
* Rs.11,700/-

[usman.anwar]

Thanks for the reply. NE option is good but problem is we are too jungly to travel with a group and our preferred dates may not coincide with theirs.I also feel we can do the same thing in relatively less budget.

We have necessary camping and trekking experience to go on our own and some of us like the Khuari of managing the trip. Just want to know more about the route and Skiing.

[farmeh2]

mahodand lake is not accessible in early March glacier will be there which will stop Jeep,you will reach to Ushu only , camping in March is not a good idea tem. will be -5 and all of you will freeze, fishing is n't a great idea you wont get any fish , no one can ski until he or she is trained you will get all equipment there on rent cost is miner if you try to skiing without training you might lose you foot, never ever think about camping in Kalam in early March

[usman.anwar]

mahodand lake is not accessible in early March glacier will be there which will stop Jeep,you will reach to Ushu only , camping in March is not a good idea tem. will be -5 and all of you will freeze, fishing is n't a great idea you wont get any fish , no one can ski until he or she is trained you will get all equipment there on rent cost is miner if you try to skiing without training you might lose you foot, never ever think about camping in Kalam in early March

Thanks for the reply. Camping in Kalam in early march is a concern, We may opt for hotel in Kalam and Camping near Mangora. Can you give contact no of any skiking instructor at Malam Jabba ?

[faiz.aslam.121]

How much will it cost to rent Skis+ boots for a day or two? It's been years since I've last skied:P

[farmeh2]

no instructor is available just see and enjoy there were a learner track in malam jabba i don't whether it is still there or not that was best for learner but skiing can not be done in one or two days, regarding Kalam we were frozen in hotel room with heater and could only reach ushu in early march i will post photo of ushu what we have seen in ushu amazing first time we seen mountain fully covered by snow

[usman.anwar]

We are not going to do back flips or any such thing ..Just sliding few meters will be enough for us
and please do post your pictures of Kalam and Ushu. Thanks for the reply

[jazibb]

Nice thread. I need some information regarding a similar trip as well. Specifically, about the skiing. Looking forward to some comments from gurus

[smimranhaider]

Can I join you people? In fact my swat tour cancelled due train incidence at Karachi.

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