WE left Peshawar for Kalaam one sizzling hot morning, boarding the Daewoo Express bus service. From Mingora we took a taxi to Kalaam.

The Swat River and beautiful green fields and trees made our journey memorable. On our way, we stopped at Khwaja Khela to buy some large delicious peaches. We also stopped in Bahrain for tea and samosas. On the way we enjoyed eating corncobs and drank sweet spring water.

On our way to Kalaam, our taxi broke down. We were afraid because it was a very dark night and the road was near a thick forest, with River Swat gushing noisily nearby. Soon two policemen in black clothes came to help us. They were very kind and a stopped few taxis to help us. Everyone tried their best to fix our taxi but failed. Finally another taxi took us to Kalaam to Pamir Hotel and we reached there around midnight. We were happy to finally get a comfortable room to sleep.

After a restful sleep, we woke up in the morning very late. When I looked outside my bedroom window, I was amazed to see the scene before me — green pine forest, snow-topped mountains and River Swat gushing. Oh, what a lovely sight!

After a tasty breakfast of crunchy parathas, scrambled eggs and milk we headed towards the Kalam bazaar. My parents bought a new SIM card as not all networks work in Kalaam. As we were returning to our hotel, a friendly old man invited us to have a teapot of Kissa Khwani qahwa free of cost.

I was sad to see people throwing all kinds of garbage and even dirty water from hotels draining into the clean Swat river making it unfit for drinking. We should learn to love nature.

We also went to the high mountains of Gabral and Atrot, where the Swat River begins and the water is emerald green and deep blue. These rivers and springs are fed above by huge glaciers. I drank from these as they are sweet, clean and cold. Delicious trout fish can also be found and caught there easily. We also enjoyed splashing water on each other. I shall always remember this outing with nature.

The magic land of Biyou

After a few days we climbed in a double cabin to a nearby valley called Biyou. This is very beautiful valley near Kalaam hidden in the pine covered mountains. This magic land has green pastures, fields with many fresh vegetable, wild berries and fruits which you could eat for free. We saw many springs and streams with cold water and many goats and cows.

There I also saw many beautiful wild flowers of different shapes and colours. I pulled out a plant which had pink and white crystal-like flowers. I brought this plant to the hotel and planted it in one secret place. I secretly prayed it would bring me good luck and my wishes would come true.

A sightseeing visit to Mahodand

Mahodand means a “lake with fish” in Pashto. This lovely valley is 30 kilometres away from Kalam. It is 9,700 feet high with shining emerald green lake which is three kilometre long. It is surrounded by pine forests and green pastures with wild flowers in many colours.

Many wild horses and ponies were grazing. We enjoyed a lovely boat ride in the lake. I was splashing cold water when suddenly a trout fish came in my hand and I jumped in surprise! I also went on a pony ride with my sweet little brother Rohaan.

On our way back to Kalaam, we stopped at a cold water spring which is famous for healing powers. This place also has wild honey, herbal flowers medicine which is good for health. We bought all these as we returned to Kalam after a memorable visit to Mahodand.