Malam Jabba – A Terrorist-Base Turned into a 5-Star Ski Resort
Malam Jabba Ski Resort is the first-of-its-kind ski resort in Pakistan, with a 5-star hotel offering world-class high-altitude winter sports and state-of-the-art experiences that a luxury-seeking adventure lover’s feet would be in the hunt for.
Malam Jabba Pakistan is not only about being a sumptuous vacation spot nestled in the Hindukush Mountain Range of Pakistan. The ski resort offers a breathtaking experience of living amidst a pristine nature. This premier ski resort has awe-inspiring landscapes and endless adventure possibilities. There are several exciting sub-spots to visit near Malam Jabba. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, you can challenge yourself with a variety of beginner to advanced-level treks in the area.
Sounds fun? So, let’s dive into more details.
Table of Contents
Where Is Malam Jabba Located?
Malam Jabba is located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. The distance from Islamabad to Malam Jabba by car is approximately 300 km, distance from Karachi to Malam Jabba is approximately 1640 km, distance from Lahore to Malam Jabba is approximately 600 km, and 40 km from Saidu Shareef, the capital of Swat Valley. It has a height (elevation) of around 2804 meters (9199 ft). It is northwest of Mingora and Saidu Shareef cities in Swat Valley.
Route: Islamabad -> Peshawar Motorway M1 -> Swat Motorway -> Chakdara Interchange -> Bahrain Road N-95 -> Manglor -> Malam Jabba Ski Resort
While traveling on the Bahrain Road from Chakdara Interchange towards Kalam, you will come across Manglor or Manglawar town. The road to Malam Jabba Ski Resort Pakistan starts as you turn right there, and it will take you around 1-1.5 hours to reach the top (end of this road). It is a steep, winding, and carpeted road suitable for all vehicles. This road was recently constructed in 2022 and has since boosted tourism in the area.
Malam Jabba Ski Resort and Adventure Sports in Malam Jabba:
Malam Jabba Ski Resort in Pakistan falls among the top 17 ski resorts worldwide. The slope is around 800 meters, which makes it an ideal candidate for snow skiing activities. Taking in this opportunity, in 1988, the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, in collaboration with an Australian Team, decided to introduce the first-of-its-kind the Malam Jabba Ski Resort in the region, considering the suitable weather conditions for snow in winter every year.
A wide range of activities for adventure sports lovers at Malam Jabba Ski Resort are:
- Snow Skiing
- Zip Lining (from the ski slope to the roof of the Pearl-Continental Hotel)
- Ice Hockey (at the lower slope)
- Chairlift (from the base to the top)
- Snow Boarding
- Human Slingshot
- Giant Swing
- Wall Climbing
- Trampoline
- Jumping Castle for kids
- Snow Tubing
- Hiking
Tourists will find all the necessary equipment from a rental shop at the resort, like, skis, poles, boots, helmets, snowboards, etc, that make it easy to get started, whether you are an expert or a novice. The resort is equipped with the latest technology and machinery to maintain and build artificial snow on the ski slope. Malam Jabba Ski Resort also have highly skilled instructors to train the tourists who participate in the sports and to make Malam Jabba skiing for beginners a lot easier and more fun. These trainers have successfully arranged many sessions and made skiing a popular sport in the area.
Malam Jabba Ski Resort Entry Fee 2025:
- Entry Ticket: 1,200 per person (redeemable)
- Malam Jabba Chair Lift Booking Price: 1,500 per person
- Malam Jabba Zipline Ticket Price: 3,500 per person
- Malam Jabba Chair Lift and Zipline Packages: 4500 per person
- Giant Swing: 2,500 per person
- Human Slingshot: 6,500 per person
- Snow Boarding: 3,000 per hour
- Ice Skating: 2,000 per hour
Skiing Packages in Malam Jabba Ski Resort
- Per Hour: 3000 PKR
- Half Day: 4500 PKR
- Full Day: 6500 PKR
For the latest prices, you can check the official website of the Malam Jabba Ski Resort.
If you want to book a tour to Malam Jabba, visit this link.
Ski Festivals and Competitions:
Every year national and international level competitions are being arranged at the resort with the joint efforts of Malam Jabba Ski Resort, Pearl-Continental Hotel, and the Samsons Group. These competitions play a huge part in promoting winter sports and winter tourism in Pakistan and have also encouraged the local people from the country to participate in them.
Pearl Continental Hotel Malam Jabba:
There is a 5-star hotel located at the Malam Jabba Top known as the Pearl Continental Hotel Malam Jabba. This hotel offers rooms and suites with spectacular opulence, a few themed restaurants with scenic dining areas, an outdoor swimming pool, a kids’ play area, a health club, indoor sports for adults also, well-equipped meeting spaces for officials, a barber shop, a prayer room, a bakery, a café, a clothing and handicraft shop, indoor and outdoor dedicated spaces for destination weddings and other noteworthy events, net cricket stadium, ample parking space, a lush green lawn, in short, it is a one-stop holiday destination for you.
Malam Jabba Swat Suffering Through History’s Worst Terrorism:
Pakistan has suffered a lot by terrorism from 2001 to 2009. A significant area of Swat and NFWP (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) was under the control of terrorist insurgents. It was the worst period of history for the country. Later, due to the joint efforts of the Pakistan Army and the Government of Pakistan, the country took back the hold of its heaven, and the people of Swat Valley returned to their homes peacefully. It took a lot of time for the people and the Government of Pakistan to rebuild their homes, and they are still putting their efforts into making Swat Valley the best tourism destination in Pakistan.
The terrorist insurgents used Pearl Continental Hotel as a base during war. They later bombed and destroyed it in 2008. In 2016, the Provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gifted this building to the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, and the rest is history, as now we have a world-class Ski Resort to cherish.
Archeological Sites and Other Places to Explore around Malam Jabba:
Swat Valley is historically the most significant part of Pakistan. A huge part of the Gandhara Region falls in Swat Valley. Gandhara Civilization is considered to be the oldest civilization in the world. The human settlements in Swat Valley date back to the 2nd Century BC with prominent traces of Buddhism, thus making it a Buddhist archeological site-rich vicinity. Several waterfalls, valley viewpoints, and Buddhist archeological sites are scattered around the area. Some of the places to visit in Malam Jabba are:
- Green Valley Park
- Jahanabad Buddha Rock Carving (in the pictures below)
- Malam Jabba Waterfall
- Zero Point – Malam Jabba Viewpoint
- Swat Archeological and Historical Museum
- Butkara I Stupa and Archaeological Remains
- Butkara II Stupa and Archaeological Remains
- Saidu Sharif Stupa
- Mehmood Ghaznavi Mosque
- Panr Jambil Khwar Stupa Buddhist Temple
- Dangram Stupa
These archaeological sits are well preserved by the government.
You can travel to Kalam Valley from Malam Jabba, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours and covers approximately 123 km. All kinds of cars, bikes, and small coasters can be used on this road.
Safety and Security:
The security standards have risen impressively in recent years in Swat Valley and have given an immense boost to national and international tourism in the area.
Local Culture and Attire:
The surroundings of Malam Jabba are a marvel of Mother Nature. Still, there is more to it when we talk about the cultural significance of this place being a historically rich region. The inhabitants are Pashtuns, and Pashtuns are known for being the purest, loyal, most hospitable, and uncomplicated people. The culture reflects their nature, historical background, and regional history.
Pashtun men’s attire typically consists of a loose-fitting Shalwar Qameez, complemented by a Pashtun cap or turban and often a waistcoat. In winter, men also wear warm woolen shawls for added warmth. On the other hand, women’s Pashtun dresses are quite vibrant in color, usually featuring a loose-fitting Shalwar (trousers) paired with a long frock, a traditional female Pashtun cap, and a dupatta or a shawl in winter.
Both men and women engage in centuries-old techniques of weaving fabrics and carpets, as well as hand embroidery. These people are also blessed with wood carving talent; their furniture and strong wooden items are renowned worldwide. They also specialize in producing uniquely designed ornamental jewelry.
Local Cuisine:
The dishes in Pashtun Cuisine are focused on Mutton and Beef. The dishes are light on spices and heavy on flavors. Pashtun dishes are meat lovers’ heaven. The Kabuli Pulao with sweet resins, carrots, some dry fruits, and meat is to die for. The world-famous Chapli Kababs are absolutely scrumptious. Also to mention the culinary masterpieces like Dum Pukht, Rosh, and Shinwari Karahi. If you are a vegetarian and have never tried Pashtun dishes, you are surely missing out on life. Truth to be told.
Malam Jabba Weather:
Malam Jabba weather changes from time to time. In winter, the temperature drops to -10 or even -15 degrees. This happens from December to February. Whereas the Malam Jabba weather in March and April is comparatively less cold, and the summer arrives. During the summer months, from May to August, the Malam Jabba weather remains pleasant. In late August and September, the monsoon rings the doorbell of the Malam Jabba weather radar.
Naltar Valley Ski Resort:
There is another ski resort in Pakistan, located in Naltar Valley in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan. The altitude is comparatively higher than Malam Jabba, and popularity is lower. It was established in 1965. This resort also hosts the International Ski and Ice Hockey Championships.
Malam Jabba Travel Guide and Tips:
- Where to Stay?
It offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets. Whether you are living out of a backpack and looking for a budget-friendly stay or seeking a luxury vacation in the mountains, you’ll find what you need. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance to avoid any inconvenience and get an expert’s advice by contacting us.
- What to Pack for a Malam Jabba Trip?
If you are traveling during winter months, the temperature is expected to drop a lot. So in that case, it is a must to carry the following items with you for example, a body warmer, an outer jacket, a down jacket, waterproof trousers, gaiters, gloves, winter socks, boots, sunscreen, a hat, lip balm, and your basic toiletries.
In contrast, during the summer, you can pack more lightly. Essential items include a T-shirt, trousers, an optional hoodie, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, lip balm, and your basic toiletries.
- What is the Best Time to Visit Malam Jabba?
It is a perfect winter travel destination where you get a 360-degree view of snow-covered mountains and engage in your favorite winter sports. The best time to visit Malam Jabba in winter is from December to February when there is snow and the ski slope is full of hustle and bustle.
However, it is also a summer retreat. The lush green fields, cool and crisp air, lovely weather, and majestic mountains make traveling a refreshing escape during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls or simply relax and absorb in the serene environment. In summer, the best time to visit Malam Jabba is from May to September.
For those who are after some adventure bits, you can also test yourself with a few trekking journeys to the surrounding valleys.
- What to Wear?
At the ski resort, you can wear any modern clothes covering your body. But, if you plan to visit a religious site or any nearby village, it is recommended to dress modestly and show respect towards the local culture.
How to book a tour to Malam Jabba?
If you’re ready to explore, contact us immediately to plan your packages according to your budget and needs. Leave all the hassles to us and make the most of your travels.
Some of the Best Tour to Malam Jabba are as follows:
4 Days Malam Jabba 5-Star Hotel Package
3 Days Malam Jabba in Summer Family Tour
3 Days Malam Jabba Winter Festival Packages
2 Day All-inclusive Malam Jabba Winter Tours
5 Days Luxury Malam Jabba Vacation Packages
7 Days Malam Jabba Snowfall Tour Packages
3 Days Malam Jabba Tours From Karachi
3 Days Malam Jabba Ski and Zipline Adventure Tours
3 Days Islamabad to Malam Jabba Tour Package
4 Days Lahore to Malam Jabba Travel Deals