Free Web Hosting Provider - Web Hosting - E-commerce - High Speed Internet - Free Web Page
Search the Web

Udegram : Fortress Ruins in Central Swat Valley

Swat Valley : Main - Mingora | Udegram | Udegram Chai
Kass Valley : Ascent | Realization | Conclusion
Return to Mango Grove | Table of Contents

My first day trip in the Swat Valley was to Udegram, a ruined hill fort south of Mingora.

A short Suzuki pickup ride leaves you at the roadside village, from where the path leads up to the ruins. This fortress was destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni who later conquered Lahore.

Here is an old graveyard, with slate pieces at the head and foot of the graves.

After moving through the graveyard, the path progresses towards the hills and through agricultural fields.

View west from Udegram.
When reaching the hill fort, the valley opens up allowing the distant snowy peaks on the Afghani border to be seen over the surrounding mountains.

Maybe it was the elevation, or the steep climb, or my mental state; but when I entered the fortress I felt transported into history. This fantastic fortress defies explanation, an amazing construction in a spectacular spot. I felt amazed at those who constructed it, and impressed by Mahmud of Ghazni who took and destroyed it.

I spent a few blissful hours: enjoying the view, exploring the ruins, and reveling in this fantastic place.
View of the author in the ruins.

On the way down, I noted this small figure down at the bottom of the hill near the path. I wondered what I would find there as I slowly climbed down the ridge. When I finally got to the valley floor, he appeared out of nowhere and asked `Would you like to have tea?' in pretty good English.

Of course I took him up on it ... Continued on Udegram Chai

Swat Valley : Main - Mingora | Udegram | Udegram Chai
Kass Valley : Ascent | Realization | Conclusion
Return to Mango Grove | Table of Contents

All Material Copyright © Mark Felten 1999 - All rights reserved.