Name: Chai on the Slopes | Long Skiing Weekend in Swat Valley, Pakistan
Start: 2026-01-23T15:00:00+04:00
End: 2026-01-27T03:25:00+04:00
Location: Dubai International Airport

Chai on the Slopes | Long Skiing Weekend in Swat Valley, Pakistan

If you’ve been daydreaming about fresh powder and wide-open slopes, Pakistan delivers a winter escape you probably didn’t see coming. Nestled high in the Swat Valley, Pakistan's cheeky answer to Switzerland, minus the cuckoo clocks or eye-watering prices, feels like the universe's best kept secret finally spilling the beans.
At 2,800 metres, Malam Jabba Ski Resort is now one of the region’s top winter destinations. The surrounding Swat Valley blends jaw-dropping mountain scenery with a deep historical and cultural layer: Gandharan Buddhist ruins, the emerald-green Swat River, and pine forests that stretch as far as you can see.
The resort has everything you need for a solid ski trip: an 800-metre groomed main run, gentler green slope, a modern chairlift, affordable equipment rental, and a ski school with patient instructors. Whether you’re charging the red run or the type who still whispers “bismillah” before pushing off the turn, you’ll feel right at home. In recent years Malam Jabba has even hosted international winter events, proof of how far the facilities have come.
While minor logistical challenges exist, the overall experience is highly rewarding, with fresh local cuisine, new infrastructure and an atmosphere of genuine welcome that characterises travel in northern Pakistan.
All in all, this is your chance to discover a different side of Pakistan: snow on the Hindu Kush, crisp pine air through the window, endless white peaks and sky. Open your eyes, you’re inside a postcard!
Ready? Let’s roll.
DAY 1 // FRI // DEPARTURE
Meet at DXB Terminal 1 at 15:00 for the 17:00 direct flight to Islamabad. Touch down around 21:00 local time, clear immigration, and head straight to our hotel in the quieter northern part of the city.
DAY 2 // SAT // FIRST SNOW
Early wake-up and we’re rolling north on Swat Expressway. Four to five hours of stunning scenery later. pine forests, the turquoise Swat River flashing by, roadside chai stops until we arrive at Malam Jabba around midday. Check in to our hotel, grab lunch with mountain views, then head to the rental shop for boots, skis/snowboard and passes.
Afternoon: first ride up Pakistan’s longest chairlift, a gentle recon lap on the slopes, and plenty of time to breathe that crisp high-altitude air. Sunset from the terrace with hot kahwa is non-negotiable. Overnight Malam Jabba.
Day 3 // SUN // FULL SKI DAY
Breakfast overlooking the peaks, then straight to the slopes. Unlimited runs on the red and green pistes all day.
Late afternoon options: hike up for fresh tracks, or take the chairlift at golden hour for one of the best views in Pakistan.
Evening wind-down: board games and tea in the hotel lounge, or join the optional night walk under a sky packed with stars. Overnight Malam Jabba.
DAY 4 // MON // LAST SKIING & RETURN
One final morning session – usually the snow is perfect and the slopes are quiet. Ski till your legs smile, then check-out at 11:00. Lunch at the resort, then we hit the road back to Islamabad. Quick look at capitol if time allows, drop off at airport for return flight home.
Grade: Easy to moderate, available for fit beginners.
Activity: Skiing, cultural immersion.
Accommodation/meals: Hotels, double sharing. Two dinners are included; lunches and meals on transfers are excluded.
Cost: 3380 AED incl. flights until JAN 07th.
Specifically excluded:
Visa,
COMPULSORY Insurance, ie. Heymondo.com, AXA, AIG or similar,
Lunches and meals on transfers,
Gear rental / ski instructor fees.
Visa: Simplified visa process in now available within mobile app.
More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Pakistan
See you on the chairlift! 🏔️❄️
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / linktr.ee/trekkup
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup