BADGOI PASS AN ANCIENT ROUTE BETWEEN KUMRAT AND KALAM
The Badgoi Pass, also referred to as the Utror Pass, is an age-old
route connecting the Upper Swat Valley in the Bahrain Tehsil of the Swat District
to the Dir Upper District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. For centuries, the
local people have been utilizing the pass to travel between Thall and Kalam,
which takes about three to four hours. This route attracts thousands of
tourists annually who travel between Kumrat Valley and Kalam, either starting
from Kalam to visit Kumrat Valley or from Kumrat Valley to explore Utror,
Kalam, Mahodand Lake, Bahrain, or Madyan via the pass. By embarking on a
journey through the Badgoi Pass, visitors can not only admire the stunning
Kumrat Valley but also explore the neighboring towns of Madyan, Bahrain, Kalam,
and Utror for free. However, it is important to note that the pass remains
closed due to heavy snowfall from November to March & April, making it only
accessible during the summer season. Moreover, the road condition is not very
favorable, so it is recommended to opt for a jeep for travel.
To reach Kumrat Valley via Badgoi Pass, you have to first reach
Kalam, and then reach Utror from Kalam. From there, you have to ask someone
about the road to Badgoi Pass. Traveling on the road of Badgoi Pass, you will
reach Desht-e-Laila. From there, after passing through beautiful areas like Chechelo
and Lamin, you will reach Lamoti. Lamoti is the fifth village of Dir Kohistan.
If you go straight down towards the west from here, you can reach Jahaz Banda.
However, keep traveling towards the north and you will reach Thall Bazaar. Thall
is the last village of Dir Kohistan and it is the base camp of Kumrat Valley.
Here, you will have access to all kinds of facilities. From here, you can go to
Kumrat Valley.
