Flood Relief activity, Matiltan Valley Kalam

Arrival of spring in swat valley

Spring arrived at swat valley.

Apricot, plum, peach, and pear trees in orchards burst into a beautiful display of white, pink, and yellow blossoms. Fields turn lush green, and the air is filled with the sweet fragrance of freshly bloomed flowers.

Spring season arrived at 10 march and continued till 15 april.

Watch video: https://youtu.be/fZ9aKZkescc?si=aN6MQB8zUEXzNUcG

Amluk Dara Stupa

The Buddhist stupa of Amluk Dara is the largest and best preserved stupa in swat valley.

 It is a part of Gandhara civilization.

Located in Amlukdara village of barikot swat.

At a distance of 25 km from Mingora city and 8 km from Barikot bazar.

It takes 1 hour from Mingora and 20 mints from Barikot bazar to reach here.

It was first reported by sir Aural stein in 1926 and later on partially excavated by Barger and wright in 1938.

Recently the Italian Archeological mission has carried out fresh excavation at the site where the remains of some votive stupa and image shrine have been discovered along with stone sculpture and many ancient coins of various kings.

The Stupa of Amluk Dara Still stand as a tall tower like structure. It is approximately dated to 2^ND-7^th Century AD. Standing in the Valley of Illum Mountain, the stupa of Amluk Dara is surrounded by springs of sweet water and natural scenery.

 The stupa is rectangular in plan, having a stairway facing towards west. The first storey of the stupa is quadrangular in plan, while the second, third and fourth storeys are circular in plan, topped by a raised dome.

The foundation of the stupa is a square plinth about 4 meters thick. This is surmounted by a hemispherical dome measuring 7 meter in height and 21 meters in diameter, making it visible for miles around it.

In 2014, the Korian Buddhist monks visited the Amluk dara stupa and performed their religious practices and admired the peaceful environment of the valley.