Saidu Sharif is the capital of Swat district located in northern Pakistan. It is a popular tourist destination known for its mountains, lakes, and cultural attractions. Some of the top sites near Saidu Sharif include Marghazar with the White Palace, the Malam Jabba ski resort, and the summer resort town of Miandam located along a mountain stream. Farther afield in Swat Valley are the towns of Madyan, Bahrain, and Kalam known for their natural beauty, with Kalam historically being the center of an independent state. The valley is also home to several alpine lakes accessed by trekking, such as Pari Lake and Spin Khwar Lake, which has huts