Development of Swat's Kokarai valley as tourist spot demanded.

SWAT -- Local residents and tourists have said that the scenic Kokarai valley had potential for boosting tourism, but lack of facilities had kept it hidden from visitors.

Located about seven kilometres from Mingora, the lush green Kokarai valley is not only famous for its dazzling beauty but also for having traces of Gandhara civilisation. The valley connects Shangla and Buner with Swat.

According to local residents, the valley has several spots for tourists featured by waterfalls, streams, thick forests, high peaks and green pastures.

'The most attractive sight is a waterfall in Sangar area located between two mountains and surrounded by green fields and trees.

The waterfall is not big enough, but it has its own beauty,' Bakth Zamin, a local resident, who visited the waterfall with friends, said, adding apart from the waterfall the area had several springs and centuries-old maple trees, thus offering a perfect place for tourists.

The local tourists said weather was pleasant as cool breeze amid enchanting scenes welcomed people.

'In June when rest of the country is experiencing scorching heat here the weather is so cool the visitors feel like it is month of January or February. It is a perfect place for nature lovers,' Asmat Ali of Mingora...