My Summer Trip: What I Did and Learned by Sohan Khowjah

This summer, I had an amazing opportunity to travel with my family, and it turned out to be one of the most exciting and eye-opening experiences of my life. Instead of spending the holidays stuck at home with my phone and TV, I explored a beautiful part of Pakistan — and I came back with memories, lessons, and a new appreciation for my country.

📍 Our Destination: Swat Valley
We visited Swat Valley, often called the “Switzerland of Pakistan,” and now I know why! The lush green mountains, cold rivers, and peaceful atmosphere felt like something out of a movie. We stayed in a small guesthouse near Kalam, where the nights were cool and the stars looked brighter than I’d ever seen.

🌄 What We Did
Each day was a new adventure:

We hiked through the mountains to visit Mahodand Lake, where the water was freezing but crystal clear.

I tried trout fish for the first time — fresh from the river!

We explored local markets and talked to some of the friendly locals who shared stories about the region.

I even rode a horse for the first time — and yes, I was terrified at first!

💡 What I Learned
This trip wasn’t just about sightseeing. It taught me a lot, and here are a few lessons that really stayed with me:

Pakistan is beautiful — We often hear about foreign countries in the news or on social media, but we forget that our own country has stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and kind people. Visiting Swat made me proud to be Pakistani.

Simple living is peaceful — Life in the mountains is slower, quieter, and more connected to nature. It made me think about how fast-paced and noisy our lives in the cities can be.

Appreciate the little things — Clean air, fresh food, friendly faces — sometimes we take these things for granted. This trip helped me realize how important it is to pause and be thankful.

📝 Final Thoughts
I came back from Swat with a fresh mind, a full heart, and a strong desire to see more of Pakistan. There’s so much beauty here that many of us never get to see. If you ever get the chance to travel within Pakistan — whether it’s to Hunza, Skardu, or even a nearby village — go for it! It might teach you more than any textbook ever could.