Gabin Jabba (Pashto: ګبين جبه), which translates to Honey marshes in Pashto, is situated roughly 65 km from Mingora along the Matta Sakhra road within Pakistan’s Swat Valley. It is an area characterized by lush meadows, dense forests, snow-covered mountains, mineral springs, and towering peaks. The elevation of Gabin Jabba is 2582 m (8471 ft) above sea level.
This region hosts various medicinal plants, attracting researchers who conduct studies there. Honey bees thrive in this area, contributing to the renowned Swat honey, which is well-known across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Furthermore, Gabin Jabba acts as a gateway to Daral Lake, which lies at an altitude exceeding 500 meters higher than that of Gabin Jabba.
It is occasionally called the duplicate of Jargo Waterfall because of its resemblance.
The path from the base to the summit resonates with the songs of numerous bird species. The most frequently heard are the Western Crowned Warblers, known for their melodic calls. Additionally, Variegated Laughingthrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Eurasian Blackbird, Large-billed Crow, Long-tailed Minivet, Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Common Myna, and Jungle Myna can be found in the wooded areas of the valley.
The cold, rocky river supports a healthy population of Plumbeous Redstarts and Little Forktails.
The area of Gabin Jabba is closely associated with the village of Lalko, located to the north and serving as the entry point to Gabin Jabba. It is the first settlement encountered on the journey to Gabin Jabba, from which access can be gained via a four-wheel drive vehicle. Additionally, it serves as a base camp for a trail leading to the alpine glacial lakes of Daral and Saidgai.
Lalko Valley, positioned in the northern upper reaches of the Matta Tehsil in Swat Valley, is situated 55 km from the headquarters in Saidu Sharif. This valley is a green, forested area filled with alpine pastures and experiences significant snowfall during the winter season. Sultanate is located to the west of the region, accessible by a long trek.
