Elum Ghar
Elum Ghar, also known as Mount Ilam is a 2,800 metres (9,200 ft) mountain located between the Swat and Buner districts of Pakistan. Elum Ghar is the highest peak in the region, and is snow-covered most of the year. It is located west of Pir Baba's shrine in the Buner District of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan. The mountain was a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus until 1947, and is believed to be the site where a previous incarnation of the Buddha gave up his life.
The city of Mingora can be seen from atop the mountain. The mountain is popular among hikers due to its many streams and lakes that can be seen while going up the mountain. Going up is tough as there is no local transport.
History
Archaeologists have found ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization around the mountain, and believe that there may still be more buried ancient ruins. The top of the mountain is locally known as "Jogiano sar". This site is also significant in Hinduism.
The mountain has snakes and cobras near the top. There is a local proverb that says, Maar chey zwaan shi nu da elum ghar ta laar shi, which means, When a snake reaches its youth, it goes to Mount Elum.
According to the Indologist Giuseppe Tucci's proposal the rock of Aornos is at the summit of Elum Ghar (Mount Ilam). Alexander the Great's forces faced a tough battle on this site. However, there are other possible sites for the rock of Aornos identified, such as Pir Sar in Shangla.
Festivals
Every year at the end of July or at the beginning of August, the festival of Jushn-e-Elum is held. It is celebrated by the youth from nearby villages, mainly Malakporians. The celebration is an opportunity to get out of the heat of the valley and stay for a couple of days on the cooler mountain.
It is one of the best touring spots in the Buner District. It is currently closed to tourists who are not local. Local people are allowed to visit but tourists from other cities are not.