Thousands of people are on the roads leading to Mingora where government troops have regained control after fighting broke out here in the Swat valley.

These trucks and buses loaded with the residents' belongings are stalled in long traffic queues.

But despite the simmering heat and the hours spent on the roads the refugees are happy to be back.

[Bahadur Sher, Returning Refugee]:
"Of course, it was a delightful experience entering the area and my body being touched by the climate of Swat. I am so glad."

Most of the 375,000 people who live in Mingora fled the town after the fighting started.

And now after three months of battles, the government says the area has been cleared of Taliban militants.

Pakistan is hoping to boost confidence among residents here, but no one expects a speedy return of the tourists who once came to this scenic alpine valley.