Azad Kashmir Top 15 Attractions
Azad Kashmir or Azad Jammu and Kashmir is an administrative territory in Pakistan. Historically it was part of Jammu and Kashmir State under British Raj. Azad Kashmir was liberated by Kashmiri freedom fighter in 1947. Now it borders with Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Azad Kashmir is part of Kashmir Valley that is famously known as the paradise one earth. Azad Kashmir is world renowned for greenery, lakes, meadows, mountains, plateaus, rivers, streams and valleys. Azad Kashmir has many attractions for the travelers and tourists because of its mesmerizing beauty. This is why Azad Kashmir is always packed with the global tourists. Azad Kashmir Top 15 Attractions this blog describes the top 15 tourist attraction in Azad Kashmir.
10 Most Beautiful Places in Azad Kashmir & Azad Kashmir Top 15 Attractions:
Banjosa Valley
Banjosa is a village near Rawalakot in Azad Kashmir. The valley has unique place in the history of Azad Kashmir as freedom fighters started here the movement to free Kashmir. Banjosa Valley has an elevation of 1,981 meters. The valley is famous amoung the tourists because of its picturesque beauty. Tourists love the lush green meadows, Pine forests, mountains and mesmerizing Banjosa Lake. People also love boating in the lake. Banjosa is also the home of large coal, graphite, gypsum, iron, limonite and marble deposits. The best tourist season is summer when temperature is moderate and valley in lush green. On the other hand the valley is cover with snow in winter season. Banjosa has many guest houses and hotels for the tourists. Azad Kashmir Top 15 Attractions
Jhelum Valley
Jhelum Valley is located just 40 kilometers away from Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir. It is called Jhelum Valley as it lies along the 50 kilometer length of River Jhelum. The valley is 2,000 meters high from sea level. Jhelum Valley is very famous among the travelers and tourists because of the mountains, lush green meadows, hiking treks, forests, trees, wildlife, healthy atmosphere, beautiful weather, wooden houses and rice fields. The top tourism hotspots in Jhelum Valley are Awan Patti, Chakothi, Chikkar, Garhi Dupatta, River Jhelum and Zalzal Lake. Tourists are always mesmerized by the natural beauty of the valley and prefer to stay longer. There are many guest houses, hotels, restaurants and cafes in Jhelum Valley for the tourists.
Leepa Valley
Leepa Valley is at just 101 kilometers away from Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir. The valley has the latitude of 3,000 meters. Leepa Valley is located on the border line of Pakistan and India, so Jammu and Kashmir is visible from every point. The weather of the valley is very pleasant during summers whereas winters are very cold. The tourists visit the valley from May to November as in other months it is covered with snow. Tourists love to buy top quality Apples, Cherries, Honey and Walnuts for friends and families. The best places to see in Leepa Valley are Apple Gardens, Bungus Valley, Burthwar Gali, Chakar Lake, Chananian, Cherry Fields, Dao Khan, Hiking Tracks, Karnah Valley, Leepa, Meadows, Nokot, Reshian, Rice Terraces, Sad Pura, Shams Bari Range Hills and thick forests.
Mangla Dam
Mangla is a small village situated along Jhelum River in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir. The government of Pakistan constructed the world’s 7th largest dam there in 1967 known as Mangla Dam. The dame is in use to save water and produce electricity. The dam will be upgraded soon to increase the capacity. Mangla Dam Lake can be easily approached from G.T. Road as it is just 19 kilometers away from Dina, Jhelum. Most people visit Mangla Dam by driving own cars but local transport is also available. Mangla Dam Lake is a hotspot for tourists because of the water sports facility and picnic in adjacent Ramkot Fort. Most people love to enjoy the boating in the lake where as others prefer to play outdoor games in nearby Bhutto Park.
Neelum Valley
Neelum Valley with latitude of 1,615 meter is located in Azad Kashmir. The Neelum Valley is easy to approach from Muzaffarabad. The valley is the top travel destination of the tourists because of its mesmerizing beauty. Neelum Valley is famous worldwide because it has beautiful forests, fountains, lakes, meadows, mountains, plants, rivers, springs, streams and trees. The best tourist places to visit in Neelum Valley are Arang Kel, Athmuqam, Babboon Valley, Chilhena/Titwal, Chitta Katha Lake, Dhani Waterfall, Dowarian, Halmat, Jagran Valley, Kel, Keran, Kutton Waterfall, Leswa Valley, Neelum River, Patikka, Ratti Gali Lake, Salkhala Valley, Sharda, Shounter Valley, Taobat and Upper Neelum. The valley has many good cottages, guest houses, hotels and eateries for the travelers.
Pir Chinasi
Pir Chinasi at 2,900 meters from sea level is a mountain resort located in Azad Kashmir. It is just 30 kilometers away from Muzaffarabad; the capital of Azad Kashmir. The meaning of Pir Chinasi is Saint of Chinasi. The area is named as on the hill top there is shrine of Pir Syed Hussain Bukhari. The devotees visit the shrine to pay their homage whereas tourists visit the area to explore the natural beauty. Tourists are always mesmerized to see the elegant views of Muzaffarabad City and surrounding areas like Pir Asmir, Mushki and Saran. The surrounding areas are famous for green mountains, hiking treks, beautiful meadows and tall Oak & Pine trees. The best time to visit Pir Chinasi is during summer as in winter the area is covered with snow. Pir Chinasi is best for the people who like camping.
Ramkot Fort
Another attraction in Azad Kashmir for the architecture and heritage lovers is Ramkot Fort. It is easily approachable from G.T. Road Dina, Jhelum. The fort is located on a high hill besides Mangla Dam Lake. The basic construction materials used to construct Ramkot Fort are brick and stone. Although the fort has forgotten history as neglected itself but the design and architecture gives many details. The main arched gate shows the resemblance with the Islamic architecture. The loopholes in the fort wall were used to firing muskets; a typical design of 16-18th century. Although Ramkot Fort is in ruined condition but it is still very popular among the tourists. There is no direct way to the fort so visitors use boats to reach there.
Red Fort
Red Fort is located in Muzaffarabad the capital city of Azad Kashmir. The fort has a long history. According to historians it was constructed by the rulers of Chak to save Kashmir from Mughal threats. The construction started by 1559 whereas Kashmir was captured by Emperor Akbar the great in 1587. The fort was completed in 17th century by Bomba governor of Kashmir Sultan Muhammad Muzaffar Khan. He is also credited to found the Muzaffarabad city. Red Fort is built is surrounded by Neelum River on three sides. The fort was badly damaged by the earthquake of 2005 and needs to be conserved. Red Fort is one of the most visited tourist places of Muzaffarabad, as people love to enjoy the surrounding views.
Shounter Valley
Shounter Valley is one of the most visited places of Azad Kashmir. It is located in Neelum Valley. Shounter Valley is famous for Shounter Lake, mountains, meadows and tall trees. The weather is very cold in winter season as Shounter Lake is 3,100 meters high from sea level. So the best time to visit Shounter Lake is from May to August. To approach Shounter Lake tourists can hire jeeps from Kel, Neelum Valley. Although lake is small in size but the surrounding views make it worth seeing once in lifetime. The meadows around Shounter Lake are ideal for camping. There are many hotels in Kel for the tourists who want to stay longer to explore the beauty of Shounter Valley.
Toli Pir
Toli Pir is located in Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir. The area is called Toli Peer as once there was shrine of a saint. It is a reserved area and also known as Toli Pir National park. Toli Peer is 2,683 meters high from sea level. Therefore weather is very cold during winter season and best time to visit is from April to October. From the highest point of Toli Peer tourists enjoy the marvelous views of Abbaspur, Bagh and Poonch River. Toli Peer is famous for green filed, beautiful hills, Pine trees and healthy atmosphere. Toli Peer is best for the people who enjoy camping. During summer season Toli Peer is packed with the tourists who come here to explore the natural beauty. Toli Peer also has many guest houses and hotels for the tourists.
5 Other Hotspots for Tourists in Azad Kashmir:
Banjosa Lake
Chitta Katha Lake
Gattain Lake
Ratti Gali Lake
Shounter Lake
