The Pearl Valley

Azad Kashmir “Heaven on Earth” and “Switzerland of East” is known for its mesmerizing sceneries, tranquil waterfalls, flowering meadows, snow caped mountains and clear pure lakes. Each valley and district of Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) is awe-inspiring and deserves to be appreciated for its natural beauty. Our visit to Rawalakot was as amazing it was with Muzaffarabad.

Kashmir

About Rawalakot:

Rawalakot is also known as “Pearl Valley” situated in the heart of district Poonch of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). It appeared to be Saucer shaped valley and it altitude is 1615 meters high. It is 76 Kilometers far form Kohala and is linked to Islamabad via Azad Pattan and Muzafarabad. Alternate route is to take Guoien Nullah road that is recently constructed between Rawlakot and Azad Patan, road has immensely reduced time to get Rawalakot. It usually takes three and half hour drive from Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Rawalakot. 

Rawalakot

Rawalakot weather is always fluctuating and seems to be erratic. Temperature varies from 16C to 24C in summers, there is heavy snowfall by the end of the November and the whole month of December it usually last throughout January. If you are rain lover the best time to visit Rawalakot is to around the month from April to June.

 

There are small hotels available all over Rawalakot for stay, they are mostly owned by Government, it would be appropriate to make reservations for rooms in advance as these accommodations are mostly used by government officials on their tours. 

Rawalakot is also famous for its educational institutes such as Agriculture University and several colleges and secondary educational institutes. The tourism is at its peak there several activities ranging form trekking, hiking, paragliding and water based activities.  

How to get Rawalakot:

Rawalakot is accessible through Islamabad/Rawalpindi by a three and a half hour long drive. You can leave for Kohala around 7.00AM from Islamabad and reach Azad Pattan than take Guoien Nalla road to finally get Rawalakot. 

Places to Visit:

Poonch is the district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) at the very heart of which lies Rawalakot, its beauty says it all and is referred as “Pearl Valley” and “The Valley of Pearl”. The best advice we can give you is that you have the accurate knowledge of the city when visiting however navigation around city is not that difficult. Some of the must see places are Banjosa Lake, Toli Peer, Poonch River, Tata Pani, Bagh and Ghori Mar.

Banjosa Lake:

Banjosa is a beautiful lake surrounded by lush green mountains offering spectacular views. A few rest houses are constructed in the surroundings of this lake. Some tuck shops are also present at the lake but not properly managed and arranged. Weather is pleasant in summer and occasional snowfall in winter. The lake is located on Banjosa Road, 19 kilometer away from Rawalakot City in Tehsil Hajira, District Poonch, (AJK).

Banjosa Lake

Tolipeer:

Tolipeer is the premier mountainous site in the northeastern region of Rawalakot; it is the point of origin of three different mountain ranges. The tourist rest house on the way up to Tolipeer is also placed in a picturesque scene. There are some relics of an old mazar on the uppermost hilltop. Tolipeer is most accessible during the months of summer; the weather gets really chilly from end of the year in October and lasts till March. The temperature stats to decrease around spring and environment gets really healthy to ones who visit Tolipeer can never ever forgets it.

Tolipeer

Tolipeer Guest House

Poonch River:

The river provides visitors with attractive views of clear water fronts. The river is quite wide and green land right by the side of the river is best spot for outdoor picnic. The weather is pleasant in summers but it gets hot as we move to the month of July while it gets really chilly during winters. This site is located 35 kilometers form Rawalakot at Hajira Kotli Road. People who are fond of natural beauty of water is in for treat for the mesmerizing views of habor.

Poonch River

Hot Spring (Tatta Pani):

On the right side of Poonch river lies Tatta Pani, it is almost 20 kilometers away from Hajira, you can reach Tatta Pani via Hajira-Mandol road and alternate road you can take is from Kotli it almost 26 kilometers. Tatta Pani means “Hot Spring” as well due to its recognition for its “Sulpher Water Springs”. Since the ancient time people know the miraculous/therapeutic property of this water and come from all over to take a dip into the Sulphur springs: this water provides relief from joint pains, fatigue and stress and skin disease. As per test reports hot spring water has got 37 precious minerals which has got therapeutic medicinal values. During winter season a large number of people visit this place daily to have hot water bath for the cure of Skin and rheumatic ailments.

Tatta Pani (Hot Spring)

Bagh:

The town of Bagh is located 48 kilometers away from Rawalakot, this town is located on the union of two mini nullahs, i.e. Malwani & Mall, which flow all the year round.  “Haji Peer Pass” is located about 32 kilometers away from Bagh and is linked through metaled road. All necessities are available is Bagh Bazar, different hotels are available for the visitors to stay the night.

Dirkot Park- Bagh

Paniola:

About 17 kilometers form Rawalakot and 52 kilometers away from Kohala is located Paniola, the sites has known for its charming and clam environment, likewise AJK Tourism Department has constructed many rest houses over here as well, the views here are out of the world.

Paniola

Koyian:

It is 17 kilometers far away from Rawalakot and it is surrounded by dense forests, it seems to be the perfect spot for the stay and tourist rest house has been constructed by Tourism department.

Restaurants:

When visiting Kashmir it is your duty to enjoy there delicacies, most famous dish of Rawalakot is Tawa Ghosth. The best places to enjoy meals are Rawalkot International Hotel and Restaurant and Dhara Resturant.

 

Rawalkot International Hotel and Restaurant

Places to shop:

Rawalakot bazaar is the most visited and one of the busiest markets. Rawalakot has a downtown area, which consists of shops selling everything from groceries to electronic goods. Handicrafts, carpets, wood carvings, mushrooms apples and other fruits are the mostly purchased by tourists.

Rawalakot is only know for its beauty but also for the lively people that resides within, they are supportive in nature especially women, if until now you have not made your mind to visit, here is something that will push you over the edge.

It is every Pakistani dream to visit Azad Kashmir, it was mine the same, I was lucky enough to get to be part of such experience but there still a lot for me and my friends to explore not only in Rawalakot but other valleys of Azad Kashmir. My thoughts on the way back from every visit to Rawalakot was nothing but of serenity, it made me realize not matter where I will be I can always find my way to my paradise.