Top Places to Visit in Azad Kashmir

Azad Kashmir is known for its unrivalled scenic beauty that is popularly recognized as ‘the Heaven on Earth’. Azad Kashmir has many beautiful locations that attract tourists all year by depicting natural beauty and panoramic views. Azad Kashmir territory has shared borders with Northern Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Here is a list of a few tourist places to visit in Azad Kashmir.

Arrang Kel

Arrang Kel is a luscious green village in Neelum Valley. It lies on a hilltop, 8,379 feet (2,554 metres) above sea level. Arrang Kel is popularly known as the “Pearl of Neelum Valley”. The picturesque meadows are filled with rare vegetation, cattles and birds in summer. The area gets covered in snow, converting the whole valley into a white palace that looks even more stunning. There is a long trek from Kel. It takes two and half an hour to reach Arrang Kel. This is one of the more tranquil areas to visit in Azad Kashmir. Do not forget to include Arrang Kel in your itinerary for trekking to enjoy its enchanting beauty.

Patika

Patika is a beautiful place in Kashmir that functions as the entrance to the Neelum Valley. It is recognized for its beautiful weather and lush green knolls, which is the main tourist attraction. The road to Patika will take your breath away with its tall trees and panoramic views. Patika is a must visit place while exploring Neelum Valley.

Shounter Lake

Shounter lake is a natural beauty. Tourists can visit there from May to August when the weather is really pleasant. This lake is located at an elevation of 3,100 metres (10,200 feet) in Shounter Valley, a sub valley of Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir.
Shounter lake is surrounded by glacial waters, green grassy fields, mountains and scattering plants. In the winter, the lake freezes as the surrounding hills are blanketed in thick snow, which makes the entire valley white beauty. Due to heavy snowfall and blizzards, visiting Shounter lake is dangerous in winter. Tourists can reach the lake by a jeep track from Kel. It is an ideal place for those who enjoy camping, photography and hiking. They will enjoy the stunning scenery of Shounter lake and take the best shots.

Muzaffarabad

Muzaffarabad is the capital city of Azad Kashmir. The city is located in the West of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and North of the Neelum District. Muzaffarabad is a glorious, cultural and naturally beautiful city. This peaceful place serves as a basecamp for visitors. Tourists must visit recreational areas. These include the Sathra Viewpoint, Lohar Gali and Domel, where the Neelum and Jhelum Rivers meet. Muzaffarabad was named after Sultan Muzaffar Khan, the chief Bomba Tribe. To protect the city from invaders, he built the historic Red Fort. Tourists will enjoy the breathtaking scenery and delicious Kashmiri cuisines in Muzaffarabad while visiting the beautiful cultural and political hub.

Ratti Gali Lake

Ratti Gali lake is one of the most well known destinations in the Neelum Valley. The lake is located at an elevation of 12,130 feet (3,700 metres) and surrounded by mountains as well as green meadows with beautiful flowers, making it an exotic place to visit in summer. Ratti Gali lake is accessible by Dowarian. Tourists can enjoy trekking and photography in this tranquil and picturesque spot. The breathtaking and spectacular views along the Ratti Gali track makes it a must visiting location.

Leepa Valley

Leepa Valley is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Azad Kashmir. Tourists can enjoy the surroundings, which include pine trees and fertile land valleys that give the impression of being in the countryside. Muzaffarabad is 83 kilometres away from Leepa Valley. Dao Khan, Noukot and Chananian are notable locations. The weather of the valley is pleasant. The best time to visit is from May to November as the climate is welcoming to visit the stunning valley. Leepa was located in the Jammu and Kashmir district of Kupwara but it is now a part of the Jhelum Valley in Azad Kashmir. Muzaffarabad connects to Leepa. Jeeps are available for rent in Hattian Bala and Reshian. Visit the valley for the most captivating spots and breathtaking views.

Banjosa Lake

Banjosa lake is a calm and peaceful place to enjoy the surroundings with densely forested pine trees. This artificial lake is located 18 kilometres from Rawalakot. The lake reflects a pleasant colour scheme of green, red and blue with gleaming water to enjoy with the breathtaking view. The lake is elevated at 1,981 metres above sea level. Summer is the best time to visit Banjosa lake because the temperature stays around 25°C. The temperature drops rapidly in the winter due to snowfall. This is an excellent honeymoon destination. Visit this romantic lake in Azad Kashmir for boating and photography in the peaceful environment.

Ramkot Fort

Ramkot Fort is 13 kilometres from Dina and 79 kilometres from Mirpur, next to Mangla Dam. It was built in 1342 during the reign of the Delhi Sultanate. The fort can be reached by boat. Ramkot Fort represents Muslim architecture dating from the 5th and 9th centuries. Muslims discovered and destroyed the fort in the 17th century, leaving only the ruins. This archaeological site is ideal for visiting historic sites in Azad Kashmir. The wondrous structure of Ramkot fort will captivate visitors.

Toli Pir

Toli Pir is a beautiful spot on the hilltop, with heavenly and breathtaking scenery. It has an elevation of 8,800 feet above sea level. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Azad Kashmir. Toli Pir is only 30 kilometres from Rawalakot and takes one hour and 45 minutes to reach. When the hilltop is covered in snow in winter, the weather remains bitterly cold. Toli Pir is best visited between April and early October.

Rawalakot

Rawalakot is the district headquarters for Poonch and a popular tourist destination in Azad Kashmir. It is located 1,638 metres (5,374 feet) above sea level. Rawalakot is located 76 kilometres away from Kahuta. Tourists can easily visit because it is only 113 kilometres away.
Rawalakot is known as Pearl Valley for the abundance of almond blossoms, which creates the illusion of dispersed pearls. Flowers in bloom and green hills welcome tourists to enjoy the spring and summer in a cool atmosphere. Tourists can also visit Tatta Pani, Banjosa and Toli Pir.

Sharda

Sharda is a must visit attraction in Neelam Valley, Azad Kashmir. It is 136 kilometres from Muzaffarabad. The small settlement is situated on the banks of the Neelum River at an elevation of 1,981 metres (6,499 feet) above sea level. Because of its historical significance, it is the most popular tourist destination.
Sharda was named after the ruins of Sharada Peeth, a Hindu temple where devotees pay homage to the goddess Sharada. When the sun shines over the river water in the morning, it transforms the landscape into a beautiful painting. During the winter, the small village is blanketed in thick snow, creating a white area that is visually appealing. Sharda has a number of guesthouses and hotels where tourists can unwind after a day of trekking and sightseeing.

Pir Chinasi

Pir Chinasi is an amazing tourist destination to visit in the East of Muzaffarabad. The road is a little tricky to drive on due to the twists and turns. Only experienced drivers equipped with safety and security capability can reach the top which is 2,900 metres above sea level. Pir Chinasi is a popular tourist attraction that takes visitors to snowy peaks in the winter and blooming trees in the summer. It has a historical significance because it retains a shrine to Hazrat Shah Hussain, a Saint of Greater Kashmir. The area is surrounded by dense forests and mountains, which add to its beauty. The natural beauty of Pir Chinasi makes it worth visiting.

Jhelum Valley

Jhelum Valley is surrounded by Jhelum river and lush green mountains. Hattian Bala is the main city in Jhelum Valley. The valley is covered with ripened rice fields and wooden houses, providing an unimaginable view. This area is a home of sweet cherries and walnuts that you have never tasted such aromatic fruit. Because of the rice fields and greenery, Leepa Valley is the most popular tourist destination. Chikar, Chinari and Chakothi are also popular places to visit. Include the Jhelum Valley in your itinerary if you want to see the curling river in the mighty mountains. This is the most tranquil location in Azad Kashmir.