Azad Kashmir is a beautiful region in Pakistan that offers a wide range of stunning scenery, cultural diversity, and adventure activities for tourists. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff, Azad Kashmir has something to offer everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best places to visit in Azad Kashmir with your family.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction to Azad Kashmir
- Muzaffarabad City
- Pir Chinasi
- Neelum Valley
- Rawalakot
- Toli Pir
- Banjosa Lake
- Keran
- Sharda
- Leepa Valley
- Conclusion
- FAQs
1. Introduction to Azad Kashmir
Azad Jammu and Kashmir is a self-governing territory located in northern Pakistan. It shares a border with Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and India-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The region is known for its scenic beauty, diverse culture, and friendly people. Azad Kashmir is divided into three administrative divisions; Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and Poonch.
2. Muzaffarabad City
Muzaffarabad is a beautiful city located in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir regions of Pakistan. It serves as the capital city of the region and is located on the banks of the Jhelum River. The city has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its historical landmarks, scenic beauty, and vibrant markets.
One of the most famous landmarks of Muzaffarabad is the Red Fort, which was built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The fort is situated on a hilltop overlooking the city and offers a breathtaking view of the Jhelum River and the surrounding mountains.
Another popular attraction in Muzaffarabad is the Pir Chinasi Shrine, which is located on a hilltop around 30 kilometers from the city. The shrine is dedicated to the Sufi saint Pir Chinasi and is visited by thousands of people every year.
The city is also home to a number of beautiful parks and gardens, including the Shaheed-e-Millat Park, which is named after the founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The park is a popular spot for picnics and family outings and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Muzaffarabad is also known for its vibrant bazaars and markets, where visitors can find a wide range of local handicrafts, textiles, and traditional Kashmiri shawls. The city’s cuisine is also famous for its unique blend of Pakistani, Indian, and Kashmiri flavors, with dishes such as Kashmiri pulao and kebabs being particularly popular.
Overall, Muzaffarabad is a charming and picturesque city that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Pakistan or the Azad Jammu and Kashmir region.
3. Pir Chinasi
Pir Chinasi is a beautiful hilltop shrine located around 30 kilometers from the city of Muzaffarabad in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir region of Pakistan. The shrine is dedicated to the Sufi saint Pir Chinasi and is a popular tourist destination in the region.
To reach the shrine, visitors have to take a winding road that leads up the hill through beautiful forests and streams. The journey itself is an experience, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Once visitors reach the top of the hill, they are greeted by the beautiful shrine of Pir Chinasi. The shrine is a small white building with a green dome and is surrounded by a sprawling garden. Visitors can offer prayers at the shrine and seek the blessings of the saint.
Apart from the shrine, Pir Chinasi is also a popular spot for hiking and trekking. The hill offers numerous trails for visitors to explore, with stunning views of the mountains and valleys at every turn. There is also a small lake near the shrine, which adds to the charm and beauty of the place.
Visitors to Pir Chinasi can also indulge in some local food and snacks, with vendors selling traditional Kashmiri tea, pakoras, and other delicacies. The atmosphere is serene and peaceful, making it a perfect spot for picnics and family outings.
4. Neelum Valley
Neelum Valley is a picturesque valley located in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir region of Pakistan. The valley is named after the Neelum River, which flows through it and is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains and lush green forests.
The valley is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore the valley on foot or on horseback, with numerous hiking and trekking trails offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
One of the most popular attractions in Neelum Valley is the Sharda Peeth, an ancient Hindu temple located near the town of Sharda. The temple dates back to the 8th century and is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati. Visitors can explore the temple complex and admire its intricate carvings and architecture.
Another popular attraction in Neelum Valley is the Ratti Gali Lake, a beautiful high-altitude lake located at an altitude of around 12,130 feet above sea level. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Visitors to Neelum Valley can also explore the local villages and markets, where they can find a wide range of local handicrafts, textiles, and traditional Kashmiri shawls. The valley’s cuisine is also famous for its unique blend of Pakistani, Indian, and Kashmiri flavors, with dishes such as Kashmiri pulao and kebabs being particularly popular.
5. Rawalakot
Rawalakot is a scenic city located in the Poonch district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains, forests, and rivers, and is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
One of the most popular attractions in Rawalakot is the Tatta Pani Hot Springs, located around 30 kilometers from the city. The hot springs are believed to have medicinal properties and are a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Another popular attraction in Rawalakot is Banjosa Lake, a beautiful high-altitude lake located at an altitude of around 6,400 feet above sea level. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
6. Toli Pir
Toli Pir is a beautiful hilltop destination located in the Rawalakot district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan. The hill offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a popular tourist destination.
To reach Toli Pir, visitors have to take a winding road that leads up the hill through beautiful forests and streams. The journey itself is an experience, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Once visitors reach the top of the hill, they are greeted by a beautiful shrine dedicated to the Sufi saint Pir Chanasi. The shrine is a small white building with a green dome and is surrounded by a sprawling garden. Visitors can offer prayers at the shrine and seek the blessings of the saint.
Apart from the shrine, Toli Pir is also a popular spot for hiking and trekking. The hill offers numerous trails for visitors to explore, with stunning views of the mountains and valleys at every turn. There is also a small lake near the shrine, which adds to the charm and beauty of the place.
Visitors to Toli Pir can also indulge in some local food and snacks, with vendors selling traditional Kashmiri tea, pakoras, and other delicacies. The atmosphere is serene and peaceful, making it a perfect spot for picnics and family outings.
7. Banjosa Lake
Banjosa Lake is a beautiful artificial lake located in the district of Rawalakot. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and pine forests, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and other water sports activities.
8. Keran
Kieran (Urdu: کیرن ) is a village and tourist resort in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is located 93 kilometers (58 mi) from Muzaffarabad on the bank of the Neelum River at an altitude of 1,524 meters (5,000 ft). Neelam village is 2.5 kilometers (1.6 mi) away from here. The adjacent village on the other side of the Neelum River in Indian Kashmir is also known as Keran.
9. Sharda
Sharda is a beautiful town located in the Neelum Valley that is famous for its historic Sharda University ruins. This town is an ideal destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike, as it is surrounded by beautiful mountains and natural beauty.
10. Leepa Valley
Leepa Valley is a hidden gem located in the Muzaffarabad district. It is a remote and less-explored destination that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, lush green forests, and meandering rivers. Visitors can also indulge in hiking and trekking activities in this region.
Conclusion
Azad Kashmir is a beautiful region that is filled with natural beauty and stunning landscapes. These top 10 best places to visit in Azad Kashmir are ideal destinations for families to explore and enjoy the beauty of this region.
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