Rawalakot is one of the dynamic places in Pakistan, here you experience the actual nature. Its scenic beauty is matchless, anyone who sees it once forgets to blink. It is also known as the “Pearl Valley” of Azad Kashmir due to its speciality in natural beauty and amazing scenery. The Valley is famous for its vibrant green fields, blooming flowers, wonderful lakes, powerful waterways, and wildlife adventure to experience.
It is situated at an elevation of 1615 meters from sea level. The valley offers many activities like mountaineering, trekking, camping, hiking, rock climbing, paragliding, and water-based sports activities that give a delightful experience to every visitor.
Its beauty is worth seeing in every season. The best time to visit this tourist destination is from May to Oct, due to the very pleasant weather. If you want to see snow then Dec to Feb is the best time to experience tough cold weather.
Location of Rawalakot
Rawalakot is the capital of Poonch district in Azad Kashmir, located at approximately 76 km from Kahuta (Home to the Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL)) and 120 km away from Islamabad. By road, it takes three and a half hours to reach Rawalakot from Islamabad.
Places to visit in Rawalakot
Below is brief introduction of some important places to visit in Rawalakot, don’t go without seeing these tourist destinations.
Banjosa Lake
Banjosa Lake is a popular tourist spot, whose beauty stuns you and you get lost in it. When you see it for the first time, it is heartbreaking to see this beautiful Lake. Banjosa is an artificial lake surrounded by lush green mountains and dense pine forests, which make it very romantic and delightful. There are few huts and rest houses that add to the beauty of the lake.
The lake is located 19 km from Rawalakot, at an elevation of 1981 meters. Its scenic beauty and impressive surroundings attract tourists to reach here and enjoy nature. Banjosa lake also offers boating to find the lake’s hidden treasures. You must visit there and enjoy every moment of that beautiful lake. The weather is very pleasant in summer, the temperature hardly exceeds 25°C and this falls to -5 C in winters.
Toli Peer
Another amazing place to visit in Rawalakot is the highest mountainous location named Toli Peer. It is situated in Poonch, 30 km away from Rawalakot district at an elevation of about 8800 ft above sea level.
Its widespread grassy field presents a great view of nature and a calm atmosphere. It has an astonishing view on top of hills makes you feel like you are on top of everything. You can also view the Poonch River, Bagh valley, and other attractive spots from here.
The Summer season is the favourable time to make a trip, the weather generally becomes very colder and there is heavy snowfall in winters due to its high altitude. Activities like camping, paragliding, hiking, or trekking are beautiful things to do here.
There are some rest houses located on a very scenic location on the way to toil peer. This point has the maximum potential to captivate visitors. The remains of the old Mazaar are also found at the top of the hill. The green grass, tall green trees, horses, cotton-like clouds, and fresh air brings a sense of peace and relaxation. This place seems dreamy.
Book 12 Days adventure Tour with 25 destination
Poonch River
Poonch River is located in Tehsil Hajira, at a distance of 35 from Rawalakot district with an elevation of 886 m above sea level. The most interesting fact about the Poonch River is that the river is half inside the Indian region and the other half in the Pakistan region. There are many beautiful spots like Kotli, Tatta Pani comes along this route and presents an eye-catching view for visitors.
Tatta Pani
Tatta Pani is a famous place for its hot water springs that contain sulfur. Its name came as in Punjabi Tatta Pani meaning “Hot water”. It is a town of Kotli District, located 45 km from Rawalakot City with an altitude of 2,237 feet (682 m).
Hot Water Springs flow out of the ground and fall into the Poonch River. At the site, there is a couple of rest houses. Here is a tourist cottage of the AJK Tourism & Archaeology Department for tourists to stay. Tatta Pani also offers a unique experience.
Some people also visit this place and take a bath in water for the remedy of joint pain, fatigue, and skin diseases. The water temperature is approximately 86°C in summers and 65°C in the winters.
Book 10 Days autumn Tour from Islamabad to Gilgit Baltistan
Hotels in Rawalakot
Various private and government guest houses, motels, and hotels are there at most of the tourist spots. Some of the famous and comfortable hotels are Rawalakot International Hotel & Restaurant, Green Valley Hotel and Restaurant, Marjan Hotel, Pearl International Hotel & Restaurant, Gulf Palace Hotel, Swiss Cottage Guest House, Heaven Dreams, Night Bridge Hotel, Green Valley Hotel, Gulf Palace Hotel, PWD Guest House Banjosa, are very popular among tourists.
You must visit Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir is another hot destination to visit in Azad Kashmir Pakistan.
