Poonch
It is one of the ten districts of Kashmir. It is surrounded by beautiful landmarks, waterfalls, cascades, and sky-high mountains.
History of Poonch
It is said that it was settled by Raja Bak (574 B.C. to 637 B.C.) of the Nand family. However, according to a second statement, it was established by Raja Mukhat Apede of Karkot in 695 A.D. Chinese tourist Hieun Tsang visited this place too in 631 A.D.
Key information about PoonchÂ
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Poonch |
| Location | Azad Kashmir, Pakistan |
| Geographical Features | Situated in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, Poonch is characterized by rugged terrain and dense forests. |
| Area | Encompasses a significant area and is known for its stunning natural landscapes and cultural heritage. |
| Accessibility | Accessible by road, offering scenic routes and an adventurous journey for travelers. |
| Natural Beauty | Renowned for its captivating landscapes, including hills, valleys, and rivers that create an enchanting backdrop. |
| Historical Significance | Holds historical importance as a former princely state and has witnessed various political and cultural developments. |
| Cultural Richness | Home to indigenous communities, the region boasts a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its traditions and way of life. |
| Must-Visit Attractions | Includes sites like Banjosa Lake, Rawalakot, Toli Pir, and the historical Red Fort. |
| Trekking and Hiking Trails | Offers numerous trekking and hiking opportunities for adventurers, with trails leading to scenic viewpoints. |
| Weather Conditions | Experiences a variety of seasons, including pleasant summers and snowy winters, making it a year-round destination. |
| Unique Cuisine | The local cuisine showcases a blend of Kashmiri and Pahari flavors, with dishes like Rogan Josh and Saag being popular. |
Famous Places in Poonch
Rawalakot
This valley is at an elevation of 1615 meters from ocean level and looks like a pearl in the ring. You have to visit this place to see the beauty. In the summer, the pleasant fragrance of numerous flowers on the lush green grass enriches its beauty.
It got fame because of freedom fighter Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan. This city is furnished with all kinds of modern facilities and is only 110km away from Rawalpindi.
It is linked to all the other areas of Pakistan via a highway. Usually, the tourists stay here by making it a base camp. They visit the Banjosa lake and Toli peer areas on daily basis.
Gulshan-e- Shuhada
This point is 4 km on the highway going to Banjosa from Rawalakot. There are signs of an ancient historical temple. A signboard is also there for awareness. The Rawalakot airport is at a nearby place.
Koiyan
This place with a pleasant environment is 17km from Rawalakot fenced by blossoming woodlands. A tourist lodge by the government is also there.
Banjosa Lake
Located in Tehsil Hajira of district Ponch, this lake is 19km from Rawalakot city. It is at a height of 5898 feet from the ocean level. It is the only picnic spot with a proper strategy.
This lake presents a splendid view surrounded by high mountains and opulent green trees. There are boating and sailing facilities for tourists.
The weather remains calm and pleasant in summer. However, there is snowfall in winter at times. For a stay, there are hotels, huts, and PWD rest houses.
You can reach Banjosa Lake in two and a half hours from Islamabad via Rawalakot. There is a resort on the bank of the lake too.
Devi Gali
The beautiful place of Devi Gali is 12 km from Banjosa Lake. It is also a great attraction for nature lover holidaymakers.
Kot Mattay Khan
This site is near Topa on the highway from Rawalakot to Mang. It is a good point to enjoy a picnic in a cool pleasant environment in summer. You can take an aerial view of the valley from here.
Toli Peer
A hilltop is named Toli Peer in the Tehsil Rawalakot of district Ponch. It is at an altitude of 8800 from sea level. It is at a distance of 40km from Rawalakot.
A beautiful sight of Abbas Pur, Bagh, and river Poonch from Toli Peer. This location is the peak of the three highest mountain ranges. It is a gift of nature. It is feasible to come here in summer however the climate is cold from October to March.
Tolipir National Park
The ridge at Toli Peer is not just a viewpoint, it is a national park, and
that is rarely mentioned. Tolipir National Park covers the forest and alpine grassland around
the summit in Rawalakot tehsil, and it protects a genuinely significant range of wildlife
including Himalayan black bear, leopard and snow leopard, along with the
pine and fir forest that covers the lower slopes.
You are extremely unlikely to see any of the large mammals on a day visit, and that is not
the point. Knowing it is protected land changes how you treat it, and the park is the reason
the ridge still has forest on it at all. Stay on the tracks, take your litter out, and if you
are camping on the meadows do it well away from the water.
Ghori Mar
Khai Gala is the way to reach this site which is 30 km away from Rawalakot. You can enjoy an enchanting airborne view of Bagh and Rawalakot from the top. A road from Ghori Mar to Toli Peer will take you to green meadows.
Cultural Richness
- Indigenous Communities: Poonch is home to indigenous communities that have nurtured a rich cultural heritage over generations. The culture is reflected in the traditional practices, festivals, and the warmth of the locals.
- Cultural Celebrations: The region comes alive with vibrant cultural celebrations, such as the annual Loran Mela, where you can experience the lively music, traditional dances, and local cuisine.
A Paradise for Adventurers
Trekking and Hiking Trails: Poonch offers numerous trekking and hiking trails. Each trail presents a unique adventure, leading to scenic viewpoints, secluded valleys, and mesmerizing landscapes.
A Year-Round Destination
Poonch, with its diverse seasons, offers something for everyone. The summers are pleasant, perfect for exploring the natural beauty, while the winters transform the region into a snowy wonderland, ideal for those who seek the allure of snow-covered landscapes.
Distances, and how long things actually take
Poonch is close to Islamabad on a map and slower than it looks on the road.
- Islamabad to Rawalakot: about 120 km, but allow
two and a half to three and a half hours. The last stretch is mountain road. - Rawalakot to Banjosa Lake: about 18 km, a short climb
of roughly 45 minutes. - Rawalakot to Toli Peer: about 30 to 40 km, but closer to
two hours because the final section is rough track. A 4×4 is sensible, and in
places necessary after rain.
Rawalakot is the base for all of it. Nothing in Poonch is far, but almost everything is slow.
Best time to visit Poonch
The article’s old claim that Poonch is a year-round destination needs qualifying.
May to October is the real season for the high ground. Summer temperatures in
Rawalakot sit between about 16 and 25 degrees, which is exactly why people
come up from the plains, and the Toli Peer meadows are at their best from June to September.
Winter is a different proposition. Snow falls in December and January and temperatures around
Banjosa drop to roughly minus 5. The town stays reachable and the snow is
beautiful, but the track to Toli Peer becomes impassable and many guesthouses close. Come in
winter for snow in Rawalakot, not for the ridge.
See our month by month guide for how this fits a wider trip.
Access and the Line of Control
Poonch district borders the Line of Control, and that shapes travel here in
the same way it does in Neelum, though less intensively because the main
destinations sit back from the frontier.
Rawalakot, Banjosa and Toli Peer are all open and visited constantly, and no permit is needed
for them. Areas closer to the LoC, particularly east of Hajira and around Abbaspur, are
another matter and access there can change at short notice. Carry ID, expect checkposts, take
local advice rather than a published itinerary, and do not photograph military positions. Our
guide to permits and restricted areas covers the wider rules.
Schools
- Government Boys High School Poonch
- Government Girls High School Poonch
- Poonch Medical College
- Islamia Public School Poonch
- Chenab College Poonch
Colleges
- Government Degree College Poonch
- Government Postgraduate College Poonch
- Kotli College Poonch
- Army Public College Poonch
- Poonch Medical College
Hospitals
- District Headquarters Hospital Poonch
- Azad Kashmir Medical College Teaching Hospital
- Poonch Medical College Hospital
- Al-Khidmat Hospital Poonch
- Shifa Hospital Poonch
Restaurants
- Al-Habib Restaurant
- Nizam’s Restaurant
- Mumtaz Restaurant
- Tasty Bites Restaurant
- Khyber Shinwari Restaurant
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the geographical location of Poonch?
Poonch is situated in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, nestled in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.
What is the significance of Banjosa Lake in Poonch?
Banjosa Lake is a picturesque spot in Poonch, ideal for boating, picnics, and enjoying the serene natural surroundings.
Is Poonch a historically significant region?
Yes, Poonch has historical importance as a former princely state, and the Red Fort is a notable historical monument in the region.
What cultural experiences can visitors enjoy in Poonch?
Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoying cultural celebrations like the Loran Mela, which features traditional music, dances, and cuisine.
Are there opportunities for trekking and hiking in Poonch?
Poonch offers a range of trekking and hiking trails, providing adventure enthusiasts with opportunities to explore the stunning landscapes.
What is the local cuisine like in Poonch?
Poonch offers a delightful blend of Kashmiri and Pahari cuisine. Popular dishes include Rogan Josh, Saag, and a variety of kebabs.
Is Poonch accessible year-round?
Yes, Poonch is accessible throughout the year, with pleasant summers and snowy winters, making it a versatile destination for travelers.
What are some famous educational institutions in Poonch?
Poonch is home to educational institutions like Government Degree College Poonch, Army Public College, and Poonch Medical College.
Which hospitals are prominent in Poonch?
Hospitals such as District Headquarters Hospital, Azad Kashmir Medical College Teaching Hospital, and Al-Khidmat Hospital serve the healthcare needs of the region.
Are there popular dining options in Poonch?
Poonch boasts restaurants like Al-Habib Restaurant, Nizam’s Restaurant, and Khyber Shinwari Restaurant, offering a variety of culinary delights.
Last Thoughts on Poonch
Poonch is the most accessible good scenery in Azad Kashmir. Rawalakot is three hours from
Islamabad, Banjosa is forty minutes beyond it, and Toli Peer gives you a ridge at the meeting
of three mountain spurs with the whole district laid out below. For a first trip into Azad
Kashmir, it asks less of you than Neelum and gives back a great deal.
Come between May and October, take a 4×4 if Toli Peer is the point, and combine it with
Sudhanoti to the south or Sudhan Gali and Ganga Choti to
the north. Muzaffarabad is the onward link if you are continuing into the
valleys. For the wider trip, see our guide to planning a trip to Pakistan.
In short
Azad Kashmir is like a heaven on Earth. Poonch is one of the beautiful districts of Kashmir. Rawalakot, Banjosa Lake, Devi Gali, Toli Per, Ghori Mar and Kot Mattay Khan are some famous tourist spots.
