Azad Kashmir
Physically scythe-shaped, the territory of
Azad Kashmir is dotted with a vast chain of
scenic and natural beauty spots amidst flowing
streams, gushing out springs and flowering
plants. The mountain tops over the valley look
like circular and rectangular caps. The panorama
is really enchanting.
The valley rivals those of Kaghan and Swat in
beauty and boasts of remarkable alpine scenery.
It is bounded to the east by the line of control
or (ceasefire line) with Indian held Kashmir and
travel to foreigners is rather restricted.
Azad Kashmir extends from the plains of
Mirpur at the northern edge of the Punjab
through the outlying foothills of the Himalayas,
to the mountains in the north at 6,000 meters
above sea level. It is drained by three major
rivers, the Jhelum, the Neelam and the Poonch
whose valleys are very beautiful.
There are four districts of Azad Kashmir
namely Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Kotli and Mirpur.
These districts abound in natural beauty and
rivers and streams flow throughout Azad Kashmir.
All the four districts have lush green
forests which provide cool breeze and foliage to
the visitors.
Roads are the only means of transport in Azad
Kashmir and play a basic role in the development
of the territory. The area of Azad Kashmir is
5134 square miles land strip in the shape of a
crescent moon, 250 mile in length with width
varying from 10 to 40 miles. The terrain is
mostly rugged and mountainous with 15,000 feet
high mountains in north-west touching the Punjab
plains. The area is criss-crossed with rivers
and numerous nullahs.
The total length of roads in Azad Kashmir is 730
miles of metal-led and
530 miles of fair-weather roads in addition to
830 miles of link roads.
Situated at the confluence of the Jhelum and
the Neelum rivers Muzaffarabad the capital of
the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is at a
distance of 86 miles from Rawalpindi and 49
miles from Abbottabad. Surrounded by mountains,
it looks like a walled town. It is the
administrative capital of Azad Kashmir. Behind
the Secretariat to the east is a road climbing
above the town from where one can walk up to Pir
Chinasi at 2,900 meters with good views of the
Jhelum Valley and the higher mountains above the
Neelum to the north. From the cool on the
Abbottabad Road, you can walk along the ridge
looking over the Jhelum and Kunhar rivers.
Past the Red fort, crossing Neelum river at
Ghori, a few km way is 'Makra mountain' 3,890
meters which is visible from Muzaffarabad and
continues on to Shogran in the Kaghan Valley.
This is a superb short trek, although you need
to camp overnight halfway.
The upper Jhelum valley makes another
interesting scenic excursion from Muzaffarabad.
follow the Jhelum upstream, taking the road
beneath the Domel bridge. This was the old route
to Srinagar. The valley is broad with raised
terraces above the river. Rice and maize are
widely grown. Some 10 kms out of Muzaffarabad
the river widens to from a small lake. This was
created by a landslip some years ago. There is a
small Angler's Hut here, which makes a pleasant
picnic spot. It is possible to take boats out on
the river. Book through the Tourist Department
in Muzaffarabad.
The city was founded by Sultan Muzaffar Khan
of Bamba dynasty and was the seat of an
independent State for quite a long period under
his successors.
The city is now a combination of old and new
buildings and a blend of different cultures and
languages. It has besides official buildings,
farms, parks and the historic forts standing on
the banks of the Neelum, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur,
Rawlakot and Kotli are connected with Pakistan
by the Micro-weave system of telephone.
There are rest houses, good hotels and guest
houses in Muzaffarabad city where the tourists
can stay. The rather sleazy bazaar in
Muzaffarabad can be explored for its walnut
carvings and its Kashmiri shawls. It is
sometimes possible to get a good bargain.
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Border skirmishes between the armies of
renowned Mughal Akbar and the Chak rulers of
Kashmir were common. To ensure safety of the
people, and the land, the Chaks realized to
raise defense posts and efficiently counter the
offensives.
During the year 1949 the construction of the
red fort was undertaken. It was finally
completed by Sultan Muzaffar Khan the founder of
Muzaffarabad city during 1646. When the Mughals
overtook the Kashmir rule, this fort lost its
importance. The Mughals were more interested in
Kabul, Bokhara and Badakshan. During the Durrani
rule the fort again came into limelight and its
importance was rediscovered.
Maharaja Gulab Sign and Ranbir Singh, the
Dogra rulers, reconstructed and extended the
fort for political and military operations.
Towards the end of 1947 the Dogra forces filed
away leaving the fort wide open to anybody.
The architectonics of the fort show that
great experts in design and structure
participated in its construction. It is
surrounded on three sides by Neelum river
formally known as Kishan Ganga. the northern
part had terraces with steps leading to the bank
of the river. The Eastern side of the fort was
very well protected from the hazards of flood
waters but some parts in the north were slightly
damaged. There was an inn at the entry of the
fort which has to traces left now.
It has been in the bad shape for quite some
time and wears deserted look. The structure
still stands with all its inherent glory,
grandeur and its historical background.
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Dhirkot is best approached from Rawalpindi
via Murree and the nearby Kohala Bridge over the
Jhelum, the gateway to Azad Kashmir. It is small
township situated at 6,000 feet above sea level
and has a bracing climate. It is famous for its
healthy surroundings, high altitude landscape.
The town also is famous for the beauty spots.
Almost all the area is covered with green trees
like deodar, pine and oak. the Dak Bungalow -
rest house - which is situated amidst the dense
forest is 5,500 feet above the sea level. the
Dhirkot is also famous for the fruits mainly
apples and apricots.
Bagh, the Tehsil Headquarters of Distt.
Poonch, is situate at the confluence of two mini
rivers - Malwani and Mall which flow all the
year round.
Bagh city comprises at least 5,000 shops and
has a hospital. the total population of the
Tehsil Headquarters is over 3 lacs. Two rest
houses are available for tourists. Permission
for stay can be obtained from the nearby Forest
Department, P.W.D. There are two degree
colleges, one is for boys and the other for
girls. 'Haji Pir Pass' is 20 miles from Bagh
city which is linked with metalled road.
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The hill station of Chikar, 27 miles from
Muzaffarabad has grown into a fairly large
township. Three miles from Chikar is the hill
station known as Loonbagla which is situated in
the middle of a vast range of densely grown
forests.
The outstanding features of this hill station
are its healthy climate and picturesque
surroundings.
Chikar is linked with Muzaffarabad by a motor
able road and is connected with Bagh in Poonch
district via Sudhan Gali.
Chinary situated some 40 miles from
Muzaffarabad is a scenic place with a very
enchanting Rest House built by the former Dogra
rulers. It lies just some twenty yards upward in
the Bazaar. A visitor can easily see the
Occupied Area beyond the border above 10 miles
away.
The city has a Telephone Exchange, a first
class dispensary. It is famous for its fruits
such as apples, apricots, walnuts and honey.
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Azad Kashmir : Neelum
Valley - Rawalakot
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