Azad Kashmir

Location:

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Azaad Jammu o- Kashmir, literally Free Jammu and Kashmir ; AJK) or Azad Kashmir (literally Free Kashmir) for short. Azad Kashmir is the southernmost political entity within the Pakistani-administered part of the former princely state of Kashmir and Jammu. Azad Kashmir borders the present-day Indian-controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir to the east (separated from it by the Line of Control), Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to the west, Gilgit–Baltistan to the north, and the Punjab province to the south. With its capital at Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir covers an area of 13,297 square kilometres (5,134 sq mi). Azad Kashmir has an estimated population of about four million.

Azad Kashmir and Gilgit–Baltistan together constitute the region referred to as Pakistan-administered Kashmir by the United Nations and other international organisations, and as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Cities:

Muzaffarabad - the capital of the state Azad Kashmir and close to the epicenter of the 2005 earthquake

Mirpur - is the second largest city of Azad Kashmir. Popular for its nearby Mangla view resort.

Dadyal - consists of more than 70 smaller villages.

Rawalakot Rawalakot- Its Kashmir heaven on earth.

Islamgarh Azad Kashmir

Bhimber Azad Kashmir

Kotli Azad Kashmir

Bagh Azad Kashmir

Sudhnati Azad Kashmir

Neelum Azad Kashmir

Other destinations

In Azad Kashmir Neelum Valley is a scenic valley located 240kms from Muzaffarabad. It runs parallel to Kaghan valley and is separated by snow covered peaks. The neelum valley Azad Kashmir offers panoramic view of hills on both sides of the river, lush green forests, enchanting streams, high altitude lakes and attractive surroundings. It is also ideal for Mount tourism. A scenic road opens this valley to tourists up to Kel, 155 kilometres from Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir.

Buses ply daily on this route and accommodation facilities are also available in the rest houses at places of tourist attraction.

Jhelum Valley is another scenic valley located 59kms from Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir.

Palandri in Sudhnati: Baral is the village near Plandri is a a Beautiful Place in Azad Kashmir.There is a fort of Dogra (sikh) period.

Billan Nar is the another small, beautiful place of Azad Kashmir.

Niyarain sharif is a religious place of Azad Kashmir.

Transport: 

You can Use Local buses. Rent.A cars, Taxi etc from any city of Pakistan to Azad Kashmir

By plane

There are no direct flights to Azad Kashmir.

Islamabad International Airport [1] in Islamabad is currently scheduled to be expanded and modernized to meet future passenger needs, as the demand for air travel has increased dramatically. There are many airlines flying into and out of Islamabad, including Ariana Afghan Airlines, British Airways, and China Southern Airlines. When the Islamabad airport is used by local government officials and foreign diplomats, however, other travelers might find the airport temporarily closed to them for security reasons.

By land

Traveling by road to Azad Kashmir is itself an attraction as you come across the most beautiful scenes of winding rivers and hills. It takes about 4 to 5 hours from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad in a car or van. You also pass through the beauty of hills the Murree during the journey. This is the shortest route to this city.

Buses and MPVs leave from Islamabad, Pakistan approximately every 20 minutes for different destinations in Azad Kashmir.

Traditional Foods of Azad Kashmir: 

Kashmiris celebrate the first snowfall of the season by socializing over a goat barbecue. They relax in the cold crisp evenings with a cup of warm 'Kahwa'... a black tea brewed with cinnamon, cardamom and honey. Also a perennial favorite is the pink colored 'Nun Chai' made with a special salt. Rich and redolent with the flavor of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and saffron, Azad Kashmiri food is suitable for all palates.

Pakistan is mostly a dry country and Azad Kashmir is no exception. However, Azad Kashmiris, and especially 'Pahari' speakers, are known for their slow-steeped milk tea, known to non-Azad Kashmiris simply as "Kashmiri Chai." Azad Kashmiri chai is fairly sweet, with crushed almonds and a creamy pink complexion.

People And Culture:

Azad Jammu & Kashmir is a fascinating land of people, languages & culture. The texture of present population is composed of races claiming their descent from Semitic, Mongoloid, Aryans, Persians, Turks & Arabs. The people of districts Kotli, Mirpur & Bhimber are sturdy, simple, truthful and deeply attached to their land. The culture of this area resembles to that of the adjoining area of Punjab The people of districts Poonch, Bagh & Sudhanoti are adventure loving and there are numerous anecdotes of their matchless valor as well as inspiring sacrifices for freedom. While Muzaffarabad District has its own distinctive culture. The people of the State are intelligent ingenious, hardworking, dynamic & skillful.

Official Language: Urdu

Local Languages: Kashmiri, Urdu, Pahari, Gojri, Punjabi and Pushto.

Handicrafts:         Carpet, Namda Gubba, Patto, Silk Woolen Clothing, Woolen Shawls, Wood Carving, Papier Mashie:          Rugs.

Important Products Mushroom, Honey, Walnut, Apple, Cherry, Medicinal herbs & plants, Resin, Deodar,   Kall, Chir, Maple and Ash Timbers.

Wildlife:             Snow Leopard, Common Leopard, Brown Bear. Black Bear, lbex (Kel). Grey Goral (Mountain Goat), Musk Deer, lashmir Stag. Monal Pheasant, Western Tragopan. Snow Pheasant, Red-led Partridge (Chakor), Black Koklas Pheasant, Peacock, Eagle. Dusk markhor (Wild Goat).

Local Dishes:      Rice, Aab Gosht, Tabak Maaz, Risytay, Gushtaba, Hareesa, Saag (Vegetable Dish)

Traditional Sports Tent pegging, Khabadi, Polo and Gatka.

Muzaffarabad:

Azad Kashmir

The capital of the Azad Jammu & Kashmir is situated at the confluence of the Jhelum & Neelum rivers. It is 138 kms from Rawalpindi and about 76 kms from Abbottabad. The present name of Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir  has been given to it after the name of Sultan Muzaffar Khan, a chief of Bomba Dynasty (1652). There are two forts in Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir, namely, Red & Black Fort, situated on the opposite sides of river Neelum of Azad Kashmir. The Neelum river streams through the town, joins river Jhelum at Domel and plays a dominant role in the micro climate of Muzaffarabad.Places of interest in and around Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir are: Pir Channasi, Shaheed Gali and Patika.

Rawalkot:

Rawalakot is a city in Azad Kashmir, and is the capital of Rawalakot District in Azad  Kashmir. It is in a saucer-shaped valley at an elevation of 1615 metres (5300 ft) in Azad  Kashmir.

Rawalkot Azad Kashmir Pakistan.

It is 76 kilometres (47 miles) from Kohala, It is linked with Rawalpindi and Islamabad via the neighbouring districts of Azad Pattan and Tain Dhalkot,and with Muzaffarabad Azad  Kashmir via Kohala and Sudhangali. The main tribe of Rawalakot is the Awan , shah , Mughal and Sudhan tribe.

Rounding villages include Tarar Khal, Topa Soon aka Soon Topa or just Topa, Kaimon, pakgali, Motialmara, Trar Dewan, Chare, Chuck, Tranni, Dahmni, Singola, Parat, Pothi Bala/Makwalan, Kharek, Dreak and Dhok, Banjosa, Hussainkot, Hurnamaira, Thorar, Rehara, Tain, Bhalgran, and Pachiot. Bagh District of Azad  Kashmir lies to the north and Sudhnuti District lies to the south of Rawalakot Azad  Kashmir. All of them are tourist spots of Azad  Kashmir. The road passing through (Jalooth)Paniola connects Rawalakot to Bagh And Muzaffarabad Azad  Kashmir. While towards the West are Murree, Islamabad and Rawalpindi regions of Pakistan.

Neelum Valley:

In Azad  Kashmir About 240 kilometers long picturesque Neelum Valley is situated to the North & North East of Muzaffarabad Azad  Kashmir. Running parallel to the Kaghan Valley, it is separated from it by snow covered peaks, some over 5000 meters above sea level. Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic view in Azad  Kashmir and  towering hills on both sides of the noisy Neelum river of Azad  Kashmir, lush green forests, enchanting streams, high altitude lakes and attractive surroundings make the Neelum valley Azad  Kashmir a dream come true. Places of interest in Neelum Valley are; Kundal Shahi, Kutton, Salkhala, Athmaqam, Karen, Dowarian, Sharda & Kel.

Jehlum Valley:

In Azad  Kashmir The curling river flows through from East to West between the high green mountains of the Jehlum  valley and joins the river Neelum at Domel near Muzaffarabad Azad  Kashmir. A 59 Km long metalled road runs along the river Jhelum from Muzaffarabad Azad  Kashmir to Chakothi, close to line of control (LOC). Places of interest in Jehlum Valley include: Garhi Dopatta, Chinari, Chakothi, Chikkar, Loon Bagia, Dungian & Danna whaic are a dream to be visited in Azad  Kashmir.

Poonch and Sudhnoti:

Places of interest in both of these districts of Azad  Kashmir are: Rawalakot, Paniola, Banjosa, Chottagala, Koyian, Ghorimar, Tatta Pani, Pullandri, Tararkhal, Aliabad etc These are also the most beautiful areas of Azad  Kashmir. 

Bagh and Kotli:

In Azad  Kashmir the District Bagh, is rich in variegated natural beauty. Bagh, Dheerkot, Sudhan gali, Hanse Chowki, Neela Butt, Las Danna, Mahmood Gali, Suddhan Gali, Kahuta, Havaily and Ganga Choti are the main attractions in bagh Azad  Kashmir. Kotli is located at a distance of 141 kms from Rawalpindi/ Islamabad via Sehnsa, Holar and Kahuta. It is linked with Mirpur Azad  Kashmir by two metalloid roads, one via Rajdhani (90 kms) and the other via Charhoi. It is also directly linked with Rawalakot Azad  Kashmir via Trarkhal (82 kms). Places of interest are; Teenda, Hajiabad, Khoiratta, Fatehpur Azad  Kashmir, Karela Majhan etc.

Mangla Dam:

It is Azad  Kashmir in which the World’s third largest earth-filled dam was completed in 1967 on the River Jehlum of Azad  Kashmir. It is situated 115 km south-east of Islamabad. After travelling for 101 km on G.T. Road, we have to travel turn left from Dina to cover remaining 14 km. The Mangla dam of Azad  Kashmir is 3,353 m long, 116 m high above the river bed and 3,140 m wide at its crest. Mangla Dam Azad  Kashmir is designed to store 5.88 MAF water and has a minimum power generation capacity of 600 megawatts. There is an old Gakkhar Fort on the dam to have a panoramic view of the lake. 

For permits to visit to dam, please contact PRO, WAPDA, Mangla Azad  Kashmir.
(Tel:0544-639005) or Member (Power) WAPDA House, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Lahore 

(Tel: 042-9202226, 9202211 Fax: 042-9202485).

YOU CAN CLICK ON THESE PHOTOS TO VIEW SLIDE SHOW OF  FULL SIZE IMAGES...

tolipeer top rawalkot Azad Kashmir Pakistan

Shangrila Hotel

Shangrila Hotel Resort Skardu Pakistan

Shangrila Hotel Resort is located on 20 minutes Jeep Drive from Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.Shangrila Hotel is  recognized in 1983 with the opportunity of first Resort Hotel Resort in Skardu, Baltistan. Shangrila Hotel Resort is situated in between the world highest mountains, Shangrila Hotel provides better view and also gives fine breathtaking comforts. Shangrila Hotel looks like a heart formed "Kachura Lake", encircled by fruit laden orchards and full of colorful flower filled green gardens. Shangrila Hotel Resort place is also known as "HEAVEN ON EARTH" as of its extravagant natural beauty, spectacular view and diplomatic atmosphere.

Shangrila Hotel Resort Skardu Pakistan Contact
Phone:    +(92) 5831 54941-2
+(92) 5831 58501-02
Mobile:    +(92) 300 5646202
+(92) 300 5646203
Email:    reservations@shangrilaresorts.com.pk

Shangrila Hotel Resort Skardu Pakistan Location

Shangrila Hotel Resort Skardu, also known as "Heaven on Earth", which is located in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Shangrila Hotel Resort is situated among the highest mountains, Shangrila Hotel Resort is around the famous heart shaped Kachura Lake and beautiful gardens. The area is famous for other attraction such as K-2( 8611.M ) 2nd highest peak in world. The daily flight of Boeing 737 from Islamabad it take just 45 minutes to shangrila hotel Resort. By road you can reach Shangrila Hotel Resort from Karakoram Highway.

Accommodation of Shangrila Hotel Resort Skardu Pakistan

Shangrila Hotel Resort has excellent and classic rooms which are different types like such as Lakeside Cottages, Swiss Cottages, V.I.P suites and Presidential suites. Shangrila Hotel Resort exhibit 60 outstanding rooms, for view of Kachura Lake all the cottages have there own balconies.  

Facilities in Shaingrila Hotel Resort

Lake Site Cottages
Shangrila Lakeside cottages beside the view of Kachura Lake from these cottages the other 
facilities are room service, phone and television. These are 40 in number.
Swiss Cottages
Shangrila Hotel Resort Swiss Cottages rooms has two bedrooms annexed with bathroom.
VIP Suites
Shangrila Hotel Resort VIP Suites are four in number, has double bedroom with sitting.
Presidential Suites
Shangrila Hotel Resort Presidential Suites has three bedroom.
Other facilities in Shangrila Hotel Resort Skardu Pakistan
Restaurants and lounges
Complimentary Pick 'n' Drop from Skardu Airport
Complimentary Boating & Tennis
Complimentary Indoor Games
Facilities for meetings
Large Zoo
Trout farm and hatchery

Shangrila Lake

Shangrila Lake or Lower Kachura Lake is a part of the Shangrila Hotel Resort located at a drive of about 20 minutes from Skardu (nearly 2,500 m or 8,200 feet) town.

It is a popular tourist destination, and has a unique restaurant that is built on the fuselageof an aircraft that had crashed nearby.

Shangrila was established in 1983 with the opening of the first Resort Hotel Resort in Skardu, Baltistan. It was named "heaven on earth" because of its spectacular beauty,and breathtaking view and peaceful atmosphere. Shangrila Resort Hotel was founded by the late Brig.(Retd) Muhammad Aslam Khan, the first commander of the Northern Scouts of the Pakistan Army.

Shangrila was named after a book titled "Lost Horizon" by James Hilton. In the novel, the author narrates a tale in which an aeroplane crash landed near a riverbed, in the early 1920s. The surviving passengers came across some Buddhist monks from a nearby temple and sought their help. They were taken to a beautiful lamasery filled with a variety of fruits and flowers. The monks looked quite young, although they claimed to be hundreds of years old. The idyllic place was called Shangri-la, a Tibetan word meaning "Heaven on earth".

Following are some Amazing Pictures Of Shangrila Hotel Resort

Shangrila Hotel At Night Time.

A Heart Touching View Of  Shangrila Lake.

Shangrila Hotel and Shangrial Lake

An Aeroplane Which Works as a Resturant  in Shangrila Hotel

What do you need more than Shangrila Hotel

Truely A Heaven On The Earth....Shangrila Hotel Resort

Shangrila Hotel Resort At Morning

Shangrila Hotel Hall.

Rama Lake

Location

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Astore Valle

Rama lake is one of the famous lake in Pakistan Rama lake is located near the Astore Valley in Gilgit, Baltistan, Pakistan. On the top of the beautiful valley of Astore Rama lake is located, encircled by greenery and oak trees. This valley is dense forested with large cedar, pine, juniper and fir trees, above the sea level Rama Lake is about 3300 meters and is covered by snow for almost 7-8 months of the year. While during summer this valley become lush green, for local shepherds this condition is the most favorable. There are three lakes on the way to Rama Lake from Astore valley in the local Shina language it is called as Sarot.

Astore Valley

 Rama Lake is located in the Choungrah Valley; it is a travel of about half an hour to reach to Rama lake. It is about 9 km away from the Astore beautiful valley in the Northern areas. Rama Lake is very beautiful spot, the forest of alpine in the surroundings also give a very pleasant atmosphere. There are many routes for hikers and trekkers and some of these tracks are best for jeep safari. There is newly constructed motel by PTDC in the Rama Lake because of its location it can be served as the best place as a base camp. For the hikers and trackers to covers the height of Nanga Parbat.

Rama Valley

Rama Valley is thickly forested with huge pine, cedar, fir and juniper trees near the Rama Lake. The valley is about 3300 meters (10800 feet) above sea level and thus is snow covered for 7-8 months of the year. In summer, it becomes lush green; conditions favored by local shepherds.
From Rama Lake one can trek to east side of the Nanga Parbat (also known as the Killer Mountain), the world's 8th highest mountain.

How to get there

Lake Rama is near Astore village. On KKH after passing the exit for Fairy Meadows keep driving for about another 20 minutes. When you come across the sign for Astore turn right there, keep going for another 2-3 hours. You will arrive at the village of Astore. Inquire the locals for directions to the Rama Lake. The valley is popular for camping in the summers, and also has a good PTDC hotel near Rama Lake.Road towards Rama Lake now has been cemented and tourists can reach there without undue difficulty. Rama Lake is known for its spectacular views, especially during the dawn and early morning hours.

PTDC Hotel Rama   

Nine kilometers away from the beautiful valley of Astore in Northern Area is Rama Lake. Alpine Forests surrounds this lovely lake in the wilderness. The area has many Treks for hikers and some routes are ideal for a jeep safari.

PTDC Motel Rama Lake (Astore)

 PTDC’s newly constructed Motel at Rama Lake is a welcome addition as an important tourist resort. By virtue of its peculiar location Rama Lake conveniently serves as a base camp for trekkers and mountaineerers intending to scale the mighty heights of Nanga Parbat.






Following are some images of Rama Valley and Rama Lake.... Click one of them and Wait few seconds to load good quality images....

Rama Lake Lush Green

A view of Camping at Night

Jeep Safari at rama valley

Rama Lake

Rama plateau

Alpine trees in Rama

A view of a Stream in Rama 

Rama valley

Lush green Rama

Sunset at Rama

Rama Lake in Winter

A view of Mount Nanga Parbat from Rama lake