Naran Town Kaghan Valley
Naran Town is the bustling heart and primary tourism hub of Kaghan Valley sitting at 2409 meters famous for Lake Saiful Muluk Babusar Pass and trout dining.
ExploreRawalakot City Poonch
Rawalakot, Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Overview
Known affectionately as the Pearl Valley due to its saucer shaped highland landscape Rawalakot is the bustling district capital of Poonch in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Situated at an elevation of 1615 meters 5300 feet above sea level the city is nestled in a lush alpine bowl surrounded by pine forested mountain hills terraced corn fields and vibrant local bazaars. Located just one hundred and twenty kilometers from Islamabad Rawalakot enjoys a cool temperate climate making it a popular hill station getaway. Serving as the cultural educational and economic hub of Poonch District Rawalakot is globally celebrated as the main urban basecamp leading toward premier tourist attractions like Banjosa Lake Toli Peer and Goyain Nala. The city offers travelers a rich blend of Pahari Kashmiri heritage fresh mountain produce pine tree trails and central transit accessibility.
Highlights
- Scenic high plateau city known as the Pearl Valley sitting at 1615 meters elevation
- Principal urban center and administrative capital of Poonch District in Azad Kashmir
- Surrounded by dense pine forested hills rolling green terraces and cool mountain streams
- Primary tourist basecamp connecting to iconic sites like Banjosa Lake and Toli Peer
- Highly accessible highland resort destination located just 120 km from Islamabad
Things To Do
- Explore the vibrant local bazaars for traditional Kashmiri shawls handicrafts and local honey
- Drive up to the surrounding pine covered hill viewpoints for panoramic city sunset views
- Take short day trips to nearby natural attractions like Banjosa Lake and Toli Peer
- Walk through peaceful pine forest trails and agricultural terraces surrounding the valley
- Enjoy hot Kashmiri Kahwa tea fresh baked goods and traditional karahi at city restaurants
Local Transportation
Easily accessible via a scenic 3 to 3.5 hour drive 120 km from Islamabad or Rawalpindi via Kahuta or Azad Pattan route along paved highways.
Accommodation
Pearl Continental PC Hotel Rawalakot, AJK Tourism Rest House, Dreamland Hotel, and numerous private city hotels and guest houses.
Food & Cuisine
Local restaurants and bakeries serve fresh chicken karahi, mutton handi, Kashmiri Kulcha bakery bread, local flatbreads, fresh dairy, and hot Kashmiri Kahwa tea.
Safety Information
Highly safe, peaceful, well paved, and family friendly capital city with modern urban infrastructure, banks, and medical facilities.
Travel Tips
Use Rawalakot city as your overnight lodging and vehicle refueling base before taking morning day trips up to higher elevation spots like Toli Peer.