Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Rawalakot
The main town of Poonch in Azad Kashmir, gateway to Banjosa Lake, Toli Pir and the Poonch River.
- Region
- Azad Jammu & Kashmir
- Altitude
- 1,615 m
- Best time
- April – October (Toli Pir is snowbound in winter)
Weather
Pleasant summers (12–26°C), cold winters with snow at higher points.
Rawalakot is a saucer-shaped valley in Poonch district, a few hours from Islamabad. It has cool weather, green hills and a relaxed pace.
Nearby are Banjosa Lake, a pine-ringed lake popular for boating and picnics, and Toli Pir, a high hilltop with wide views and grasslands, which is also the starting point for several ridge treks.
Highlights
- ◆Banjosa Lake
- ◆Toli Pir hilltop
- ◆Poonch River
- ◆Pine forest drives
How to reach
Drive from Islamabad via Kahuta and Azad Pattan to Rawalakot (about 3.5 hours). Banjosa is about 20 km further, and Toli Pir is a longer mountain road.
Questions
How far is Rawalakot from Islamabad?
About 115 km, or roughly 3.5 hours.
Can I visit Toli Pir in a day trip?
It is a very long day, so we recommend 2 days.
