1,676mValleyScenicCulturalVillage

Rawalakot

About

The main city of Poonch district and a pleasant hill town sitting in a bowl-shaped valley at 1,676m. Gateway to Toli Peer, Banjosa Lake, and the Poonch River corridor — Rawalakot is the commercial and transport hub for southern Azad Kashmir.

History

Rawalakot became the administrative capital of Poonch district after the 1947 partition, when the Poonch Rebellion resulted in the western half of the former princely state joining Pakistan as Azad Kashmir. The city grew steadily through the 1960s–80s as road links to Islamabad improved.

Nearby Places

Viewpoints, food, and stops nearby (approximate distances).

Market1.0 km
Rawalakot Bazaar
Main commercial area with hotels, restaurants, and transport to all Poonch districts.
Viewpoint5.0 km
Poonch River
Fast-flowing river below Rawalakot city, popular for fishing and riverside walks.
Viewpoint18.0 km
Banjosa Lake
Pine-fringed artificial lake in a quiet forest setting — rowboats and picnic facilities.
Viewpoint20.0 km
Sudhan Gali
Scenic high-altitude meadow with views toward the Pir Panjal range.
Viewpoint25.0 km
Toli Peer
High plateau at 3,020m above Rawalakot — panoramic views and forest camping.