It is situated to the north of Pakistan about 3-hour
drive from Islamabad. The area is 13297 sq. Km and is inhabited by about three million people. The state consists of ten districts namely,
Muzaffarabad, Neelum, Bagh, Poonch, Sudhnoti, Kotli, Mirpur, Bhimber, Hatian Bala and Havali. It is a land of wonders blessed with unparalleled natural beauty. Its breath-taking landscapes, high mountains bla
nketed with green
grass and covered with towering trees, the snow-capped peaks forming a stunning background, the meandering rivers curling through
mountains, the naturally formed cascades and lakes cast a spell on the beholder. The existing population is composed of races claiming to be descendents of Semitics, Mongols, Aryans, Persians, Turks and Arabs. Where
else would one find so many different races combined into one single organic whole? Commensurate with its natural beauty, Kashmir is famous for its rich and varied cultural heritage. Handicrafts are famous the world over. Products like Carpet, Namda, Gubba, Patoo, Silk & Woolly Clothes, Woolen Shawls, Wood Carving and Paper Mashie immediately bring
to mind the name of Azad Kashmir. About half a dozen languages are spoken in the state. These include Kashmiri, Pahari, Gojri, Hindko,
Kohistani and Punjabi. Besides being rich in natural scenic beauty, Azad Kashmir is generously gifted with wildlife which include Snow
Leopard, Hunting Leopard, Brown
Bear, Black Bear, Ibex (Kel), Grey
Goral (Mountain Goat), Musk Deer,
Kashmir Stag, Himalayan Monal,
Pheasant, Western Tragopan, Snow
Pheasant, Read- Led Partridge
(Chakar), Black Koklas Pheasant,
Peacock, Eagle and Dusk Markhor
(Wild Goat). Some of the food
specialities are Rice, Yekhni, Math-
Maz, Aab-Goshat, Tabakh-Maz,
Ristay, Gushtabe, Hareesa, Roganjoosh
and Saag (Spinach). Their
taste of dining-table delicacies and
decorum is unique. Azad Kashmir is a tourist attraction
for the people all over the world. It
is a well known area to those who
love outdoor life. Splendid valleys of
Neelum, Jhelum, Leepa, Sudhan Gali,
Banjosa, Rawalakot, Paniola, Datot,
Tolipir and many more have magical
attraction for visitors.
