Weather of District Poonch, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

 Exploring the Enchanting Weather of District Poonch, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Weather throughout the year in District Poonch, Azad Kashmir

Nestled in the heart of the magnificent Azad Kashmir region, District Poonch boasts a unique and captivating climate, with all its natural beauty, forest, tall pine and eucalyptus trees, with freshness of the air,  making it a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This breathtaking locale not only offers an array of weather patterns throughout the year but also presents a rich tapestry of local produce, greenery, corp fields, flowers, cultural traditions, and scenic wonders. In this blog post, we will delve into the weather in District Poonch, Pakistan, month by month, offering insights into the local lifestyle, must-visit places, and tips for tourists planning a visit. We all want is to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the cities and go in a calm place with natural beauty at its peak, Poonch , Azad Kashmir, is one of the best choice.

January - A Chilly Start to the Year:

• Temperature: January: still winter in Poonch,  average temperatures range between 1°C to 9°C.
• Weather: Expect crisp, cool, and chilly breezes and occasional snowfall in the higher elevations. The valley floors tend to be frosty, covered with a blanket of snow in most of the places. 

The air is icy cold, and if you come outside your home at night, it feels like the cold breeze has pierced through your body. 

People love to enjoy oranges in cold weather. If they are at home, at times they dip to orange in a hot water pot and then peel and eat it. Apples, apricots, and plum trees have abundant fruit in season, local people preserve many fruits during summer by sun drying them and also dry a few vegetables from the previous harvest. People prepare for the cold by cutting down wood, you will see heaps of wood and pine leaves heaps near houses almost everywhere along the roads, people also wear layers of warm clothing and sip on hot, comforting drinks and teas. Corn soap is a famous hot soup during winter. The corn is cooked on coals and dried and sun then preserved for winter. All day long the pot with water and corn is on fire, when all the family is back home in the evening, families drink this soup and also cook softened corn and enjoy. 

Tourists planning to visit in January: should pack plenty of winter gear, including insulated clothing, blankets, gloves, caps, and sturdy boots.

Popular places to explore are Toli Pir, Banjosa Lake, and Rawalakot.

February - A Winter Wonderland:

• Temperature: Similar to January, February experiences chilly weather, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 11°C.

February in Poonch offers stunning snow-covered landscapes, making it ideal for travelers looking for winter sports. The pine trees look amazing when they are covered with snow. The whole landscape feels like a fairy wonderland. Local markets feature dried fruits and nuts, which are popular snacks to keep warm. You will see people listing fire in small oil tins everywhere and many will be sitting around the fire in markets and other places, enjoying chit chat mostly discussing politics of the area and Pakistan as the business is mostly quiet during winter. Most people prefer to buy essentials and winter clothes. 

Tourists planning a visit in February: should pack snow gear and consider joining skiing or snowshoeing adventures. Besides the previously mentioned places, don't miss the scenic beauty of Banjosa Lake under a white blanket.

March - A Transition to Spring:

• Temperature: The temperature starts to rise a little in March, ranging from 4°C to 14°C. But still, it can rain or snow anytime during the week. 

As the weather warms up, you'll notice the vibrant hues of blooming trees. Locals begin preparing their fields for the upcoming agricultural season, and fresh produce starts appearing in the markets. The fields are prepared to cultivate crops or vegetables. If someone is not selling, they grow for their homes, people mostly grow their own vegetables and prefer eating organic homegrown vegetables. 

For tourists coming in March: pack layers to adapt to changing weather and explore the region's natural beauty. Plan visits to Tatta Pani hot springs, Banjosa Lake, and the Ramkot Fort.

April - Spring in Full Bloom:

• Temperature: April witnesses a pleasant climate, with a bit better temperatures ranging from 9°C to 19°C.

April is the time for fruit trees to blossom. The area is covered with booming flowers everywhere, trees wearing different flowers, it feels like you are in a magical land full of colors and beauty. Fresh cherries and apricots become readily available, and the markets are filled with vibrant colors of different fruits and people also like to wear spring colors. The businesses are also in bloom as ladies do a lot of shopping for the spring, they visit markets to buy new prints and patterns of clothes. 

Travelers visiting in April: should pack light layers and comfortable walking shoes to explore places like Banjosa Lake, Poonch River, and Toli Pir Top.

May - Mild Spring Bliss:

• Temperature: May ushers in even warmer weather, the temperature at this time of the year is much better and ranges from 13°C to 24°C.

The sky is partly cloudy but so clear. You just look at the lush green valleys and a breeze of peace and joy fills you. May is the perfect time for nature enthusiasts to visit Poonch. Cherries and apricots are still in season, and the fragrant air is filled with the scent of flowers in full bloom.

Travelers can enjoy pleasant hikes in Poonch's lush landscapes. Be sure to visit Banjosa Lake and enjoy a boat ride or explore the Kotli area for a cultural experience.

June to September - The Monsoon Season:

• Temperature: The monsoon season brings rain and cooler temperatures, ranging from 16°C to 28°C. You can sit and wait for the rain to stop to go outside as when the rain pours, it feels like, everything will go with it, it is so strong with heavy wind storms. People prefer staying inside as the land outside is slippery,  the streets are mostly full of muddy water a streams are full of a flood. There are also many landslides. Nowadays the temperature moves little higher at times around 32°C also.
  

These months offer an abundance of locally grown vegetables and fruits like melons, peaches, and plums. Local cuisine flourishes with fresh ingredients.

Tourists should pack rain gear and umbrellas. Take great care while driving uphill from Azad Patan Bridge towards Poonch districts as the road is full of landslides, when a stone or rock falls, or mud starts pouring on roads, you never know. But there is an abundance of water in all streams, Poonch River, and waterfalls everywhere. Plan visits to the scenic areas around the Poonch River and experience the region's lush greenery.

October - The Start of Autumn:

• Temperature: October marks the transition to autumn, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 25°C. Nowadays the temperature also moves up till 32- 36°C

As the weather cools, autumn fruits like apples and pomegranates become available. This is an excellent time for trekking and exploring the outdoors.

Tourists should pack layers and comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the mild weather. Don't miss the vibrant autumn foliage in places like Banjosa Lake and Toli Pir.

 

November and December - Welcoming Winter:

• Temperature: The year ends with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 15°C.

As winter sets in, the focus turns to preserving local produce and enjoying hot beverages. Locals start preparing for snowfall. It snows every year in Rawalakot and its surrounding, when you come out of your home, the cold air double-edged daggers pierce through your heart. Its so cold every winter. It's October now when I am writing this post and already winter has started in Poonch. It's cold in evening and people have already started using sweaters, jackets and lit fire to protect them from cold.

Tourists visiting in November and December should pack winter gear, including warm clothing and gloves. Explore the beauty of snow-covered landscapes at Toli Pir and Banjosa Lake.

Banjosa is a serene and attractive destination located close to Rawalakot city. I love semicircular small hill and Banjosa rest house in the middle of this semi circle. Who ever choose this spot for rest house , did an amazing job. Once I have seen Banjosa Lake (Jheel in Urdu) on an Arabic TV News channel. It was quite surprising for me. I feel , we the locals have may be underrated the beauty. The things are changing now, people are coming from all over the world, at times there are foreign delegations as well. Many schools take kids for picnic there , also becoming a trend for families too. Last time my family visited there in Aug 2023. No one was well prepared and it started pouring like cats and dogs, all kids were wet and many got sick as well, so if you are traveling with kids, be careful. Nestled amidst lush green hills and surrounded by a pristine lake, Banjosa offers a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking tranquility. The Banjosa Lake, the centerpiece of the area, is an ideal spot for boating and picnics, while the surrounding forests provide excellent hiking opportunities. You can find boats in the lake and many swings for kids on reasonable rates. The Banjosa region is also home to comfortable guesthouses and resorts, making it a popular destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Azad Kashmir region. To be honest with you, it was much quiet before, there are many families visiting now, but there is a lot of space around you can move uphill to find some me time away from the Lake. A bit more honesty: the Lake is not managed properly by  the authorities , it has a lot of grass grown inside and the water on the corners is smelly and muddy. If taken well care of , the lake is amazing but you know , no one is ready to invest and make it better again. Though it is, in current situation attracting a lot of tourists. This is also a good spot for local people to earn for their family by selling small items in shops. You can find a lot of stuff for consuming but the prices are so high, so if you can bring something that you feel like water, you will consume a lot, buy it from any market place before reaching Banjosa Lake.

Toli Peer, situated in the same Azad Kashmir region, District Poonch, is a lesser-known gem that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Perched at an altitude of over 8,800 feet, Toli Peer is often covered in snow during the winter months, making it a popular destination for snow sports and winter enthusiasts. People are coming from all directions now to this place, otherwise before they were going towards Banjosa Lake only. The journey to Toli Peer is an adventure in itself, as it involves navigating narrow mountain roads with scenic vistas. The area is adorned with vibrant alpine meadows during the summer, providing an excellent location for camping and trekking. Toli Peer offers an opportunity to connect with nature and revel in the stunning vistas that only this remote, high-altitude destination can provide. The Lush green mountain gives a feel like you are standing on a fairy tale area. The place is suitable for photographs offering a lot of scenic beauty.  

Rawalakot if you get a chance have a circular round around the city, you can clearly feel that the city is like a bowl, with mountains around and a valley in the middle. I lot of drone footages of the city with pink high roofed houses are available online, you can search and feel the magic this enchanted land offers. All of its surrounding areas offer a delightful mix of natural beauty and a rich cultural experience that's sure to leave any traveler in awe. Its not just the lush green valley, the cool breeze that hit you, once you enter from Islamabad Rawalakot road, the freshness, the smiley faces, the bright eyes, everything welcomes you. People are so hospitable. If you will be just looking outside window while coming towards the city, you will see a blend of culture and modernization. The houses are beautiful and also you can see traditional houses with sloped roofs to throw down the snow from roof. The whole city has much to offer. This city is also an education hub of Azad Kashmir(AK) with many schools, colleges and Universities both in Public and Private sector. 

• When it comes to finding a cozy place to spend the night, you're spoiled for choice. In Rawalakot itself, the Sangam Hotel is a welcoming retreat with comfortable rooms and a charming ambiance. 
• For those who prefer to be closer to nature, the Banjosa Lake Resort, just a short drive away, is perfect for lakeside accommodation. 
• To explore further, head over to Toli Peer, where the Pine Valley Hotel offers breathtaking mountain views. 
• Lastly, if you're feeling adventurous, venture into the enchanting Banjosa Valley and stay at the Toli Pir Guest House, where you'll be surrounded by lush meadows and a tranquil atmosphere. Whether you choose the heart of Rawalakot or its mesmerizing outskirts, you're in for an unforgettable experience in this hidden gem of Pakistan.

 These are just few choices to mention, the city and its surroundings has much more to offer.

 Just to reiterate: Must-Visit Places in District Poonch:

1. Banjosa Lake: A serene, man-made lake ideal for boating and picnics.
2. Toli Pir: A high-altitude meadow offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.
3. Rawalakot: Known as the "Pearl of Kashmir" or "City of Lakes," it's famous for its lush greenery and scenic beauty.
4. Poonch River: Perfect for those seeking a peaceful natural escape.
5. Ramkot Fort: A historical fort with a panoramic view of the Mangla Dam.

Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure enthusiast, or a culture seeker, District Poonch in Azad Kashmir has something to offer in every season. The weather and local produce create a unique experience, and the picturesque landscapes are sure to leave you in awe. Plan your visit according to your preferences, and be prepared for an enchanting journey through this less-explored part of Pakistan.

In case, ever you are stuck and can not fix the problem, just knock any nearby door, you will experience the hospitality from every door. 

You can also check about Treks in Kashmir

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You can check few beautiful pictures here: Danish Khan Page