Beautiful Places to visit in Poonch

Poonch district is one of the 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir UT. It is flanked by the district of Baramulla and Pulwama of Kashmir valley in the north-east, POK in the north-West and by the Rajouri in the South.

Poonch is known as Kashmir-e-Sageer (Mini Kashmir) due to its similarity in respect of natural beauty, climatic conditions and geographical aspects with Kashmir.

It is located on the southern slope, valley and glens of the Pir Panjal range which divides Kashmir Valley from Jammu Province in the southern and south-western side.

If the world famous resorts like Gulmarg, Yusmarg, Aharbal Fall are located on the northern slope of Pir Panjal, then the most beautiful natural spots like Sawjian, Loran, Valley of Seven Lakes, Snow Caped Peaks, Meadows, Dhoks with colorful Tribal life are situated in the southern slopes of Poonch. These places are connected with each other through important passes like Nurpur Pass, Jamia Pass, Choti Gali Pass and Pir Gali Pass. Poonch is a  Paradise for the Trekkers & Hikers.

How to reach Poonch City

At present, you can travel to Poonch only by road

Via NH 144A:- If you are in Jammu, then can reach the city of Poonch by National Highway NH 144A (240 kms) which connects Jammu with Poonch through Rajouri.

Via Mughal Road:- If you are in Srinagar , then you can reach Poonch by Mughal road that connects Kashmir valley to Poonch via Pir ki Gali. Distance from Srinagar to Poonch via road is 170 kms.

So now you have reached Poonch, then what are the beautiful places one can visit in Poonch?

I have listed below the best places you can visit in Poonch and placed it into different categories to help you choose easily.

Mesmerizing places to visit in Poonch:

Nandishool:

Pic Credits: @jk.pathfinder via Instagram

Nandishool is a beautiful 150 feet high waterfall about 12 km from Loran and 50 km from Poonch town. It takes one and half hour from the Poonch town to reach Sultanpathri, from where one has to trek for half an hour to reach the spot.

Girgan Dhok and 7 lakes:

Pic Credits: @discover_nature01 via Instagram

Girgan, the valley of seven lakes is the most attractive, beautiful, and natural scenic spot of the Pir Panjal region. It is about 60 km, east of Poonch City, and situated about 10000 to 15000 feet above sea level. The seven pristine lakes in Girgan Dhok are the main draw for the tourists. These lakes include Sukh Sar, Chandan Sar, Bagh Sar, Neel Sar, Kali Dachani, Katori Sar and Nandan Sar. Snow-capped lofty peaks, picturesque valleys, attractive-gushing streams, crystal clear lakes, glaciers, lush green pastures, Dhoks, Margs and multicolor flowers are some of the distinguishing characteristics of the valley of seven lakes.

Girgan Dhok can be reached from villages of Bheramgala, Dhera Ki Gali and Noorichamb that are connected to Poonch by road. There are no paved routes to Girgan Dhok. However, there are three birdie paths that can be used for reaching the valley, trekking to the area is the only way to reach it. These paths include:

Noorichamb - Husathum - Panjtari - Nandansar;

Bheramgala - Chai - Gali Girgan - Khuian - Nandansar;

Dhera Ki Gali - Rattan Pir - Kuthgali - Nandansar.

Noori Chamb:

Pic Credits: @abhi_bhakthanz via Instagram

Noori Chamb is a waterfall in the headwaters of the Poonch river in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in Pir Panjals and is popular for a waterfall with historic importance and its natural surroundings. Located at a distance of around 45 km from Poonch and 10 km from Bufliaz, it is situated between Behramgala and Chandimarh on the right side of Mughal Road. It takes one and half hour from the Poonch town to reach the spot.

Pir Ki Gali:

Pic Credits: @discover_nature01 via Instagram

Located in the Pir Panjal Range, the Pir Panjal Pass also called as Pir ki Gali, is a mountain pass and a tourist destination. It connects the Kashmir Valley through the ‘Mughal Road’ to the Rajouri and Poonch districts. At 3,490 m (11,450 ft), it is the highest point on the Mughal Road and lies southwest of the Kashmir Valley. Located at a distance of 80 kms from Poonch town, it takes two and half hours to reach the spot.

Loran:

Pic Credits: @discoverpoonch via Instagram

Loran is a beautiful village situated at the foot of Pir Panjal Ranges in Mandi tehsil and about 38 kilometers from Poonch Town. It is a beautiful tourist destination with fascinating scenic beauty. Loran Nallah that flows through this beautiful village makes this amazing place more enchanting to the eyes. It takes one and half hour to reach the village from Poonch town.

Sawjian:

Pic Credits: @discoverpoonch via Instagram

Sawjian is a beautiful village situated in Mandi tehsil and is situated 36 kilometers in the north-east of Poonch town near Line of control. The valley comprises of Gagrian, Narian, Rangwar, Sari Mangyana, Brari, Gali Madan and Kopra. The valley opens towards Kashmir valley through Chour Pass, Dewar Pass and Jamia Pass. It takes one and half hour to reach the village from Poonch town.

Sankh Doda:

Pic Credits: @discoverpoonch via Instagram

Located at a distance of 49 kms from Poonch town, it is another attraction for tourists having fascinating scenic beauty. It takes two hours from Poonch town to reach the spot.

Behramgala:

It is situated at the foot hill of 8,600 feet high Rattan Peak on the historic Mughal Road in Poonch. Behramgala is a small plateau surrounded by mountains and forests. It is near the confluence of Parnai & Thata Pani streams which further adds to its otherwise scenic and natural beauty. It is about 45 kms from Poonch town and it takes around one and half hour to reach the village.

Dhera Ki Gali:

Pic Credits: @banksofdchenab via Instagram

Dhera ki Gali, 50 kms from Poonch town is another attraction for the tourists owing to its salubrious climate, thick forests, cool breeze and enchanting view of surrounding hills, situated at a height of about 6300 feet. It takes two hours from Poonch town to reach the spot.

Chakan da Bagh:

Located on Line of Control (LOC) at 20 kms from Poonch town, this is the crossing point between India and Pakistan. To reach there one has to get written permission from administration in advance.

Jabbi Toti:

It is a beautiful Dhok in the Mandi Tehsil. One can reach Hari Budha in an hour which is at a distance of 30 kms from Poonch town. After which we have to trek for about two and half hours to reach the Dhok.

Nurpur:

Pic Credits: @discoverpoonch via Instagram

It is a beautiful village in the Mandi tehsil located at a distance of 37 kms from Poonch town. It takes one hour from Poonch town to reach the village.

Shahstar:

Pic Credits: @discoverpoonch via Instagram

It is a village in the Mendhar tehsil loacted at a distance of 35 kms from Poonch town and it takes one and half hour to reach there.

Places of Religious importance:

Ziarat Sain Miran:

Pic Credits: @rajouri_the_land_of_kings via Instagram

It is the most popular and frequently visisted Muslim shrine of Saint Sain Miran Sahib, located in the village Guntrian, on the LOC, at a distance of about 20 Kms from Poonch. It takes 45 mins to reach the Ziarat from Poonch town.

Gurdwara Nangali Sahib:

Pic Credits: @discoverpoonch via Instagram

Gurdwara Nangali Sahib located at a distance of around 6 km from Poonch on the banks of Drungali Stream, is one of the oldest religious centres of Sikh community. More than a thousand of devotees visit here annually to offer their prayers. A big function is organised here every year on Baisakhi. It takes about 15 mins from Poonch town to reach the Gurdwara.

Swami Budha Amarnath Ji Temple:

It is situated a a distance of 20 Kms from Poonch on the bank of Pulast stream at Mandi Tehsil. It is most Popular pilgrim destination of Shiva devotees next to Holy Cave of Amarnath in Kashmir Valley. It takes 40 mins to reach the Temple from Poonch town.

Ziarat Sain Illahi Bakhsh:

Pic Credits: @discoverpoonch via Instagram

Ziarat Sain Illahi Bakhsh is a shrine of Saint Illahi Bakhsh Sahib. The shrine is situated in the village of Battalkote, which is 37 km away from the town of Poonch. It takes 1 hour and 15 mins to reach the Ziarat from Poonch town.

Ziarat Chhote Shah Sahib:

It is about 40 kilometers away from Poonch Town and 4kms from Mendhar town located at Sakhi Maidan in the western side of Mendhar Town, near the ruins of old Monument of Pandava’s Mahal.

It takes about one and half hour to reach the Ziarat from Poonch town.

Ramkund Mandir:

Ramkund Mandir is located around 4 km from Mendhar and 42 km from Poonch. There are three springs known as Ram Kund, Sita Kund and Lakshman Kund in this temple. Devotees in a large number take a dip in these waterbodies during the Hindu month of Chaitra. It takes about one and half hour to reach the Ziarat from Poonch town.

Ziarat Than Pir:

It is situated in Mandi tehsil at a distance of 30 km from Poonch town. From this commanding place, the overlooking view of Suran Valley, Mandi, Poonch right up to Toli Pir in POK is marvelous. There is a beautiful green pasture around the shrine. Apart from religious importance, this is one of the most beautiful scenic spot of Poonch District. It takes about an hour to reach the Ziarat from Poonch town.

Gurudwara Dheri Sahib:

This Sikh shrine was established by Sant Bhai Bhadur Singh Ji, the nephew of Sant Bhai Rocha Singh Ji of Gurudwara Dera Sahib Rawlakote. Gurudwara Dheri Sahib is about 6 kms away from Poonch town, village Khari Dharamsal near the LOC. It takes about 15 mins to reach the Gurudwara from Poonch town.

Shri Dashnami Akhara Mandir:

Shri Dashnami Akhara Mandir, located in the town of Poonch, is one of the most popular temples located in the district. Devotees can see samadhi of Swami Jawahar Giri Ji, which is in the premises of the temple. It is located in main town of Poonch.

Places of Historical importance:

Poonch Fort:

Poonch Fort or Poonch Qila located in Poonch town is one of the important tourist attractions of Poonch. It is an ancient fort whose history dates back to 16th century. Believed to be built in 1779 AD, the fort stands on a small hilltop covering a magnificent area of 7500 sq.mtrs.

Moti Mahal:

Moti Mahal is one of the finest buildings of Poonch constructed between 1926-1936, during the period of Dogra Raja's of Poonch principality. The complex is spread over 145 Kanal of land. It is at a distance of 3 kms from Poonch bus stand.

Sheesh Mahal:

Sheesh Mahal is an important historical building located in town of Poonch.

Baldev Mahal:

Baldev Mahal (Palace) was constructed in Poonch town during the rule of Raja Baldev Singh and Raja Sukh Dev Singh from 1904 to 1926 AD. This beautiful Palace is situated on the eastern bank of Betar River at an elevated place on the western edge of Poonch air field.

Trekking Routes:

1) Poonch to Gulmarg (Kashmir) via Jamia gali:

Poonch — Gaggrian Sawjian — Barshi Nallah — Barnara marg — Jamia marg — Jamia gali (15000 ft.) — Gulmarg(Tangmarg).

2) Poonch to Nandishool via Loran (Sultan Pathri)

3) Poonch to Yusmarg(Kashmir) via Nurpur gali and Khaara gali:

Poonch — Loran — Sultan Pathri — Nurpur gali — Tosha maidan — Kundlan — Dood Ganga Bridge — Yusmarg.

4) Poonch to Yusmarg(Kashmir) via Choti gali:

Poonch — Behramgala — Chandimarh — Kabar Pathran — Choti gali(14100 ft.) — Kundlan — Yusmarg.

5) Poonch to Tatakuti via Hill Kaka and Dhara marg

6) Poonch to Shopian(Kashmir) via Peer ki Gali:

Poonch — Behramgala — Poshana — Chatta Pani — Pir gali(11500 ft.) — Aliabad Sarai — Hirpur — Shopian.

7) Poonch to Hirpur (Kashmir) via Nandansar:

Poonch — Behramgala — Girgan gali — Girgan marg — Panjtari marg — Khuooah — Gumsar — Nandan gali — Glacier — Nandan sar – six other lakes — Jaddi marg — Aliabad — Hirpur.

8) Poonch to Gulmarg via Chor Gali:

Poonch — Sawjian — Gali Maidan — Mangiana — Sari — Chor Gali — Gulmarg.

If any other beautiful spot in Poonch is not mentioned here, then please comment name of that place below. I will update it as soon as possible.