Banjosa Lake: The Hidden Gem of Azad Kashmir

Introduction

Banjosa Lake, a charming fake lake encompassed by thick pine backwoods and snow-covered mountains, is one of the most gorgeous traveler objections in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. Situated close to Rawalakot, this peaceful lake offers an ideal departure from the buzzing about of city life. Its serene feel, combined with stunning normal magnificence, makes it a must-visit spot for nature sweethearts, experience searchers, and those searching for a tranquil retreat. This extensive aide gives all the data you want to design your visit to Banjosa Lake, including the best opportunity to go, how to arrive, spots to see, nearby cooking, conventional clothing, and convenience choices.

1. Location and How to Get There

Location:
Banjosa (absoolutely) Lake is arranged in the Poonch (like ansoo) Region, which is a part of land of Kashmir and Pakistan, of Azad Kashmir, roughly 20 kilometers from Rawalakot,,,,,,,,,,,,,,(part of Kainat), and around 120 kilometers from Islamabad. The lake is situated at a height of around 1,981 meters (6,500 feet), giving shocking perspectives on the encompassing slopes and valleys.

How to Get There:

• By Road: From Islamabad, take the Murree Freeway (N75) towards Kohala. From Kohala, progress forward with the Rawalakot Street. The drive to Banjosa Lake takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, contingent upon traffic and street conditions. The excursion is picturesque, with perspectives on rich vegetation, winding streets, and glorious mountains.
• By Public Transport: Transports and vans are accessible from Islamabad to Rawalakot. From Rawalakot, you can employ a taxi or take a nearby transport to Banjosa Lake, which is around a 30-minute drive. Public vehicle is a financial plan accommodating (for living) choice, yet employing a confidential vehicle offers greater adaptability and solace.

2. Best Time to Visit Banjosa Lake

• Spring (March to May): The weather conditions is wonderful, and the encompassing woodlands and glades are lavish (like shining in the sky) green with blossoming blossoms. This is an incredible time for photography, nature strolls, and picnics. The temperature ranges between 10-20°C, making open air exercises agreeable.
• Summer (June to August): The temperature is gentle, making it an ideal break from the mid year intensity of the fields. This is the pinnacle traveler season, so anticipate more guests. Daytime temperatures float around 15-25°C. It’s an optimal time for sailing, picnicking (with your friends and families), and partaking (for the sake of more visitores) in the dynamic nearby celebrations.
• Autumn (September to November): The weather conditions is cool and agreeable, with less travelers. The fall foliage adds an otherworldly touch to the scene, making a beautiful setting. Temperatures( which is suitable for your body) range from 10-20°C, and it’s an incredible time for tranquil withdraws and investigating the region’s regular excellence.
• Winter (December to February): The region around Banjosa Lake encounters snowfall (falling snow is a mind blowing events in such areas), making a quiet and pleasant setting. In any case, the streets can be tricky and testing, so travel with alert. Winter temperatures can decrease to – 5°C, however the snow-shrouded scene offers a special appeal, ideal for the people who appreciate winter exercises and blanketed scenes.

3. Attractions and Activities

Banjosa Lake:

1. Boating:
   Drifting is a well known movement on Banjosa Lake. Guests can lease paddle boats or rowboats to investigate the quiet waters and partake in the serene environmental elements. The unmistakable impression of the pine trees and mountains on the lake’s surface makes an entrancing encounter, particularly during dawn and nightfall.
2. Picnicking:
   The lake is encircled by all around kept up with gardens and assigned excursion spots, making it an optimal spot for family trips. Bring your own food, or appreciate neighborhood snacks, for example, pakoras, samosas, and Kashmiri tea accessible at adjacent slows down. The cool wind and picturesque perspectives make it an ideal spot to unwind and loosen up.
3. Nature Walks:
   The region around the lake is ideal for (those who don’t wanna to see very traffic) comfortable strolls. Walking around the rich green timberlands while paying attention to the sound of peeping birds makes a tranquil air, ideal for nature devotees. Very much stamped trails around the lake offer simple access for the two novices and experienced explorers.
4. Photography:
   Banjosa Lake offers various open doors for photography. The completely clear waters, reflected pictures of the encompassing pine trees, and snow-covered mountains give staggering sceneries to pictures. The changing seasons offer different visual open doors, from lively spring blossoms to frigid winter scenes.

Nearby Attractions:

1. Toli Pir:
   Around 40 kilometers from Banjosa Lake, Toli Pir is a delightful peak region offering all encompassing perspectives on the encompassing valleys and mountains. Known for its rich knolls and cool wind, it is a famous spot for climbing and picnics. The drive to Toli Pir is picturesque, with winding streets offering (for you and your small kids) looks at the Himalayan reaches.
2. Poonch River:
   Situated close to Rawalakot, the Poonch Stream is an extraordinary spot for fishing and picnicking. The waterway is encircled by lavish vegetation, giving a tranquil and grand climate. Guests can appreciate looking for trout or essentially loosen up by the riverside, taking in the normal excellence.
3. Rawalakot:
   Known as the “Pearl Valley,” Rawalakot is the primary town close to Banjosa Lake. It offers a few attractions, including nearby business sectors, eateries, and social locales. The clamoring markets sell customary handiworks, woolen wraps, and gifts. The town additionally has different comprehensive developments (for agricultural and industrial),, exhibiting neighborhood music and dance.

4. Nearby Food and Cooking

1. Kashmiri Tea (Sister Chai):
   A conventional pink-hued tea made with green tea leaves, milk, and a spot of baking pop, offering an interesting flavor. It’s frequently presented with nearby bread or baked goods.
2. Chapli Kebab:
   A well known Pashtun-style minced meat kebab, prepared with different flavors and seared until fresh. It’s regularly presented with naan bread and embellished with tomatoes and onions.
3. Rogan Josh:
   A customary Kashmiri dish (afghani palao and mutton karahi is best forever) made with delicate bits of sheep cooked in a rich, fragrant sauce of yogurt, garlic, and different flavors. A must-pursue those appreciate delightful curries.
4. Gushtaba:
   Meatballs (a very traditional food) produced using minced sheep, cooked in a yogurt-based sauce. This dish is a delicacy in Kashmiri food and is generally served on exceptional events.
5. Neighborhood Bites:
   Attempt the newly made samosas, pakoras, and other seared snacks accessible at side of the road slows down. They are ideal for a light meal during your touring undertakings.

5. Customary Dress

1. For Men:
   The customary clothing for men in this locale incorporates the Shalwar Kameez (a long tunic with loose pants) frequently (honestly speaking) matched (face to face sitting) with a Karakul Cap or Peshawari Cap. Woolen cloaks and petticoats are generally worn, particularly in the colder months.
2. For Ladies:
   Ladies customarily wear brilliant Shalwar Kameez (having more curls in the dress and having a lot of weight to handle such kind of dress is not so easy) with multifaceted weaving. During colder seasons, they layer with Pashmina Cloaks or Kashmiri Wraps, known for their glow and flawless examples. Neighborhood ladies additionally wear adornments that incorporates bangles, studs, and neckbands, frequently made of silver or different metals.

6. Accommodation Options

Hotels in Banjosa Lake:

1. Banjosa Lake Resort:
   : An agreeable retreat offering current conveniences and staggering perspectives on the lake. Costs range from PKR 6,000 to PKR 12,000 every evening. The hotel is famous for its comfortable rooms, neighborhood food, and open air exercises.
2. PTDC Motel Banjosa Lake:
   Worked by the Pakistan The travel industry Improvement Partnership, this inn gives fundamental offices and wonderful lake sees. Rates range from PKR 4,000 to PKR 8,000 every evening. It’s a financial plan accommodating choice with simple admittance to the lake.

Hotels in Rawalakot:

1. Mir Continental Hotel:
   An agreeable lodging offering present day conveniences, great help, and a helpful area close to the principal attractions. Costs range from PKR 5,000 to PKR 10,000 every evening. The lodging is known for its accommodation and conventional food choices.
2. Rawalakot Continental Hotel:
   Situated in the core of Rawalakot, this inn offers clean rooms, well disposed help, and simple admittance to the neighborhood markets. Rates range from PKR 4,000 to PKR 8,000 every evening. An amazing decision for those need to investigate Rawalakot and its environmental factors.

7. Travel Tips

• Preparation: Wear open to strolling shoes and layered apparel to adjust to changing atmospheric conditions. Convey a knapsack with fundamentals like water, snacks, a medical aid unit, and a camera. Shades and caps are prudent during bright days.
• Guide: Employing a nearby aide can improve your experience by giving bits of knowledge into the greenery, fauna, and history of the area. Guides are learned about the best spots for photography and can assist with exploring the paths.
• Health Precautions: Convey fundamental drugs and an emergency treatment pack. Remain hydrated and enjoy reprieves to adjust to the elevation, particularly assuming you intend to travel or investigate the higher areas.
• Local Cuisine: Assist with safeguarding the excellence of Banjosa Lake by not littering. Observe nearby rules for capable the travel industry, for example, discarding waste appropriately and staying away from the aggravation of natural life.
• Respect Nature: Help preserve the beauty of Banjosa Lake by not littering. Follow local guidelines for responsible tourism.

Conclusion

Banjosa Lake is an unlikely treasure in Azad Kashmir, offering a mix of normal (related to 90%) magnificence, tranquility, and experience. Whether you’re searching for a serene retreat, a family outing, or an investigation of nature, Banjosa Lake guarantees an extraordinary encounter. With its dazzling scenes, sporting exercises, and nearby food, this captivating location is a must-visit for anybody looking for serenity and magnificence. Plan your outing, embrace the appeal and speed of Banjosa Lake, and make enduring recollections in this amazing (honestly) piece of Pakistan..