DhirKot – Gateway of Azad Kashmir
Azad Kashmir is a place full of fairylands and heaven-like valleys; every spot of Kashmir is enchanting, and DhirKot is no exception. This place has exceptional beauty that you’ll confuse as heaven for a second.
The lush green meadows, waterfalls, and sparkling streams make Dhirkot Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, a perfect place to visit. People who love trekking, camping, and sightseeing can enjoy the beauty of this place in its proper form. The weather is primarily pleasant throughout the year and is ideal for outdoor activities.
The town is situated in the Bagh district of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, 25 kilometers from Kohala and 15 km from Chamankot. Known as a gateway to Azad Kashmir, DhirKot is surrounded by lush green meadows, snow-capped mountains, and crystal-clear streams, making it a perfect destination for tourists. It connects all parts of Azad Kashmir by blacktop roads and direct transport services.
The beautiful valley is only 132 km from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. The place is quite popular amongst tourists and locals of the country not only because it’s beautiful and mesmerizing but also because it’s easier to access.
Let’s explore the beautiful places to see here and what activities you can enjoy.
About Dhirkot Town
Dhirkot is a small town located in the Bagh district of the Azad Kashmir region. It’s surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush green meadows, making it an ideal tourist destination.
The town is situated at an altitude of 1671 meters above sea level and enjoys a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year. The average temperature during summer is around 25°C while it drops to 1°C during winter.
The town is a beautiful, peaceful destination; people often visit it to avoid city life’s urban pollution and noise. It is a great place to enjoy the serenity of nature and the tranquil atmosphere.
It is trendy among people because its easier to access and have a suitable altitude and beautiful landscape with Kail and Deodar forests. Moreover, it’s lovely during the spring season as the trees are in full bloom, making your trip even more exciting.
The best time to visit is in the spring season when the weather is pleasant, and there are ample opportunities for tourist activities like sightseeing, hiking, and camping.
It has many places to enjoy a comfortable stay with your friends and family. There are hotels in Dhirkot, and the authorities have built quite a few rest houses for those who come to stay and enjoy a more extended vacation.
It is pretty famous for fruits like apricot, apple, and pear. However, the most famous fruit and specialty are the red cherry apples of this place.
It is the gateway of Azad Kashmir and is located in an area with breathtaking natural beauty. The town is around 58 km from Muzaffarabad and can be reached by road or air from Islamabad.
Dhirkot Weather
The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius in summer and 1 to 12 degrees Celsius in winter. The town experiences a good amount of precipitation all year round, but most occurs during the monsoon months of July and August.
Dhirkot enjoys beautiful weather all year round, and it’s a perfect spot to visit and explore in any season, whether winter or summer. So it all depends entirely on the traveler’s preference.
When to Visit Dhirkot?
The best time to visit is from March through May and July through November. The moderate weather during these months makes it perfect for exploring the town and its attractions.
The peak season for tourists is during the summer months of June to August, when it is most beautiful and pleasant.
If you’re planning to visit Dhirkot, bring enough warm clothes for the cold evenings and sun protection to guard against the strong afternoon sunlight.
Tourist Attractions in Dhirkot
It has many tourist attractions that are worth exploring. Every spot of this town is so mesmerizing that you won’t be able to forget it for a lifetime. Although it is a small town, the beauty, and entertainment are unmatchable.
Let’s look at some of the most prominent tourist spots in Dhirkot.
1. Padder Mastoo
Padder Mastoo, the lush green meadows of Dhirkot, is the most beautiful place in town. It is a perfect spot for camping and trekking. There are many different kinds of flora and fauna to explore here.
Padder Mastoo has the most beautiful landscapes and can be a photographer’s heaven. So if you’re enthusiastic about capturing beautiful places, get ready with your camera because you’re in Padder Mastoo.
2. Neela Butt
Neela Butt is one of the highest points, which offers an awe-inspiring view of the town. It’s a tourist resort in the Bagh district of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and is 31 kilometers from Bagh city in Azad Kashmir.
Neela Butt is a dream come true for people who love lush greenery and beautiful views from a higher point. The resort stands at 2000 m and is only 6 kilometers from the central city.
If you’re up for some relaxing views after an adventurous hike, get ready to hike up to Neela Butt, the infamous monument.
3. Timroota Pail
The Timroota Pail is one of the most visited and cherished tourist spots. This beautiful village is located nearby to Arja and Rangla in Azad Kashmir. It’s a great place to enjoy and explore nature as it offers magnificent views of surrounding hills and valleys.
Timroota Pail is also known for its thrilling hiking trails that offer amazing views of the valley from the top. So, if you’re a nature enthusiast, take advantage of this opportunity.
4. Dhirkot Park
The famous Park is located near the town and is a must-visit spot for tourists looking to explore the beauty of nature in this area.
The park is filled with lush greenery, mountains, and several animals. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the fresh air away from the hustle of city life.
Beautiful huts inside the park make a perfect spot for having a barbecue party with your friends and family. You can explore the beauty of nature and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.
5. Chamyati
Located in Dhirkot valley, Chamyati is a perfect spot for picnic lovers. The town has been a hidden gem for years as not many people used to explore it, but now it’s catching the tourists’ attention because of its heaven-like beauty.
This scenic location offers stunning views of the mountains and lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for camping and hiking.
The whole village hides under snow during winter, and the sun lights up the green meadows and dazzling peaks during summer.
6. Sudhan Gali
Sudhan Gali is a beautiful yet mesmerizing village located in the Bagh district of Azad Kashmir. The meaning of Sudhan Gali is “street of Sudhans” or “Sudhan Street,” which suggests that it’s a street or village with Sudhan people inhabiting it. However, the name is believed to date back to Sikh rule in Kashmir; that’s why it’s called so.
The elevation of Sudhan Gali is 2134 meters, and it connects the Chikkar with District Hattian Bala and district Bagh. Sudhan Gali also serves as a base camp for those hikers or adventurers who want to hike up to the nearby mountain Ganga Choti which is 3045 meters high.
Some buses take people daily from Muzaffarabad, Chikkar, and Bagh districts to this scenic spot, so you can catch a bus and quickly get there if you want to explore it.
There’s a scenic track to the Ganga Choti that is quite famous for its beauty and cold temperature. This stunning location offers some of the best trekking opportunities for beginners and experts.
You can also find reasonable accommodation options in Sudhan Gali, as there’s a tourist rest house and a PWD rest house in this area. This popular tourist spot is known for its lush green meadows and fresh air and is surrounded by pine trees and hills.
Activities in Dhirkot for Tourists
Dhirkot Azad Kashmir is an ideal destination for tourists who love to have an adventurous time. Various activities can be enjoyed here, like hiking, camping, sightseeing, and exploring the natural beauty of this place.
One should be adventurous enough to enjoy all these activities to their fullest, so if you have the spirit, it will be a dream come true.
Here are some of the most popular activities that tourists enjoy the most.
1. Hiking
Hiking through the forests and hills is a must-do activity when visiting Dhirkot AJK since it offers incredible views from different altitudes. You can hike up to the nearby mountains and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the entire town.
From beginners to experts, It offers trails that suit all requirements and skill levels. So, take a hike and explore the beauty that this area has to offer.
2. Trekking
Trekking is a favorite activity; it offers many trails. The most popular route for a trek is Ganga Choti which is a 2 hours drive from Dhirkot town.
The road is in perfect condition and offers some scenic views as it leads you to Ganga Choti via Sudhan Gali. This peak is called Ganga Choti because the locals believe that the Hindus living before the partition named it Ganga Choti.
So, take advantage of the opportunity to take this trail for your trekking experience in the scenic village.
3. Camping at Night
If you love camping under the stars, it is a perfect destination since it has some of the most scenic views from different angles. It’s a fantastic camp experience, and enjoys nature’s serene beauty.
You can also explore the nearby areas during your camping experiences, such as Chamyati or Padder Mastoo. Make sure to bring your camping equipment, as it is necessary to have a good camping experience here.
4. Sight Seeing
It is home to several fascinating tourist attractions worth exploring for a memorable sightseeing experience. For example, you can visit Neela Butt and admire its spectacular view from atop it, or you can explore Timroota Pail, an old fort in the area.
Other attractions include Dhirkot Park, Chamyati, and Sudhan Gali. Every view this town offers is worth watching for hours as it’s a heavenly experience to be there.
How to Get to Dhirkot AJK?
Dhirkot is located in Azad Kashmir and can be reached via road from Lahore, Islamabad, and many other cities in Pakistan. The cheapest way to travel is by bus, taxi, or personal car. For example, it would cost only $37 to travel from Lahore to Dhirkot by car.
The nearest airport is either Islamabad international airport or Sialkot international airport. From both airports, you can reach here by bus or taxi.
The distance from Islamabad to Dhirkot is only 121 kilometers, and it would hardly take 4 hours to reach there.
Where is Dhirkot Located?
Dhirkot is a tehsil located in Azad Kashmir, in the Bagh district. It is situated at an altitude of 1629 meters above sea level. It is located near Dhlkot and Dungi Gala. The villages within Dhirkot include Chamankot.
Dhirkot is a beautiful town situated in Azad Kashmir. It offers fantastic views and unique tourist attractions. The weather is pleasant throughout the year, making it an ideal place for holidaymakers. Its rich cultural heritage and hospitable locals make it a paradise. So if you are looking for an exciting vacation, it is the place to go.
There are numerous activities that visitors can indulge in, such as hiking, sightseeing, and camping. Moreover, the town can be reached by air, bus, or car from nearby cities. So why wait? Plan your trip to Dhirkot today!