Leepa Valley – A Hidden Vale of Kashmir

By, Amir

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Come summer, we all head to popular destinations in Pakistan’s north, namely Hunza Valley, Skardu, Chitral, Neelum Valley, Kaghan Valley, Swat Valley or Kumrat Valley. Very few know about a small hamlet close to the Line of Control in Kashmir, Leepa Valley.

After 4-years on the bucket list, plans kept canceling due to issues on the border, road closure, road conditions, or floods in the area.

Leepa Valley is an arable (mainly rice) valley situated in the Hattian Bala District of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The valley is divided into 5-sectors: Dao Khan, Leepa, Nokot, Kasirkot,and Chananian.

Still not a popular destination, a tour to Leepa Valley in Kashmir promises you breathtaking landscapes, serene villages, and a glimpse into the region’s rich culture. Nestled amidst the majestic mountains of the Himalayan Ranges, Leepa Valley is renowned for its lush green meadows, dense forests, glistening streams, and culture and heritage.

Situated about 230 km from Islamabad, the journey will take you about 7 hrs, crossing Murree Hills towards Muzafarabad and then heading towards Jehlum District. Crossing over the Jehlum River a Neli metal bridge near Hattian Bala, you start ascending higher and higher into the mountains, through a scenic winding road drive, and the air becomes cool and crisp, and the views more captivating.

After crossing Reshian checkpost, there are 2-routes you can take. The old jeep track called the Defence road that descends in to Nokot, or the new metaled road passing Moji into Leepa. If you plan to take the old route, you will require a 4×4. On the new road, all kinds of vehicles can go.

On my last tour I took the new road. Reaching the beautiful meadows of Dao Khan, the Sher Gali top at 2,750 m, gave a panoramic view of the valley on both sides. On a clear day, one can see the Mountain tops of Rati Gali in Neelum Valley and Kaghan Valley.

From Sher Gali top, the descent into the valley starts. Through a series of hair bend turns through thick pine forest, you will descend into Leepa Valley at 1,900 m.

Upon reaching Leepa Valley, you will immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Explore charming villages dotted along the valley, where locals welcome you with warm hospitality and old wooden style Kashmir houses and traditional cuisine.

Main crops and fruits in Leepa Valley red rice (probably due to the high iron content in water), walnuts, apples, and apricots. Local also produce honey harvesting from small bees. The tradition of Kashmiri furniture is fading away, and very few skilled carpenters still practice their art, making traditional furniture on order.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Leepa Valley offers ample opportunities for trekking, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting. Marvel at the diverse flora and fauna as you traverse through pristine forests and meandering trails.

Popular destinations in Leepa are the Nokot ricefields, Chananian village where you will see water-propelled rice and wheat mills, last village of Leepa Manda Kuli and meadows around it, and a jeep ride to Bara Hazari at 3,600 m.

Good or bad, commercialization and mass tourism have still not reached Leepa Valley, therefore stay options are limited, with better facilities at Spring Valley Guest Houses and Leepa View Guesthouses.

The best time to visit is from the end of April to November. In May & June, the local farmers flood the rice fields, and harvest is sometimes in September and October. During winter the valley is snowbound.

Due to its proximity to the Line of Control, the valley is currently open to Pakistani nationals with a valid ID. Drone photography is limited to the rice fields at Nokot, with restrictions in place to close to the borders or military installations.

A trip to Leepa Valley is not just a journey; it’s a soul-stirring adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Amir is a business executive who has worked with several organizations. He followed his passion for travel and tourism and formed his destination management company by the name of Road Less Traveled. He can be reached at roadlesstraveledinfo@gmail.com