Leepa Valley, nestled 94 kilometers from Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir, captivates with its lush landscapes and culture. Known for endemic greenery and diverse wildlife, it beckons travelers seeking serene natural beauty and cultural exploration.
Leepa Valley is located at a distance of almost 94 kilometers (km) from Muzaffarabad city, the capital of Azad Kashmir1. It is an emerging tourist destination with endemic greenery and exquisite landscapes. The last quarter of the road (from village Reshian to Leepa Valley) incisively rips through thick cedar, conifer, and pine trees, creating an unimaginable vista that entices travellers to explore nature further. Mesmerizing scenic views, chattering monkeys, and chirping birds generate ceaseless hangovers while crossing these copious forests. From DaoKhun, the road cascades down using picturesque zigzags and touches the spellbinding beauty of the valley2 after one hour and fifteen-minute drive.
The valley is safely accessible to visitors from April to October (almost seven months) to enjoy the vale's avocado and golden colors. According to the Statistical Yearbook 2021 of the Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, the total area of the valley is 195 square kilometres, the population is 28499, the annual growth rate is 1.34, the household is 4320 and the density is 146 persons per square kilometer3. As a result of the above, I will now discuss different significant aspects that are good enough to persuade tourists to visit Leepa Valley and explore the bounty of attractions as per their taste.
A Trove of Discovery and Enchantment
Geography
Leepa Valley is situated at a latitude 73⁰-75⁰ N and longitude 32⁰-35⁰ E in the northeast of Muzaffarabad city. Its height above sea level varies between 2000-3000 feet. However, at places with lofty peaks, it touches 12000 feet. Weather intermittently changes; nonetheless, the valley experiences dry temperate with long, severe winters. Generally, the valley is characterized by uneven, rocky and hilly surfaces with sharp inclines and declines. High-altitude glaciated peaks, rivers, nallahs (streams), integral forests, and lush green pastures offer ecosystem diversity with various wildlife and flora4. Pragmatically, the valley is overflowing with crude natural beauty, allowing nature lovers to explore hidden secrets yet to be discovered.
The valley is safely accessible to visitors from April to October (almost seven months) to enjoy the vale's avocado and golden colors.
Culture and Ethnicity
Culturally, cent percent people residing in the valley are Muslim. Their mother tongue is Pahari. However, Kashmiri, Gojri, and Urdu are spoken and understood in parts of the Valley. People are patriotic, hardworking, and self-reliant. They value education and send their young children to school in different cities nationwide to get a better education. Rice and maize crops are cultivated and consumed as staple food. Locals also raise their livestock and depend on them to accrue dairy products like butter, milk, cheese, etc. On Valley's Floral Attraction, the African Journal of Biotechnology has already published a research paper in 2012. Ethnologically, the valley is comprised of different castes, which include Gujjar, Awan, Mughals, Syed, Raja, Sheikh, Abbasi, Qureshi, Mir, Loan and Butt, etc5. However, people live in harmony and peace. These valley inhabitants are friendly and forthcoming with outsiders; nonetheless, they are a little allergic to xenophobic culture, which is not in line with their local rituals. Notwithstanding, neither are they aggressive nor insolent with the tourists.
Botanic Magnetism
In Pakistan, we have 6000 species of wild plants, of which 600 are medicinally significant. 350-450 of these plant species are sold in the market to different manufacturing units. In 2016, The Pakistan Journal of Forestry reported that 106 endemic wild plant species of 55 families have been recorded in Leepa Valley alone, of which 93 species carry high medicinal values. It also includes economic plants like, Tripathra, Kuth, Banafsha, Ban Kakai, Zakhm-e-Hayat, Ghaus Ban, Gul Kher, Rathan Joth and Masloon etc6. Therefore, plant enthusiasts can plan their exciting journey to discover the fascinating realm of rare and exotic plants.
Wildlife Attraction
Moji Game Reserve is located in Leepa Valley. It was declared a "Game Reserve" in July 1982 and comprised of 7-8 forest compartments of Karnah Range. Moji Nar and its tributaries are the major water source of Game Reserve. The total area of the Game Reserve is 3860 hectares. In 1998, the Department of Zoology, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, surveyed Moji Game Reserve Leepa Valley. They registered ten mammal animals and 35 bird species. It includes Black Bear, Leopard, Musk deer, Leopard Cat, Grey Langur, Himalayan Monal, Grey Goral, Tragopan, Kashmir Koklas, etc7. Hence, Moji Game Reserve is a haven for diverse species of birds and animals. Adventure-seekers can embark upon a memorable journey into the heart of the wild.
International Recognition
Leepa Valley has also earned a prestigious acknowledgement on the global stage. Pinterest, an American picture-sharing website with over 498 million monthly global active users in 2024, has made a special page on the Leepa Valley with Hero-Image. The web page showcases its rich heritage, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture by sharing numerous pictures. The valley has been called a heaven on earth in the caption8. Given this, we can say that the valley has taken a rightful place on the global tourism map. The international recognition is a testament to the valley's inimitable charm and fascinating travellers worldwide.
Where Nature Meets Patriotism9
Conduct of Jashn-e-Baharan Festival. Jashn-e-Baharan festival has recently been introduced by the Pakistan Army to educate locals about their rich culture and history as well as to attract tourists from outside the Leepa Valley. Commander 75 Brigade, Brigadier Wasif Mahmood, is the pioneer of this initiative. The festival was formally celebrated from June 9-10, 2024, at the village Mandal Leepa. Pakistan Army made grand arrangements to accommodate the guests from all walks of life. The festival captured travellers' attention successfully, and resultantly, hundreds of tourists from outside the valley attended the festivity with fervour and enthusiasm. Almost 3500 to 4000 people (including locals and outsiders) participated in the celebrations. Minister for Electricity and Power (Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir) Chaudhary Abdul Rasheed and others also attended the ceremony. Local journalists and social media users stood shoulder to shoulder with the Army, ensuring festival’s resonance was heard far and wide. Electronic media and regional newspapers also provided due coverage of the event. Different stalls were run to highlight the significance of local culture, history, and traditions. Sports events were also made part of the festivity. The military band continued to play melodious patriotic anthems during the hiatus. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 12 Division, Major General Muhammad Irfan, concluded the ceremony by distributing prizes among the winners.
Leepa Valley is situated at a latitude 730-750 N and longitude 320-350 E in the northeast of Muzaffarabad city. Its height above sea level varies between 2000-3000 feet.
Uplifting the Valley. Pakistan Army is instrumental and passionately involved in uplifting the valley on a self-help basis. To attract tourists, they have installed solar lights in public places and pitch-dark corners to facilitate the traveller's move at night. It has also improved the valley's lighting and security. They have also constructed a Shuhada Monument to pay homage to the martyrs in remembrance of their sacrifices. Another monument is also under construction. These monuments attract visitors' attention and create a positive image of the valley. A sports stadium is also under construction to engage youth in physical activities. It will likely play a significant role in providing a competitive and sports-oriented environment to the young generation of the valley. Further, the Pakistan Army is also busy renovating local government schools and educational facilities in the valley. Army has also established a small Information Technology (IT) centre at Press Club Leepa to familiarize and abreast local journalists with day-to-day global advancements.
Tourists Inflow Surges. Tourist inflow has become nearly doubled compared to before the festival. Now, almost 500 tourists visit the valley daily. This is the most significant number the people of the valley have ever witnessed. The recent surge in tourist inflow is proof of the valley's burgeoning popularity. Pakistan Army has taken a strategic initiative to boost Leepa Valley’s tourism industry by changing its posture from a closed region to a tourist resort. Previously, the Army invited the biker community to pay a visit to the valley and showcase its hidden beauty to their fellow countrymen, with the aim of turning it into a thriving tourist hub. Pakistan Army's efforts to project tourism in the valley have significantly enhanced tourist intake. Visitors are now drawn to the valley's picturesque landscapes, thick forests and paddy fields. Besides addressing poverty and inflation in the valley, this tourist influx has also boosted the local economy. Official figures are yet to be known; however, common people are happy with tourism development. They are optimistic and poised that Leepa Valley will become a leading tourist destination in the near future.
Recommendations
Based on unique attractions and strengths, the following is recommended to unlock the jam-packed potential of tourism in Leepa Valley:
▪ Road infrastructure is the mainstay for any sustainable development, including tourism. Even so, the road from Lamnian town to Leepa Valley is semi-metaled and broken at several places, which, besides creating bad taste, also demotivates tourists from the very onset. Hence, there is a need to upgrade existing roads to withstand heavy traffic and severe weather conditions—regular maintenance teams will chalk out the schedule and repair potholes and cracks immediately upon identification. Further, the concerned department will install road signs and carry out appropriate markings to guarantee safe navigation.
▪ The current state of guest rooms in the valley needs to be in better condition and is insufficient to accommodate a large inflow of tourists. Further, locals running these guest rooms need more training and equipment to provide reasonably satisfactory services. However, this can be addressed by imparting comprehensive training to guest room staff on customer services, essential amenities management and hospitality. Supplementarily, constructing new guest rooms, renovating present guest rooms, and maintaining cleanliness and amenities can only meet the growing demands of tourists. The local administration will carry out regular inspections to ensure compliance with mandatory standards.
▪ To further boost the tourist experience and display the spectacular views of the valley, I suggest constructing a bypass road along the northeastern mountain range, starting from the village of Nokot alongside the water canal to the village of Tilawari. This road would offer a befitting panoramic view of the valley, attracting more tourists. The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government, in collaboration with local stakeholders and communities, may be approached to prepare a feasibility report and allocate resources and funds for the construction of the bypass road and its regular maintenance.
Leepa Valley is a concealed jewel awaiting discovery and development. With its incredible natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and massive potential for tourism, this valley has bright prospects of becoming a top tourist destination in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan in the near future. Nevertheless, it is imperative to prioritize addressing the challenges related to infrastructure, accomodation, and services to foster its development. By executing the recommendations delineated in this article, we can create a responsible and sustainable tourism model beneficial to the local community. Hence, we can also preserve the environment and provide a cherished experience to travellers. Let us join hands to make this valley a shining star on Pakistan's tourism map.
1. “Muzaffarabad to Lee County Property Appraiser.” n.d. Muzaffarabad to Lee County Property Appraiser. Accessed June 25, 2024. https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Muzaffarabad/Leepa/@34.2624552.
2. “Dao Khan to Lee County Property Appraiser.” n.d. Dao Khan to Lee County Property Appraiser. Accessed June 25, 2024. https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Dao+Khan/Leepa/@34.2743518.
3. Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Statistical Year Book 2021. 86, 172 (2021).
4. Ibid. P-3088.
5. Ishtiaq Ch, Dr. M., Mumtaz, A., Hussain, T. and Ghani, A. Medicinal Plant Diversity in the Flora of Leepa Valley, Muzaffarabad (AJK), Pakistan. African Journal of Biotechnology, 11, 3088 (2012).
6. Zahir, A., Khan, M. W. and Wazir, S. A. Ethno Botanical Survey of Leepa Valley AJK. The Pakistan Journal of Forestry P-68, 69, 73 (2016).
7. Ahmad, K. B., Awan, M. S. and Anwar, M. Status of Major Wildlife Species in the Moji Game Reserve, Leepa Valley, Azad Kashmir. PPCZ 19, P 173-174 (1999).
8. Heaven On Earth, Leepa Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. -Countryballs | Azad Kashmir, Heaven on Earth, Beautiful places to travel. Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/heaven-on-earth-leepa-valley-azad-kashmirpakistan-countryballs-469078117443223438/.
9. Details mentioned on pages 4-6 were collected through primary data collection techniques. In this effort, a Brigade Major, a Commanding Officer of a field unit, and a journalist provided details and data, followed by a physical visit by the writer to the identified locations in the paras.
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