Most of the Azad Kashmir is still undiscovered by the eyes of the publics and tourists mainly because of the very fact that not most of us know about it. Whatever we know today about AJK is through the movies, newspapers and documentaries that try to highlight the beauty of the land but also the fact that it is a territory.
The last earth quake where affected a lot of beautiful places in Pakistan, also affected a major portion of AJK including Bagh, Muzaffarabad and Gardhi Dupatta. The name of Rawalakot and Banjosa Lake were still unknown to me but thanks to my friend who has been trekking for the last 20 years or so and has visited nearly the whole Kashmir. On his persistence one day I found myself packing up my bags and leaving for Banjosa Lake.
Banjosa Lake is located ahead of Rawalakot and is not a known way for most of the people. From Islamabad you have to drive towards Kahuta and once on the road, you have to keep going ahead towards Azad Pattan, the Punjab-AJK border. The Kahota road gives you a breath of fresh air as it is in excellent condition and is covered on both sidesby trees. Once you cross Kahota you watch the hilltops covered with full blooded pine trees crowded with wild olive shrub and appropriately garnished with an overcast sky was a perfect antidote for tired city eyes.
Once you enter Azad Pattan in Azad Jammu and Kashmir through the bridge you find yourself in a totally different world. The river flowing at one side of yours and the road in a not so good condition can take you a few hours before you can reach Rawalakot. Once you reach Rawalakot you are welcomed by the greenery all over the place, thick forest and beautiful landscapes not to mention the few earth quake devasted places as well. Bajosa Lake is ahead of Rawalakot around 17 kms or so. Once you are on the road leading towards Banjosa Lake, you are once again welcomed by fresh air mainly due to thick pine forest; the beautiful landscapes don’t leave your eyes.Banjosa Lake is unlike most of the lakes that are found in Pakistan; it is a man made lake but is surrounded beautifully by the thick forest from all sides. The driving to the lake is not that difficult and you can easily drive your vehicle despite the road conditions notin a very good condition. Situated at a distance of 17 km from Rawalakot, and about 1981meter high above sea level, Banjosa Lake is a wonderful tourist spot – full of scenic beauty. Boating and fishing can be done at Banjosa Lake.
Having visited and seen many lakes of Pakistan, the lake at Banjosa is small but very beautiful. The first sight of the lake can put you in a wonder as it is clean, well maintained and extremely beautiful. I have not seen such beautiful lake in Pakistan ever except in Hollywood teen movies where they show such beautiful lakes. The other thing that can also put you in wonder is very fewer tourists can be seen over there, hardly a few dozen people. It is because of the very fact that not many people know about this lake and hence you don’t find families scared of boys ogling at them. It is a family place and families visit the lake in boats without any worry.
The neat and clean look of lake is because of the efforts been done by the AJK tourism department that cleans the lake every day. The surrounding forest and mountains are must to visit if you are looking for some quiet and serene place with beautiful surroundings. A hike around the area is recommended and will not take you longer but the view from the top is breathtaking. All the things around the area, the lake, the boating and the forest was just picture perfect and looked more like a fantasy. There are a few rest houses available on the lake as well by the AJK PWD and AJK tourism departments which are adding beauty to the lake.
They are beautiful and well maintained and accommodation is available on very reasonable rates ranging from Rs. 600-1500 per night which can be reserved easily from Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot.If you are looking to spend a day off your home to come cool and serene place, then Banjosa Lake may be the next place for you.
