The Travel North is focused on capturing and presenting the magnificent scenery of the Northern Areas of Pakistan.
Toli Peer, also called Toli Pir is fondly called the “Roof of Poonch” because of its rather towering presence and compelling scenery. This is a part of the Pir Panjal range and it has some green plateaus, some of the finest valleys one can ever imagine and best of all, the requisite salubrious climate to be more specific a summer prove.
Toli Peer Azad Kashmir is relatively unspoiled by tourism, especially the large-scale one, which is why you can freely enjoy the views. This place is not as famous as Neelum valley or Murree but it is beautiful perfectly located for those who seek peace and at the same time those who are seeking for an adventurous tour.
It wouldn’t be complete for a Toli Peer travel guide without knowing how to get there. Toli Peer can be easily approached from big cities like Islamabad and Rawal Akot.
From Islamabad: Toli Peer is located about 160 kilometers away from Islamabad. It approximately takes 5 to 6 hours by car, though in can also be done as a day trip.
From Rawal Akot: Toli Peer is roughly thirty kilometers from Rawal Akot and one to one and half hours’ drive. In fact, Rawal Akot itself is a beautiful city to reside enjoying the scenic beauty while using it as a gateway to tourists to visit Toli Peer and few others excursions.
The road to Toli Peer is fairly well maintained; however, the last few kilometers are slightly narrower and offer a fair bit of elevation and should be driven with due caution. If you are not sure of driving around the mountains you would need to get a local driver who knows these roads well.
By all standards, Toli Peer is most recommendable during the summer season which is from April to October. During this time the climate is mild with a possibility of rainfall as well as a possibility of very cold weather probably being between 15 degrees and 25 degrees respectively. The herbs at the phenomenally green base are at their best, with the good weather further providing an excellent view of the nearby hills.
The area comes into a glistening white after snowfall of usually 5 inches or more from November to March at Toli Peer. However, the roads towards this hilltop become difficult to travel along due to the formation of a thick layer of snow and ice when cold weather is experienced thus making its tourism sector less busy during this time. Lovers of snow enjoying the freezing weather and the sturdiness that comes with it the winter is also another best time to travel.
While Tolga is generally about natural beauty and serenity, there are several sites and vistas you shouldn’t miss.
The key point, which attracts people in Toli Peer is the top of the mountain, from where opens a magnificent view over the Poonch River and the valleys. It is so beautiful to view especially on a clear day where you see one mountain range proceeding over the other in the background. The peak is ideal for hiking as well as photography but mostly, it is ideal for sitting down to admire the serene view.
The Toli Peer meadows are rolling large spaces of green lands which the visitors can stroll, sit or can even have their meals. These meadows are ideal to pitch a tent, share the beauty of the sky with friends or sleep under the stars; this is the best place to fly kites or play frisbee. Often, in spring and summer, the fields are filled with wild flowers, so the area acquires stunning views.
There is also the Toli Peer Shrine that is found a little further up towards the summit. Local believe that this is the burial place of a popular Sufi saint and many will come here to pray. The area of the shrine is calm and the sights from here are breathtaking.
Nevertheless, even though Banjosa Lake is not at Toli Peer it comes in the list of must visit places. It is situated 20-kilometre drive from Rawal Akot and provides boat riding and picnicking plus dozens of benches to have lunch and a natural scenic lake surrounded by tall pine trees.
Although Toli Peer Azad Kashmir is a destination where one can just relax and take in the natural environment around, there are many things to do.
Toli Peer is a dream of adventurers wishing to hike. There are several hiking trails which lead through the meadows the forests and even to the summit. The hikes are not too steep and difficult, and there are wonderful sights to see at most corners. Nowhere ever can you miss treks; they have beginner ones as well as the advance ones depending on your experience.
It is really wonderful experience to have a camp at Toli Peer. Meadows are perfect places to choose the site for the tent and stay there for the night I the open air. The fact that the place is somewhat isolated, makes camping here a way to really experience nature and not be bothered by noise.
The site of Toli Peer is particularly photogenic, which goes to explain why photography enthusiasts will find the place a perfect back drop. There is a subject to photograph at every corner of the park or during any time of the day; one could capture the sun rising over the mountains or the mist rising off of the valleys, the wildflowers bloom and much more.
If you want a more relaxed visit, then Toli Peer is a great place to go for a picnic with the children or just enjoy an evening in the countryside. Bring some food for the trip, spread out a picnic mat and relax breathing in high altitude mountain air and views.
Currently Toli Peer tourism is still in its youthful stage but for tourists hoping to spend a night or two at the Toli Peer, there are a number of accommodations available.
Noha, there are no many facilities at the peak, majority of the hotels and guesthouses are available in Rawal Akot. Some popular options include:
Mirpur Continental Hotel: This hotel is in Rawal Akot and is known for its well-furnished and clean rooms.
Pearl Continental Rawal Akot: More expensive than the previous one but again, comes with all the mod-cons and very nice views of the mountains.
Toli Peer is a popular destination for camping among the flexible type of tourists who would love to tour the park without many restrictions. Although there are no real official camping grounds, in this case there will be many large meadows where you can camp wherever you want. The visitor should however note that some facilities are limited, and they should carry along their own camping equipment and provisions.
Toli Peer is a little far from the city and has only a few little eatery contacts and roadside bakeries where you can get genuine Kashmiri cuisines including Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, and Kashmiri Chai. But for more restaurant choices Rawal Akot has several restaurants serving, Pakistani and Kashmiri dishes.
To make the most of your trip, here are some useful Toli Peer travel guide tips:
Plan ahead: As there is scarcity of hotels and lodges at the top, one should consider selecting any hotel in Rawal Akot prior to its visit.
Pack appropriately: Toli Peer too is out an out-tourist hemorrhage and therefore one should dress for the unpredictable climate throughout the year including summer. During winter it is recommended that you carry warm coats and shoes for snow.
Respect nature: Toli Peer is a virgin paradise, and it’s nationally irresponsible to litter around. Always try to take your garbage with you wherever you are and do not alter the ecosystem in any way.
Local guides: Although it is not necessary to hire a local guide, it is recommended for anyone who wishes to pay more attention and get a professional recommendation on which trail to take if one wants specific off-tour trails or have extra curiosity about the history and traditions of the country.
The Travel North is focused on capturing and presenting the magnificent scenery of the Northern Areas of Pakistan.