Located in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, Banjosa Lake is a beautiful manmade lake with lush green pinewood trees and calm water.
This great lake, with an elevation of around 1981m above sea level, is peaceful and has a serene environment.
It is favoured by tourists who fancy the mountains, adventure lovers, and tranquillity.
This guide touches Banjosa Lake regarding location, weather, where to sleep, and which way to go. It does not matter if you plan a weekend or a family trip; this beautiful lake would be a perfect choice.
Location:
Banjosa, Poonch district, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
Altitude:
1,981 meters above sea level
Banjosa Lake Distance from Islamabad:
Approximately 160 kilometers
Type:
Artificial Lake
Key Attractions:
Sailing, walking, having a meal in a park, watching animals
Banjosa Lake Weather:
The weather at Banjosa Lake varies in every season of the year, which makes it attractive to tourists.
Banjosa Lake Kashmir is in the Poonch District of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, which is 20km away by road from Rawalakot.
The lake is found at an altitude of 1,981 meters and is bordered by thick pine forests and hilly landscapes, which enhances the possibilities of making the place the best holiday spot for people from the busy world.
Here, the visitor can peacefully rest next to the mountains of Kashmir, which are famous and beloved by nature lovers, and at the same time comfortably use the services and facilities that can be easily reached.
This makes it easily reachable from Rawalakot
Banjosa Lake is best for tourists, depending on the kind of experience they would wish to have.
If you are searching for a better climate and green grass in your footsteps, then ‘May to September’ is no doubt a good time.
The summer is a good time for outdoor activities; the region around the lake is ideal for hiking, boating, and having a leisurely picnic.
For those who want to see Banjosa Lake off-season, “December to February” will be a different experience.
The views are picturesque, especially when the mountains are covered with snow; however, visitors should expect low temperatures and sometimes even hazardous drives.
As the name shows, Banjosa Lake is a natural lure for tourists owing to its unspoiled beauty.
The lake is surrounded by intense pine plantations and slightly rising topographies, which make it a natural paradise for bird lovers.
Wildlife in and around the lake is evident, and bird lovers get to see several birds, including sparrows, crows, and other migratory birds that can be seen all year
but are most prominent in winter you can see.
Although fishing is the major attraction for tourists visiting Banjosa Lake, there are several resorts and other lodges for those willing to stay there for one night or two. Following is the list of them:
From Islamabad:
Among all the most famous routes is Murree – Kohala Bridge – Rawalakot. This route is approximately 160 kilometres, though the time required to travel this distance is approximately 4-5 hours.
From Lahore:
The driveway between Lahore and Banjosa Lake is about 350km. It may take approximately 7 to 8 hours if the traveller passes through Islamabad and then Rawalakot.
From Muzaffarabad:
Muzaffarabad is around eighty kilometres from Banjosa Lake, which is a 3 to 4-hour drive from Muzaffarabad by car.
Plan:
It must also be noted that before you travel to the mountains, you should know the climate, as the roads can be closed during the winter season because of the snow.
Pack Warm Clothes:
The evenings are cold, especially in the highlands, so one is advised to pack for wet and warm clothing even during a summer holiday.
Book Accommodations Early:
During holidays and festive seasons, many people troop to this site; hence, you should book a hotel early in advance.
Bring a Picnic:
There are some local restaurants around the lake, but it is even better to cook your food and spend a nice time on the Trying out the local food is another good idea, but it can be even more exciting to cook picnic food and enjoy the meal by the lake.
Explore Nearby Areas:
It doesn’t just have to be the lake. You should visit Toli Pir to see its view and visit Rawalakot.
Banjosa Lake is an amazing place to visit as it offers a combination of rejuvenation, adventures, and comfort.
Azad Kashmir has it all in this beautiful spot if you’re up for a peaceful weekend by the waterside or a hiking or trekking trip through the woods or the hills.
This site, which can easily be accessed from cities like Islamabad and Rawalakot, is a must for anyone who wants to get a feel of this part of Pakistan from where one can look forward to a natural and peaceful holiday.
The Travel North is focused on capturing and presenting the magnificent scenery of the Northern Areas of Pakistan.
