Tourism

Foreign tourism is almost non-existent in Sub div Samahni due to the close proximity to the line of control. However for the past few years, domestic tourists especially day trippers from nearby cities of Pakistan such as Gujrat, Jhelum, Gujranwala and Mirpur are on the increase. The majority of them tend to restrict themselves to JandiChontra and pirgali only (eastern and western entrances of the valley). While others venture down in the main valley and explore its beauty to full extent. This surge in visitors reaches its peak during the public and national holidays when hundreds of bikers from closer cities head towards the scenic spots of Jandichontra and Pirgali and enjoy a calm and refreshing day out.

Beautiful scenery upon approaching Peer Gali - photograph taken by Gharib Hanif

Detail of the rest houses:
• Jandichontra rest house - (Tourism department)
• Baghsar rest house - (Forest department)
• Samahni rest house - (PWD)
• Chowki rest house - (Forest department)

Only Jandichontra rest house is for the use of tourists, the rest are exclusively for their departmental activities. Jandichontra rest house has recently been upgraded with an entirely new building that houses 4 double size bedrooms and a spacious dining hall.All of these rooms are fully furnished coupled with attached bathroom facilities. A skilled cook is also available for those who prefer the convenience of in house catering.
The current rate for hiring a bedroom for a period of 24 hours is Rs.850 (as of Feb 2010). There are two ways of booking this facility, either by going at the rest house personally or by phoning the office of the tourism department at Mirpur, which will be available soon.

There are also some small but cheap hotels available in the valley for overnight stays. Here we are only providing details of the couple of highly recommended hotels in the valley.

• Green valley ‘hotel & restaurant’
5 bedrooms with attached baths, fully furnished, an exceptionally friendly& professional service.
Address- Green valley hotel & restaurant P.o Samahni, Sub. div Samahni, near Tehsil Head quarter hospital Samahni Azad Kashmir, Tel - 03465129729

• Al sardar ‘hotel & restaurant
3 fully furnished bedrooms with attached bathrooms.
Address-Al sardar hotel& restaurant, main bazaar Chowki, P.o Chowki, Sub division Samahni Azad Kashmir, Tel - 03448845137

• There is a constant traffic police presence both at Jandichontra and at Pirgali. All the travellers are advised to observe traffic rules as much as possible to avoid any unnecessary trouble.
• Never try to engage yourself in any form of racing contest on these winding and mountainous roads as it could result in fatal consequences.
• Visitors should carry their national identity cards at all times to verify their identity if and when asked at various check points.
• Baghsar, though a beautiful location in the Sub division, is somewhat a restricted area due to the army installations, therefore prior permission should be sought from the army officials before embarking upon a journey to this place.
• Some parts of the Sub division are within a very close distance to the line of control. Therefore always ask for advice and directions from the local population if not sure.
• The ideal time to visit the valley is in March & April and then in July, August and September. Since the vegetation and the scenery during these months are at its best, you are more likely to have a memorable trip of the valley.

• And last but not least, show respect to the local environment. Be responsible citizens. Do not throw cigarette butts (jalta howa cigarette) or create lit fires in the jungle. Your single irresponsible act could destroy not only the whole jungle and its habitats. But it could also deprive you and the others from enjoying this God gifted landscape for years to come.

Despite minimal tourism facilities in the Sub div, the day tripping trend continues to grow at an extraordinary rate. This shows the potential Sub div Samahni has for becoming a prime tourist location. Also for a large number of domestic tourists from the nearby cities it could prove an inexpensive and time saving alternative to some of the other tourist resorts of the country. Therefore it is important that the government of Azad Kashmir take much needed steps to promote and facilitate tourism in this neglected but very beautiful part of the state.