Bhimber - Baab-e-Kashmir (Azad Kashmir)

 

Bhimber, also known as Baab-e-Kashmir, is situated at the distance of 50 km from Mirpur on the border between Azad Kashmir and Punjab. It was historically on the location on the route that was followed by the Mughals to visit the Kashmir Valley. It was got the status of district in 1996.

It is connected with Mirpur, Kotli, and Gujrat district in Pakistan. It is also connected with Rajouri and Jammu districts in the Indian-occupied Jammu & Kashmir.

Baghsar Fort is an historical fort in Baghsar village in Samahni Valley on the Line of Control. It was built by the Mughal rulers. It is an attractive and beautiful fort in the lush green meadows on the hill. It has a four story structure of granite. It is a large size fort with a hall, a water pond, and forty three rooms inside the boundary wall. It is not fully available to visitors due the proximity with the Line of Control between Pakistan and India. Another importance of this fort is burial place of entrails of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who was on his way to Lahore from Kashmir and died between Rajouri and Bhimber. His body was sent to Lahore later where he was buried near the bank of River Ravi, place is known as Tomb of Jahangir.

Baghsar Lake is situated at the elevation of 975 meters above the sea level in Samahni Valley. It is a famous tourist point and good for one-day trip. The beauty of the lake is the water lilies and the surrounding hills covered with pine trees and lily flowers. It is also a place for migratory birds such as geese and ducks. So visitors can have chance to observe these birds on the lake.

Jandi Chontra is a small village with attractive panoramic views in the Bhimber district. It is located at the distance of 17 km from Bhimber city and good place for tourists. The Shrine of Baba Shadi Shaheed is also situated in this town. He is a Sufi saint during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Babur. He was a wise man and was appointed to treat the Emperor Babur. Babur offered his daughter to marry as a reward. In the times of Akbar, he was died and buried in Jandi Chontra. Now this shrine is famous for the couples without child. They have belief they will bear child after praying on his shrine.

Bandala valley is located in Bhimber Valley along the River Tawi at the distance of 28 km. It is situated between the Reech Pahari and the Baghsar mountain. It is valley with number of streams, waterfalls, and ponds. These ponds are famous for fishing as well as for swimming. It is also a fertile land to produce different crops such as wheat and corn. Bandala valley is also famous to observe various wildlife such as leopards, jackals, and hyenas, as well as number of beautiful and colorful birds such as peacocks, falcons, eagles, and quails.

The weather condition of Bhimber is hot and dry in the summer season but has beautiful scenic views due to the surrounding Kashmir hills. In winter season, weather is much pleasant due to snow-capped hills in Jammu & Kashmir.