Hattian Bala (Azad Kashmir)

 

Hattian Bala was part of the Baramula district before the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Then it was part of the Muzaffarabad district. In July 2009, it had got status of district. It is located at the distance of 40 km from Muzaffarabad on the bank of the Jhelum River. It is also part of Jhelum valley that is collection of valleys and mountain ranges around the Jhelum River in Azad Kashmir.

Hattian Bala is hilly and mountainous region with few lush green plains in the Jehlum Valley along the Jehlum River. It has boundaries with Muzaffarabad and Bagh district in Azad Kashmir, and with Kupwara and Baramulla districts in India-occupied Jammu & Kashmir. It is connected with roads with Muzaffarabad and Bag district.

Hattain Bala is collection of lush green and beautiful valleys, which attract several tourists each year. In which Leepa, Reshian, Bharyan, Chikkar, and Chinari are famous. These valleys are located around the Jehlum River. Small roads lead toward these valleys from the main road.

Due to sharp ascending structure, the rivers in the Hattian Bala has very fast flow. So these are good for hydroelectric power generation. There are hydroelectric power stations in Leepa, Kathai, and Sharian.

Chinari is a beautiful and attractive hill station in Hattian Bala. It is located on the Jehlum River at a distance of 9 Km from Hattian Bala on Muzaffarabad - Chakothi Road. There is a beautiful waterfall, also known as Kathai Waterfall, along the Kathai Nar. Passage toward Kathai Waterfall is full of lush green fields and trees along the Kathai Nar, which flows in a zigzag way full of scattered stones.

Chakothi village is located on the line of control in Hattian Bala district. It is beautiful village on Muzaffarabad - Chkothi Road on the bank of the Jehlum River. It is the location from where Jehlum River enters in Pakistan territory.

Chikkar is located on Sudhan Gali Road at the distance of 18 Km from Hattian Bala. It is a beautiful mountainous hill station with lush green mountains and meadows. There is beautiful lake, also called Zalzla Lake, that is created by the blockage of the stream due to an earthquake in the area. From the Sudhan Gali Road, you have to trek along the stream to access the Zalzla Lake.

Reshian Gali is located at the distance of 30 km from Hattian Bala. Nulla Qazi Nag flows along the road to Reshian Gali. From Reshian Gali a small road leads toward Leepa Valley on the Line of Control. Reshian Pass is located at 8 Km from the village at the altitude of 10,500 feet.

Leepa is located on the line of control at the distance of 54 km from Hattian Bala. It is arable land with vast fields to produce best and unique quality red rice. It is also famous for apple, cherry, and walnut.

Summer season in Hattian Bala is pleasant but sometimes it is little bit warmth. Temperature in winter season is lower and atmosphere is much better and pleasant. It also receives snowfall in winter season.