Journey from TOLIPIR to Rawalpindi via Rawalakot 10 June 2025 Jayeral and MECHSTANG

Location & Topography
• Tolipir is a high‐elevation hilltop / plateau‐like area in Rawalakot Tehsil, in the Poonch District of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. 
• Its elevation is about 8,600 to 9,000 feet (≈ 2,600-2,750 meters) above sea level. 
• The region is part of the western Himalayan mountain range system. The Tolipir hilltop is the origin of three mountain ridges. 
• Terrain: grassy meadows and slopes, interspersed with forested ridges (pine, oak etc.), panoramic valleys, occasional rocky outcrops. 

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Route from Rawalpindi

Here is a probable route and travel plan if starting from Rawalpindi / Islamabad to reach Tolipir:
1. Rawalpindi → Rawalakot
• The driving distance from Rawalpindi to Rawalakot is about 105-110 km by road, depending on route. 
• Time required is typically 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions, traffic, and your exact starting point. 
2. Rawalakot → Tolipir
• From Rawalakot, it is about 30 km to Tolipir. 
• Drive time from Rawalakot to Tolipir is roughly 1-2 hours, depending on road conditions and whether the vehicle can negotiate steep or rough mountain roads. 
3. Overall
• So in total, expect somewhere between 3.5 to 6 hours from Rawalpindi / Islamabad to Tolipir, if conditions are favourable.
4. Suggested route
• Rawalpindi → via Murree / Bhurban area → entering Kashmir → proceed to Rawalakot → then ascend to Tolipir.
• Note: some routes may use Rawalakot Road or via Azad Pattan etc. The choice depends on what roads are open and their condition. 
5. Road conditions / cautions
• The mountain roads can be narrow, winding, and possibly affected by weather (rain, snow, landslides).
• In winter heavy snow can block access; in monsoon periods roads may be slippery or risk landslides. 

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Best Season to Visit
• Summer / Late Spring through Early Autumn (roughly April to September) is the best time to visit. The weather is pleasant, meadows and grasslands are lush and green, visibility is good. 
• Peak beauty is often said to be May-June and then again August, when greenery, mild temperatures, and fewer harsh weather conditions. 
• Winter (October through March): very cold, often snow, roads may be blocked. If you go then, you need to be prepared for winter conditions. 

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Nearby Attractions

If you’re visiting Tolipir, there are a few other places you might also want to include:
• Rawalakot itself (the “Pearl Valley”) — a good base, several guest houses, restaurants. 
• Banjosa Lake — scenic lake, relaxing environment. 
• Tatta Pani — hot springs, flowing into Poonch River. 
• Views of Abbaspur, Bagh, and the Poonch River valley from Tolipir top. 
• The old Mazar (shrine) at the highest hilltop of Tolipir.

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