LEEPA VALLEY (Kashmir English): Leepa Valley, a beautiful and serene destination in Azad Kashmir known for its unique red rice and refreshing water springs, became a popular tourist attraction after a road was constructed in 2020, with the Pakistan Army playing a key role in promoting tourism and improving accessibility.
Leepa Valley possesses two distinctive features because it contains cool crystal-clear springs which maintain pristine quality and refreshing drinking water. The valley offers visitors joyful relaxation through its natural springs which contribute to its beautiful reputation. Known for its verdant meadows, thick woods, wildlife, shimmering streams, waterfalls, and rich culture and legacy, Leepa Valley is tucked away within the breathtakingly beautiful colossal Himalayan mountains.
This means that a trip to this hidden gem of Kashmir offers you stunning scenery, tranquil villages, an insight into the rich culture of the area, and authentic Kashmiri food and tradition. Only a few people are aware of this tiny village in Kashmir that is near the Line of Control (LoC), where one can witness the Indian and Pakistani Army taking positions for their respective motherlands.
Leepa Valley stands among the most enchanting valleys which exist in both Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. Natural wonder has sustained it since it rests within beautiful agricultural lands covered by green vegetation. Red rice serves as a major agricultural attraction in this part of the region because it flourishes naturally only within Leepa Valley together with Srinagar. The valley is known for its rice terraces, which also produce the rare red rice.
Leepa Valley remained out of reach to most tourists because it lacked appropriate facilities and basic infrastructure for many long years. Visitors faced great challenges on their travels because the region lacked proper roads to this awe-inspiring location.
Leepa Valley Link Road:
In 2020 the construction of a well-built carpeted road linked Muzaffarabad to Leepa Valley for the first time. Better access to the valley eliminated the need for challenging journey conditions which prevented people from appreciating its beauty. The newly built road created new tourism opportunities which enabled numerous people from all over Pakistan to visit the secret paradise.
The Pakistan Army has been fundamental in advancing and building up the tourism sector of Leepa Valley. Due to security measures that the Pakistan Army implements along with their maintenance of infrastructure and facilitation of travel Leepa Valley became a prominent tourist spot. Visitors now flock to Leepa Valley because, in a short period, it has become a prominent destination which enables them to enjoy its stunning nature along with its pleasant climate and traditional farming histories.
Visitation numbers at Leepa Valley continue to increase annually which secures its position as a required tourist spot within Azad Kashmir. Tourism in the valley has blossomed due to better infrastructure improvements along with specific initiatives for tourist development.
