01
Haji Pir
Haji Pir is one of the best-known high mountain landscapes associated with Haveli. The pass and surrounding ridges form a dramatic high-altitude environment.
High Pass
Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Haveli
A remote mountain district where deep forests, high passes, waterfalls and traditional Himalayan valleys come together along the western edge of Kashmir.
From the forested slopes around Forward Kahuta to the high landscapes of Haji Pir, Lasdana and Bedori, Haveli is one of the lesser-known mountain regions of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Headquarters
Forward Kahuta
Region
Poonch Division
Area
598 km²
Population
152,124 · 2017
Mountain Kashmir
Where forests climb toward the high passes
Haveli is a district of steep mountains, narrow valleys, forested slopes, high meadows and settlements scattered across the landscape. Its headquarters, Forward Kahuta, sits within a mountainous environment associated with clear streams and Western Himalayan forests.
The district is especially distinctive because of the way its landscapes change with elevation. Lower valleys support villages and agriculture, while higher areas open into coniferous forests, mountain pastures and exposed ridges.
01
District profile
Haveli at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| District | Haveli |
| Administrative region | Azad Jammu & Kashmir |
| Division | Poonch Division |
| Headquarters | Forward Kahuta |
| Area | 598 km² |
| Population | 152,124 — 2017 census |
| District status | Established as a separate district in 2009 |
| Administrative subdivisions | Three tehsils |
| Character | Mountainous, forested and rural |
02
Geography
A landscape shaped by mountains
Steep valleys and ridges
Haveli lies within a strongly mountainous landscape. Valleys are separated by ridges and steep slopes, producing a constantly changing pattern of forests, cultivated land and small settlements.
Roads frequently follow valleys, streams and mountain contours, while routes toward higher passes become more demanding as elevation increases.
The Western Himalayas
The forests around Forward Kahuta include Western Himalayan moist-temperate vegetation, with blue pine, deodar and oak among the characteristic trees.
The combination of forest, altitude and rainfall gives Haveli a distinctly green character during much of the warmer season.
03
Forests
The green heart of Haveli
Deodar
Himalayan cedar contributes to the tall, evergreen character of the mountain forests.
Blue Pine
Blue pine is among the characteristic trees of the moist-temperate forest landscape.
Oak
Oak and dense understory vegetation add to the biodiversity and shade of the forest slopes.
04
District headquarters
Forward Kahuta
Forward Kahuta is the administrative headquarters of Haveli and one of the principal settlements in this remote mountain region.
The surrounding terrain is steep and heavily forested, with valleys cut by streams and small settlements spread across the hillsides.
The wider Forward Kahuta area is particularly attractive for travellers interested in forest landscapes rather than heavily developed resort environments.
Forests · Streams · Mountain Roads District Headquarters
05
Places to explore
The extraordinary landscapes of Haveli
02
Lasdana
Lasdana is a high mountain area known for its open landscapes, cool weather and expansive views across the surrounding ridges and valleys.
Mountain Landscape
03
Bedori
Bedori is among the highest and most dramatic mountain areas of Haveli. Bedori Top is commonly described as the district's highest peak.
High Mountain
04
Neelfairy
Neelfairy, also written Neilferi, is one of the scenic locations associated with Haveli's tourism landscape.
Scenic Area
05
Hillan Waterfall
Hillan Waterfall represents the smaller-scale natural attractions found throughout Haveli's valleys and mountain streams.
Waterfall
06
Sankh Meadows
Sankh Meadows offers a contrast to the forested slopes, opening into highland scenery and grassy mountain landscapes.
Meadow
07
Badori
Badori is another highland destination where the character of Haveli shifts from dense valleys toward more open mountain terrain.
Highland
08
Mahmood Gali
Mahmood Gali is part of Haveli's collection of mountain passes, viewpoints and high-altitude landscapes.
Mountain Pass
09
Kalamula
Kalamula and its surrounding area are associated with waterfalls, mountain valleys and rural landscapes.
Valley · Waterfall
10
Pajja Gali
Pajja Gali is among the local mountain locations identified for visitors exploring the wider Haveli landscape.
Mountain Area
11
Sharu Dhara
Sharu Dhara reflects the spring-and-stream character of the district, where watercourses shape the valleys.
Springs · Valleys
12
Rani Bagh
Rani Bagh is among the additional local destinations associated with Haveli's growing tourism profile.
Local Attraction
06
Water and valleys
Streams running through the mountains
Water is one of the defining elements of Haveli's geography. Mountain streams and nullahs cut through valleys and contribute to the green appearance of the district.
The district's drainage is connected with the wider Poonch river system, with streams such as Betar and Palangi forming important local watercourses.
During wetter periods, waterfalls become particularly noticeable, while in winter higher elevations can experience snow and frozen mountain conditions.
07
High country
From forest valleys to the high ridges
Haji Pir landscape
The Haji Pir area represents the high-pass character of Haveli. Roads and tracks climb away from the valley settlements toward exposed mountain country.
At these elevations, weather can change rapidly, and winter conditions can make travel difficult.
Bedori country
The higher ridges around Bedori give Haveli some of its most dramatic mountain scenery.
The landscape becomes increasingly open as the forests give way to high slopes, ridgelines and mountain-top terrain.
08
Climate
A mountain climate that changes with altitude
Spring
Green slopes, fresh vegetation and
increasingly pleasant mountain weather.
Summer
Cooler mountain conditions than the
lowlands, with June–September often
favourable for travel.
Autumn
Clearer mountain views and changing
forest colours create a quieter landscape.
Winter
Cold conditions and snowfall become more
important at higher elevations.
09
History
A frontier mountain district
Earlier period
Haveli as a mountain sub-region
The area historically formed part of the wider Poonch–Bagh mountain region and developed through scattered settlements, agricultural communities and routes crossing the mountains.
1987
Bagh becomes a separate district
Haveli remained administratively connected with the changing district structure of the surrounding Poonch and Bagh region.
2009
Haveli becomes a district
Haveli was established as a separate district, with Forward Kahuta serving as its headquarters.
Today
A growing tourism identity
The district is increasingly recognised for its highland scenery, forests, waterfalls, passes and relatively undeveloped mountain environment.
10
People and culture
Mountain communities of Haveli
Village Life
Small settlements are distributed across valleys and hillsides, often surrounded by fields, forests and grazing land.
Agriculture & Livestock
Farming and livestock remain important parts of traditional rural life in the mountainous district.
Languages
Pahari and Gujari are prominent spoken languages, while Urdu is widely used for formal communication.
11
Everyday life
Life between fields, forests and mountains
Rural Haveli is shaped by geography. Homes and villages often occupy terraces, plateaus or valley edges where land can be cultivated and access to water is possible.
Livestock, small-scale agriculture, local trade and employment outside the district all contribute to household life.
The mountainous environment also creates a strong relationship between communities and forests, springs, grazing areas and seasonal routes.
12
Tourism
A destination for slow mountain travel
🥾
Hiking
Explore forest tracks, ridges and mountain paths.
🌲
Forest Walks
Experience the Western Himalayan forest environment.
📷
Photography
Capture valleys, forests, waterfalls and high ridges.
🏔️
Mountain Views
Travel toward high passes and open mountain country.
13
Travel
The journey is part of the experience
Mountain roads
Access through Haveli involves steep terrain, winding roads and mountain approaches.
Conditions can vary significantly with weather, particularly in winter and during heavy rainfall.
Travel prepared
- Check road conditions before travelling.
- Carry identification in sensitive border areas.
- Allow extra time for mountain roads.
- Carry water and basic supplies.
- Avoid isolated routes after dark.
14
Conservation
Protecting a fragile mountain environment
Haveli's greatest tourism asset is its natural landscape. The same forests, streams and highland environments that attract visitors are also sensitive to uncontrolled development and waste.
Responsible tourism should therefore focus on keeping valleys clean, protecting forest vegetation, avoiding damage to streams and respecting local communities.
Visitors can help simply by carrying their waste back, avoiding unnecessary disturbance to wildlife and choosing local services where possible.
15
Photography
Photographing Haveli
Early Morning
Mountain light is softer in the morning, often revealing layers of ridges and valleys.
After Rain
Rain can deepen the green of the forests and make waterfalls and streams more dramatic.
High Ridges
High viewpoints around the mountain routes provide wide compositions of ridges, valleys and sky.
“
Haveli is not a landscape of a single famous viewpoint. Its beauty lies in the journey through forests, valleys, streams, villages and high mountain passes.
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MyBook.Pk
Why Haveli stands apart
High Mountains
High ridges and passes give the district a distinctly Himalayan character.
Forests
Forested slopes dominate much of the landscape around Forward Kahuta and the surrounding valleys.
Waterfalls & Streams
Mountain watercourses create waterfalls, springs and green valley environments.
۱۷
اردو
ضلع حویلی — پہاڑوں، جنگلات اور وادیوں کی سرزمین
ضلع حویلی آزاد جموں و کشمیر کے پونچھ ڈویژن کا ایک خوبصورت اور پہاڑی ضلع ہے۔ اس کا ضلعی ہیڈکوارٹر فارورڈ کہوٹہ ہے۔ حویلی کا بیشتر علاقہ بلند پہاڑوں، گھنے جنگلات، وادیوں، چشموں، آبشاروں اور بلند پہاڑی راستوں پر مشتمل ہے۔
حویلی ان علاقوں میں شمار ہوتا ہے جہاں قدرتی ماحول اب بھی نسبتاً کم ترقی یافتہ اور پُرسکون نظر آتا ہے۔ فارورڈ کہوٹہ کے گردونواح میں جنگلاتی پہاڑ، صاف پانی کے نالے اور چھوٹی دیہی آبادیاں اس خطے کی نمایاں خصوصیات ہیں۔
ہاجی پیر، لاسدنا، بیڈوری، نیلفیری، ہلان آبشار، سنکھ میڈوز، بادوری، محمود گلی اور کلامولا سمیت متعدد مقامات حویلی کے قدرتی حسن کو نمایاں کرتے ہیں۔
۱۸
جغرافیہ
پہاڑ، جنگلات اور گہری وادیاں
۰۱
فارورڈ کہوٹہ
فارورڈ کہوٹہ ضلع حویلی کا مرکزی انتظامی شہر اور ضلعی ہیڈکوارٹر ہے۔ اس کے اردگرد بلند اور جنگلات سے ڈھکے ہوئے پہاڑ موجود ہیں۔
۰۲
ہاجی پیر
ہاجی پیر بلند پہاڑی راستوں اور سرحدی پہاڑی جغرافیے کے حوالے سے حویلی کے اہم ترین علاقوں میں شمار ہوتا ہے۔
۰۳
لاسدنا
لاسدنا ایک بلند پہاڑی علاقہ ہے جہاں موسم نسبتاً ٹھنڈا، منظر وسیع اور پہاڑی ماحول نمایاں ہے۔
۰۴
بیڈوری
بیڈوری حویلی کے بلند ترین پہاڑی علاقوں میں سے ایک ہے اور بیڈوری ٹاپ کو ضلع کی بلند ترین چوٹی کے طور پر بیان کیا جاتا ہے۔
۱۹
سیاحت
حویلی میں کیا دیکھا جا سکتا ہے؟
حویلی میں سیاحت کا اصل حسن اس کے قدرتی ماحول میں پوشیدہ ہے۔ یہاں بلند پہاڑ، گھنے جنگلات، آبشاریں، چشمے، سبز وادیاں اور پہاڑی راستے موجود ہیں۔
نیلفیری، ہلان آبشار، سنکھ میڈوز، بادوری، محمود گلی، درہ ہاجی پیر، لاسدنا، شارو دھارا، کلامولا، پجا گلی اور دیگر مقامات قدرتی حسن اور مقامی سیاحت کے لیے اہم ہیں۔
ایسے علاقوں کا سفر کرتے ہوئے موسم، سڑکوں کی حالت اور مقامی ہدایات کو ضرور مدنظر رکھنا چاہیے، خاص طور پر سردیوں اور بلند پہاڑی علاقوں میں۔
۲۰
ثقافت
پہاڑی معاشرہ اور مقامی زندگی
دیہی زندگی
حویلی کے بہت سے دیہات پہاڑی ڈھلوانوں، وادیوں اور چھوٹے میدانوں میں آباد ہیں۔
زراعت
چھوٹے پیمانے کی زراعت اور مویشی پالنا دیہی زندگی کا اہم حصہ ہیں۔
زبانیں
پہاڑی اور گوجری سمیت مقامی زبانیں بولی جاتی ہیں، جبکہ اردو رسمی اور تعلیمی رابطے میں اہم ہے۔
۲۱
موسم
بلندی کے ساتھ بدلتا ہوا موسم
بہار
پہاڑی ڈھلوانیں سرسبز ہونے لگتی ہیں اور
موسم خوشگوار ہو جاتا ہے۔
گرمی
بلند علاقوں میں موسم نسبتاً ٹھنڈا رہتا ہے
اور سیاحت کے لیے موزوں دن آتے ہیں۔
خزاں
صاف آسمان اور بدلتے ہوئے جنگلاتی رنگ
پہاڑی مناظر کو خوبصورت بناتے ہیں۔
سردی
بلند علاقوں میں شدید سردی اور برفباری
کا امکان بڑھ جاتا ہے۔
۲۲
تحفظ
قدرتی حسن کی حفاظت
حویلی کا سب سے قیمتی اثاثہ اس کا قدرتی ماحول ہے۔ جنگلات، چشمے، آبشاریں، پہاڑی چراگاہیں اور وادیاں اس علاقے کی اصل شناخت ہیں۔
سیاحوں کو چاہیے کہ وہ قدرتی مقامات پر کچرا نہ چھوڑیں، پانی کے ذرائع کو آلودہ نہ کریں، جنگلات کو نقصان نہ پہنچائیں اور مقامی آبادی کے رسم و رواج کا احترام کریں۔
ذمہ دار سیاحت ہی حویلی کے خوبصورت پہاڑی ماحول کو آنے والی نسلوں کے لیے محفوظ رکھ سکتی ہے۔
Haveli is a journey through the mountains
Beyond the famous names, the real character of Haveli is found in its forests, village roads, mountain streams, high ridges and the quiet valleys between them.