Peer Hassimar | A Panoramic Place in Muzaffarabad

Peer Hassimar

When I think of the beauty of Kashmir, many places come to my mind and I want to go explore them. There’s Neelum Valley, Jhelum Valley, Pearl (Rawalakot) Valley, Leepa Valley, and so on. Muzaffarabad is a prominent city with suburbs such as Pir Chinasi and Peer Hassimar.

Peer Hassimar is one such unique location, with its beautiful and fascinating landscape. The place is 10,499 feet (3,200 metres) above sea level. It is accessible via Pir Chinasi, a popular hill station located 40 kilometres (25 miles) East of Muzaffarabad. It takes an hour to travel by metal road. The tourist season lasts from May to September, depending on the weather. It is a cool and serene location, making it ideal for a summer getaway. Hassimar is ideal for nature lovers who enjoy hiking, trekking, and exploring the jungle environment.

Prominence

Muzaffarabad is Azad Kashmir’s multi-ethnic and must-visit city. Jalalabad Garden, Red Fort and Black Fort along the Neelum River connect us to the ancient era. Shrines such as Sain Saheli Sarkar’s, Darbar Shah Inayat Wali, K.H. Khursheed and Maulvi Muhammad Yousaf’s reflect architectural aspects of the city. Hindu temples trace its rich cultural heritage back to the past.

Muzaffarabad’s attractions include Sathra Viewpoint, Domel (the confluence of two rivers, the Neelum and the Jhelum), Lohar Galli, Pir Chinasi and Peer Hassimar.

Whereabouts

There are dense jungles, breathtaking scenery, and, above all, the Shrine of Peer Hassimar. The name, Hassimar, refers to a Sufi saint. Hassimar’s trek begins in Peer Chinasi. The distance between Pir Chinasi and Hassimar ranges from 7 to 16 kilometres. Then it ascends in the East, along the hilly ridges, before turning right and leading to Hassimar. The trek to the top of Hassimar (3,200 metres) takes approximately 6 hours. Tourists can see the panoramic scenery of the surrounding areas from here. LoC is only 15 kilometres ahead of Hassimar to the South-East. Hassimar provides a clear view of Qazi-Nag and other high peaks in Indian-held Kashmir.

Routes

The river Jhelum flows West, while the river Neelum flows North-East of Peer Hassimar. A trail descends to Garhi Dopatta along the Jhelum river. Another route descends to Noseri and Devlian. The trek to Noseri and Devlian takes about 11 hours through dense forest. Tourists can also reach Leepa valley via Hariala village from there.

It is a beautiful and worth visiting area, highly recommended for those trekkers and hikers who want to enjoy the camping. A local tourist guide is essential for a safe and enjoyable journey.

Previously explored tourist destination by the same author Fehmeeda Farid Khan, Neel Fairy Meadows – Haveli Azad Kashmir

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