As we left the plains of Punjab behind and approached Azad Kashmir there was sudden change in topography.A high wall like hills became visible on the horizon.
As we passed number of Police and military check points the road started to snail towards the height.Sing board after a short distance indicated Bhimber was straight North while in East was Iftikharabad an important town which was launching point for our attack in 1965 war.
Before sun set I reached Bhimber's main Bus station on 19th Nov.
A co traveler took me to a very impressive Mall cum Hotel.Probably only one of its kind but I was very good with large rooms and massive dinning cum party Halls.
Went up the roof and took photos of the mountain all around.Then went around the small market around the hotel and Bus station.Had dinner in a Restaurant serving tasty white meat and Biryani.
To Choki and back
Next day decided to go further North to Choki crossing a mountain of 4,500 height on top of which was located shrine of a most respected Religious figure of the Area.A visit to this shrine was considered a most by Locals.
As the Hi ace twisted and turned to gain height the scene changed rapidly,soon we reached height from where the view below was fantastic. See photos below.
Finally we reached the Shrine were half the passengers got off.I was cool and pleasant at this spot with alpine trees all around.
From this summit we came down to lower elevations as we moved further towards Choki the last stop for our Hi ace.I was told we were passing very close to the Indian border.The "Line of Control" passing in ziz zaz manner was very confusing at this point. We passed by the Tehsil HO of Marjan and on towards Choki.We reached the end by 2pm. Had a lunch in clean burger and juice joint.Then strolled on the main Bazaar cum road.
I was told that bus for Mirpur other parts of AK start from here.
After an hour walk I took the return Bus to Bhimber and took lot of photos on the way.
Importance of Modern Education
In my talks with co travelers most emphasized importance of Modern education in particular English which is seen a way to good jobs in Europe or Middle East.I was told almost every family have some relative working abroad who send lot of remittance which sustain high standard of living.They claimed that literacy of Bhimber District was 98%.
By sun set reached Bhimber and spent the night quietly read in my room.
Next morning on 21st I started my journey to Mirpur
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