After spending 3 enchanting three days in Nikyal I embarked on my journey to Palandi via Kotli. Finding a bus to Palandri was easy and wait of about an hour we started crossing the Pooch river and gradually up the mountain.
The road deteriorated as we progressed. The point from where the alpine trees started it become worse.However close to Palandri which is district Head Quarter roads became better.It took about 3 hours to reach from Kotli. I was in Palandri by 2pm.
The small town of Palandri resembled UK in terms of coolness,people and landscape.The down town is located on slope of Mountain which rises up on side while the other side is lower.I found a decent hotel next to main bus station.
Later I went up the higher side of mountain.As I gradually moved up the beauty of the place increased and it was difficult to stop so I kept walking up.The view of town below kept changing after twist and turn.
On my way I met and photo graphed smartly dress students from near by good quality English colleges included one sponsored by Abdul Qadir Khan. I also met an elderly gentleman from Wana who was taking refuge in this cool place in a rented house.On my way I found very good quality hotels available at very reasonable rates.
Later my walk through the main Bazaar full of well stuffed whole sale and retail shops indicated strong demand for quality expensive items as well ordinary.Like else where in AK the source of money is huge remittance which the relatives gets from overseas workers.Those having that source demand best quality stuffs while others content with cheaper versions/items.
Beyond the main market road winds down to lower levels.While on this road it started to rain and I enjoyed it a lot as temperature was comfortable.After having a cup of tea as pushed on I was urged to go up the 4,800 mountain near by which was source of small rivers in the Area.However I came back to the hotel.
Palandri at height of about 3000 only, some how has very pleasant atmosphere and can be recommended as holiday retreat during July-August period.Its hotels are much cheaper then over crowded Murrey. I estimate it should not take more then 2.5 hrs to reach this point from Islamabad.Those with own car can stay in very good road side hotel charging as low as Rs 700 per night.
Early in the morning I embarked on my journey to Muzafferabad via Rawalakot. The route took us close to Jhehlum river in the West before turning North East to Rawalakot.
Rawalakot is located at height of about 6,000 ft thus considered a Hill resort.It is a bustling town with impressive market,hotels and educational institutions.
On the road to Muzaffarabad mostly close to Jhelum we passed by the 950Mw Neelum-Jhelum project.Hugely delayed and too expensive which Arab investors have abandoned.China is reportedly came to rescue. Once completed it will bring huge relief to energy starved Pakistanis.Let us pray it is completed soon.
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