Source: Graana.com
When it comes to natural beauty full of vibrant colours and scenic views, Pakistan has plenty of it. All the way from the majestic mountains of the Karakorum to the breathtaking ocean views of the Arabian Sea, Pakistan boasts some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
Among the natural wonders, Lakes has established a prominent place as one of the most visited destinations, attracting thousands of visitors nationwide. Lakes are particularly popular because they provide a calm and safe environment for visitors.
They not only provide the opportunity to indulge in water-related activities such as fishing and boating but also provide abundant space where people can camp and enjoy a bonfire. Pakistan is fortunate to have numerous large and small lakes scattered throughout its mountainous regions. These lakes add to the natural wonders of this region and provide a boost to the tourism sector.
Graana.com has gathered everything you need to know about Banjosa Lake below.
Among some of the most scenic lakes, Banjosa Lake has firmly established itself as one of the top contenders. While it is not a naturally formed lake, it still looks and feels like one because of its picturesque views and thick forest.
The man-made or artificial lake provides a captivating destination for visitors from the neighbouring cities of Islamabad and Lahore. Because of its growing popularity, it hosts several tourist resorts and hotels to cater to the constant flow of tourists and visitors.
The lake provides boating facilities, a popular recreational activity in the area. The location is ideal for a weekend family trip.
Banjosa Lake is located near Rawalakot in Azad Kashmir. It is a 40-minute drive from the central Rawalakot city. It’s a hilly area with plenty of vegetation and pine trees, making it a dense forest during the summer months when all the surrounding hills turn green. It’s a sight that captures the essence of nature’s beauty and offers a soothing break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Banjosa Lake is at a convenient distance of 130 kilometres from Islamabad. It is accessible via the main Rawalakot road. The drive from Islamabad to the lake is full of scenic views, so you are never bored. Depending on where you start your journey in Islamabad and the traffic conditions, it could take up to 4 hours to get to the lake.
If you are looking for a day trip, start to journey early in the morning so you get plenty of time to enjoy the lake views. Along the way, you can stop at multiple locations to get something to eat or to take a quick photograph.
You don’t have to worry too much about supplies since there are plenty of markets and gas stations along the way, and you can always make a quick trip to Rawalakot city if you miss anything.
Because of its high elevation, the weather in the area remains cool throughout the year. In summer, the area tends to get hot, but it is still cooler by about 4 to 5 degrees compared to neighbouring cities such as Islamabad.
The nights are particularly pleasant and tend to get chilly after rainfall. The area gets a lot of rain during the monsoon season, so it is advisable to plan accordingly. During the peak summer months of July and August, the temperature tends to waver between 18 and 30 degrees. It is significantly cooler than the surrounding cities, making it an ideal location for an escape from the summer heat.
In winter, the temperature falls below 0 degrees, especially during the month of January. The lake completely freezes during the winter and turns into a winter playground. Snowfall during the months of December and January is common. Therefore, the location is also ideal for people who wish to experience snowfall. Overall, the weather in the area remains pleasant throughout the year.
For those looking to stay at Banjosa Lake, the area provides plenty of accommodation options for different budget categories. You can find hotels, huts, resorts, and camps in the area. The lake hosts plenty of beautiful resorts that provide accommodation at affordable rates.
Many of these resorts are family-friendly, with plenty of spacious rooms and lounges. Some of the hotels have rooms that only come with basic facilities like desks and chairs, while others provide more facilities such as TV, air conditioning, and mini fridge.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing family getaway or an affordable retreat in the midst of nature, these hotels and guest houses provide a delightful and budget-friendly option for your stay near Banjosa Lake.
Here are some of the most popular hotels and resorts at the Banjosa Lake,
| Hotel Name | Facilities | Price Range |
| AJK Tourism Guest House
| Parking, Dining Room, Kitchen, Lounge | 2,500 to 5,000 per day |
| Roshni Heights Hotel & Guest House | Parking, Visitors Lounge, TV, Executive Rooms | 3,000 to 10,000 per day |
| Public Works Department Guest House Banjosa Lake | Parking, TV, Visitors Lounge, Outdoor Sitting Area | 3,000 to 5,000 per day |
| Kashmir Banjosa View Guest House | Parking, Visitors Lounge, Outdoor Barbeque Area | 3,000 to 5,000 per day |
| Heaven Dreams Banjosa Guest House | Parking, Laundry, Room Service, Restaurant, Visitors Lounge, TV, Air-Conditioned Room, Free Wi-Fi | 5,000 to 25,000 per day |
| Banjosa Inn Guest House | Parking, Free Wi-Fi, Complimentary Breakfast, Laundry, Housekeeping | 4,000 to 9,000 per day |
| Shalimar Hotel and Restaurant Banjosa Lake | Parking, Free Wifi, Laundry, Restaurant, Housekeeping | 20,000 to 30,000 per day |
| Dream Valley Resort Rawalakot | Parking, Room Service, Restaurant, Complimentary Breakfast, Visitors Lounge, Laundry | 6,000 to 14,000 per day |
If you are unable to find affordable accommodation in the surrounding lake area, then you can always find accommodation in Rawalakot City. There are also plenty of accommodation options on the way between Rawalakot and Banjosa Lake.
Banjosa Lake presents an opportunity to escape the mundane and immerse oneself in nature. Here are some of the things that you can do at the lake,
It is a perfect place for a family picnic where you can find plenty of space to sit, relax, and have a family lunch while taking in all the stunning views of the valley.
It is recommended to bring along outdoor games like a frisbee or a soccer ball to add an extra layer of fun to your picnic, ensuring that everyone, from young children to grandparents, has a delightful time.
If you stay the night, it is recommended to try the barbeque. The evening temperatures and the night views make it a perfect occasion for a barbeque with your friends and family. You can either try barbeque at one of the hotels and resorts, or you can bring your own equipment.
Boating on the lake is a great way to get closer to nature and view the lake from different viewpoints. You can easily rent a boat at the lake which will then take you on a quick tour.
Banjosa Lake is an artificial lake located in Rawalakot, a town in the Poonch district of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan..
You can reach Banjosa Lake by road from Islamabad or Rawalpindi, which is approximately a 3-4 hour drive. There are also local buses and taxis available for transportation.
Visitors can enjoy boating, picnicking, and hiking around the lake. There are also facilities for water sports, including jet skiing and paddle boating.
Yes, there are various hotels, guesthouses, and resorts in Rawalakot where visitors can stay. Some of them offer beautiful views of Banjosa Lake.
Yes, there are several trekking trails in the surrounding areas, including the Banjosa Top Trek and the Toli Pir Trek, which offer breathtaking views of the region.
Yes, fishing is allowed in the lake, and it is a popular activity among tourists. You can catch various types of fish, including trout and mahseer.
The best time to visit Banjosa Lake is during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is pleasant and the surroundings are lush green.
Yes, there are several restaurants and eateries near the lake where you can enjoy local cuisine and refreshments.
Yes, Banjosa Lake is a popular destination for families, offering a serene environment and various recreational activities for both adults and children.
As of my last update, there may be a nominal entry fee for visitors to the lake. It’s advisable to check for the latest entry fees when planning your visit.
If you want to know more about lakes in Pakistan, follow the Graana blog.
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