The Leepa Valley is a large arable valley in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir region of Pakistan. It is located 83 kilometres from Muzaffarabad. It is divided into several sectors: Nowkot, Kasirkot, Dao Khan, Channian and Leepa.
Medicinal plants
The study aims to identify the medicinal plants of the Leepa valley. The region is characterized by a wide range of medicinal plants. These plants are native to the region and are used by local communities for medicinal purposes. It was performed with the help of ethnobotanical data collected from local people and herbalists. The reported plants were grouped into four main families: Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Fabaceae, and Lamiaceae. Among these, the Asteraceae and the Rosaceae were the most common families. The most common parts of the plants reported were leaves, roots, fruits, and flowers.
The study area contained 121 different plant species that were used for medicinal purposes. Of these, the most commonly used parts were the roots, leaves, and flower 3. The main ailments treated included gastrointestinal disorders, diuretic, and general body weakness. Among the plant species, Seriphidium kurramense and Artemisia absinthium were the most commonly used. In terms of phytochemical content, Seriphidium kurramense had the highest UVI and the lowest Consensus index.
The study area’s floral diversity is quite impressive. A previous study reported that there are 47 plant families and 88 species, representing a diverse range of climates. The floristic richness varies with altitude, indicating a range of habitats from subtropical to alpine. Sixty-eight percent of the plants studied are used medicinally.
Rice fields
The cascade terraced rice fields of Leepa valley are one of the most breathtaking places in Azaad Kashmir. The area is also famous for its honey production. The rice fields are surrounded by mountains that are covered with long pine trees, conifer trees, and other plants. These trees are particularly beautiful during the winter season.
The village of Leepa lies at an altitude of 1921 meters and is the heart of the Leepa Valley. This picturesque location is also home to quaint traditional wooden houses in the traditional Kashmiri style. There are even apple trees and honey productions in the area. The area is home to many farms and is a great place to visit.
Naukot is located in the Leepa Valley and is the ancestral home town of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. The valley is accessible through Reshian and Dao Khan and is approximately 105 kilometers from Muzaffarabad. The area is frequently snow-covered during the winter season.
The valley is also known for its white honey and multistoried Kashmiri timber houses. In addition, it is home to some of the highest peaks in the country.
Peaceful atmosphere
The Leepa valley is a picturesque valley in Jammu and Kashmir. It is known as mini Kashmir and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lakes. The surrounding landscape is breathtaking and the atmosphere is peaceful and serene. The valley also experiences heavy snowfall during winters. In November and December, it is completely engulfed with snow. The temperatures can even drop below zero degrees in some parts of the valley.
The Leepa valley is a popular tourist spot due to its unspoilt natural beauty and quiet atmosphere. The valley is accessible through an unpaved road. There are several hotels and restaurants in the valley where you can enjoy Pakistani cuisine. You can also find a good shopping experience here, with many shops and markets spread throughout the valley.
Azad Kashmir is one of the most scenic areas in Pakistan, and the Leepa valley is a must visit. This beautiful valley is about 83 km away from Muzaffarabad. It is divided into five sectors and is best visited between May and November.
Roads
Several vehicles got stuck at the road in Leepa valley, stranding over 50 people. Rescue efforts were launched and the army aided the process. About 20 people were evacuated to Reshian, while the rest stayed in the Leepa valley. The deputy commissioner of the valley said the roads could be cleared only after rains stop. People were asked to avoid travelling from Reshian to Leepa, and to use alternative routes.
The Leepa valley contains several villages, some of which are notable for their beauty. One of the most beautiful villages is Dao khan, which is 75 km from Muzzafarabad. It is notable for its green rice fields in the summer. The town also has typical wooden houses. The Leepa valley’s unpaved roads may be difficult to drive, but the district management has made designated areas for outsiders.
From the city of Muzaffarabad, the Leepa Valley can be reached via three routes. One of the routes is the Defence Road, which meets the valley at Hanjna. Another route passes through Barthwar Gali and Bali Camp. The road has several u-turns, and locals report 72-degree gradients. Jeeps are the only means of transport in the valley.
Languages
The Leepa Valley is home to over 80,000 people who speak several different languages. The predominant languages are Kashmiri, Pahari-Pothwari, and Gojari. The valley is surrounded by lush forests and mountains and is an incredibly scenic area. It’s also home to many thriving small businesses and an unmatched sense of hospitality.
Leepa is a particularly religious valley, and people here are very religious. Most people speak Kashmiri and Hindkoh, but there are also large groups of people who speak Urdu. There are approximately 35000 people in the valley, and the majority of them live in poverty.
Leepa is a scenic valley located in Azad Kashmir. It is about 95 KM east of Muzaffarabad. It is home to several different languages, including Sanskrit. It is the seat of Sanskrit learning in the region, and it has produced some of the region’s most famous master pieces of history, poetry, romance, and philosophy.
Languages in the Leepa valley include Hindko, Kashi, and Kundal Shahi. All of the villages in the valley have at least one resident who speaks one of these languages. The languages are still in transition, and this process is ongoing. The languages are inactive in emerging domains, and the language is losing vocabulary items. Some of the oldest words, recorded from elderly speakers in 2002, are no longer used by fluent speakers.
Location
The Leepa Valley is an arable valley located in the Hattian Bala District of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. It is 83 kilometers from the city of Muzaffarabad. It is divided into sectors: Nowkot, Kasirkot, Dao Khan, Leepa, and Channian.
The valley has three routes leading to it: the Defence Road from Muzaffarabad, which meets the valley at Hanjna, and the Barthwar and Bali Camp. The journey takes about three hours and there are around 400 jeeps that ply this road every day. The valley’s highest pass is Panjal Gali, at over ten thousand feet.
Naukot lies at a height of 2,133 metres (6,998 feet). It is the ancestral home town of the former prime minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. The valley is easily accessible through Reshian and Dao Khan. It is located 105 km away from Muzaffarabad along the Line of Control and is snow-capped all year round.
In the spring, the valley is dotted with hundreds of yellow chinar trees. In fall, the trees take on a crimson hue and create an unmatched landscape. In addition, the valley’s alpine meadows are home to shepherds and grazing herds. It is one of the most picturesque and charming places in Asia.
