13 enjoyable things in Mirpur Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

enjoyable mirpur kashmir

Mirpur offers a distinctive combination of lake scenery, historic forts, Sufi shrines, engineering landmarks and local food. This guide brings together the best things to do in Mirpur Azad Kashmir, including Mangla Dam, Ramkot Fort, Khari Sharif and the remains of Old Mirpur.

General news about Mirpur Azad Kashmir

By the way, Mirpur Azad Kashmir is called the Manchester of Pakistan, and the actual Manchester of the United Kingdom is called Mini-Mirpur.

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Although the people of Mirpur are friendly and intelligent, the roads are all dug up and many civic services are needed there.

Also, see

Summers temperature is not that enjoyable in Mirpur Kashmir.

Mirpur map is pasted below for your reference

Now let me list down the 13 enjoyable activities and things to do in Mirpur.

Mangla Dam Wall

The Dam wall of Mangla Dam has the best view of the lake water.

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You would have to visit the Mangla Dam Lake site early in the morning to see the rising sun rays bounce off the water.

Access to operational areas of Mangla Dam may require prior authorization. Confirm the latest visitor rules directly through official WAPDA channels before travelling.

Mangla Dam Turbine and Powerhouse

It is very enjoyable watching Turbines spin and water eject from the tunnels of the dam in Mirpur Kashmir.

You need permission from the WAPDA authorities to go into this restricted place.

Mangla Dam water sports site

Do not miss the speed boats, jet skis, Para, and tourist boat ride at Manga Dam water reservoir

Also, the Army managed Mangla Dam water sports site also arranges lunch on the water surface on their barge.

This is the most enjoyable activity in Mirpur Kashmir.

You must inform the Army authorities well in advance to avail of this facility.

Mangla Dam Ramkot Fort

Ramkot Fort rises above Mangla Lake near the historic confluence of the Jhelum and Poonch rivers. Reaching it generally involves a boat journey followed by a short uphill walk. Read our detailed Mangla Dam and Ramkot Fort travel guide, and discover its place among the historic forts of Pakistan.

Fresh Fish from Mangla Dam

There are several fish merchants along the road to Mangla dam. Ensure that the red behind the gills of the fish is fresh pink and not black.

Bong hydropower project

This private hydropower project of 80 MW is interesting for people that have an interest in engineering.

Mirpur City Parks

I think these parks are average size, but interesting for young kids.

  • Asifa Bhutto Park
  • ViewPoint Park
  • Jari Kass Park

Khari Sharif Sufi Shrine

The highlight of Mirpur City is Khari Sharif Ziarat.

Khari Sharif Shrine is the burial place for three reverent figures of the Sufi order

  • Mian Muhamad Bakhsh
  • Pir Shah Ghazi Qalandar
  • Damri Wali Sarkar

I find Mian Muhammad Baksh most impressive because his poetry has lasted to date.

“Buray Banday nu labban turya, par bura labya na koi

Jadd mai andar jhati paye, te mai tu bura na koi”

“I strived to find a bad person, but could not find any

When I looked inside of me, I discovered no one worse than myself.”

Mawan walay mawan kol ro faryad le jawan

Ro ke moeyan manwan waalay aapay chup kar jawan

“The ones with mothers take their sorrows to them

The ones without mothers weep quietly with themselves”

Turr gaye yaar muhabbatan wali, le gye naal he haasay

Dil nye lagda Muhammad baksha, jaeyay kehray paasay

“(My) Loving friends have passed on and taken (my) happiness with them

My heart finds no content Muhammad Baksh! where do I go (now)?”

Adal Karain te thar thar kamban ucchiyan shaana walay

Fazal karain te bakshay jawan mai wargay moo kalay

“When the powerful elite dispenses justice, they shake from fear

When wretched like me dispense favor, they get salvation”

I have become a follower of Mian Muhammad Baksh because of his humanity and humility – not because my in-laws are from the place.

  • Khari Sharif Shrine has the most exquisite glass decoration work I have ever seen in Pakistan.
  • The white marble and elaborate work on the shrine and adjacent mosque is beautiful
  • Try getting there early so that you can beat the rush of worshippers there.
  • You can find excellent tandoori charcoal lunch there, right beside the parking area.
  • Also, the earthen pots and locally made handicrafts are excellent to keep as a collector’s item.

Khari Shareef Mazar is 8 km from Mirpur city.

Old Mirpur city and Shivala Hindu Temple

The construction of Mangla Dam submerged much of Old Mirpur, including historic neighbourhoods and religious buildings. When the reservoir level falls, parts of the old settlement may become visible, including remains locally identified as a Shivala Hindu temple. Its visibility and accessibility depend entirely on the water level, and visitors should not enter the reservoir area without permission.

This submerged heritage forms part of the wider story of historic Hindu temples in Pakistan.

Burjan Fort Mirpur City

Burjun is a town close to Mirpur and has ruins of an old fort. I have yet to find more about it.

Baghsar Fort, Samahni, Bhimber Azad Kashmir

Baghsar Fort stands near Samahni in Bhimber District, close to the Line of Control. As it lies within a sensitive area, visitors should not assume access is permitted. Check current local restrictions and follow the instructions of the authorities.

Mirpur Cricket Stadium

The stadium has beautiful turf, and if you are lucky you get to see some teams play there.

Samwal Sharif Shrine

This white marble shrine looks like the Taj Mahal of Agra India.

Mirpur city has many mosques built where Saints are buried and their colorful appearance is attractive to artistic people.

Mirpur deserves more than a brief stop. Its lake, forts, shrines and submerged heritage tell a story unlike any other city in Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir. Explore more heritage and historic places in Pakistan or browse our complete Explore Pakistan guide.

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