Devi Gali is a small pine-forest village in Poonch district, about 32 km from Rawalakot and roughly 8 km short of Hajira, sitting at around 1,670 metres. It is a stop rather than a destination in its own right: a stretch of grassy ground under dense pine forest, with views down into the Poonch River valley, on the road that runs past Banjosa Lake towards Hajira.
This guide covers where Devi Gali is, what there is to see, and how it fits into a day out from Rawalakot or Banjosa.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Distance from Rawalakot | About 32 km |
| Distance from Banjosa Lake | About 12 km |
| Distance from Hajira | About 8 km |
| Altitude | About 1,670 m |
| What it is | Forest clearing and viewpoint, not a built-up tourist site |
| Facilities | Minimal; no established hotels |
Where is Devi Gali?
Devi Gali lies in Tehsil Hajira, Poonch district, on the road that continues past Banjosa Lake towards Hajira and the Trar Khal road beyond it. From Rawalakot it is about 32 km, and from Banjosa Lake itself only around 12 km further along the same route, which makes it an easy add-on to a Banjosa trip rather than a separate outing.
The site is also known locally as Aamir Hussain Shaheed Gali. Before independence the area held religious significance for Hindu worshippers, and a temple that stood there was destroyed in the early 2000s; nothing of it remains to see today.
What is actually there
Devi Gali is open grassy ground surrounded by dense pine forest, with the trees thinning out enough at the edge of the clearing to give a clear view down into the Poonch River and Mahal Nullah valley below. It is the kind of spot people stop at rather than plan a whole day around: a short walk under the pines, a look at the view, perhaps a packed lunch on the grass.
There is no built attraction here, no fee to pay and nothing to buy on site beyond what a passing food stall might offer in season. That is the appeal for some travellers and the reason others will find it not worth a special trip: bring your own food and water if you want to stop for a while.
How to get there
The road from Rawalakot runs through Banjosa and continues towards Hajira; Devi Gali is a turn off this road onto the Hajira–Trar Khal route. A normal car manages the drive in good weather, and most visitors combine it with a morning or afternoon at Banjosa Lake, since the two are only a short stretch of road apart.
There is no public transport running specifically to Devi Gali. Travellers without their own car generally hire a taxi or car with driver from Rawalakot for a combined Banjosa and Devi Gali outing, or arrange the stop as part of a longer drive towards Hajira.
Is it worth the detour?
If you are already driving out to Banjosa Lake or on towards Hajira, yes: the extra distance is small and the forest clearing is a pleasant, quiet break from the road. If Devi Gali is the only thing on your itinerary, it is a harder case to make, since there is little to occupy more than half an hour once you have taken in the view and walked the clearing.
It suits travellers who want a slower, less commercial stop than Banjosa's boats and tea stalls, and families happy with an open space to let children run rather than a managed attraction.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Devi Gali from Rawalakot?
About 32 km by road, roughly an hour's drive depending on traffic and the state of the road beyond Banjosa.
How far is Devi Gali from Banjosa Lake?
Around 12 km, making it an easy extension to a Banjosa day out rather than a separate trip.
Is there anywhere to stay at Devi Gali?
No established hotels or guesthouses. Most visitors base themselves in Rawalakot or at Banjosa Lake and visit Devi Gali as a stop along the road.
What is there to see at Devi Gali?
A pine-forest clearing with views into the Poonch River valley below. It is a place to pause and walk rather than a site with built attractions.
Is Azad Kashmir safe to visit right now?
Pakistani travellers visit Rawalakot, Banjosa and the surrounding villages every year. As of September 2026 the UK government advises against all travel within 10 miles of the Line of Control and against all but essential travel to the rest of Azad Kashmir, and 2026 brought protests in the region with road closures and internet shutdowns. Check your own government's current advice if you hold a foreign passport, since travelling against it can void insurance, and check local news before setting out regardless.
