Leepa Valley
وادی لیپہ | |
---|---|
![]() Paddy fields in Leepa, 2011 | |
Location within Azad Jammu and Kashmir | |
Coordinates: 34°18′49″N 73°53′53″E / 34.3136°N 73.8981°E | |
Country | Pakistan |
Adm. Unit | Azad Jammu and Kashmir |
District | Hattian Bala |
Languages | |
• Official | Urdu |
• Local | Kashmiri, Pahari-Potwari, Hindko, Gojri |
Time zone | UTC+05:00 (PKT) |
Website | LeepaValley.com |
The Leepa Valley (Urdu: وادی لیپہ) is an arable valley situated in the Hattian Bala District of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. It is located approximately 83 kilometres (52 mi) from the capital city of Muzaffarabad.[1] The valley is divided into the Nowkot, Kasirkot, Dao Khan, Leepa, and Chananian sectors.[2]
Leepa Valley was formerly part of Karnah tehsil of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir. The valley is now part of Jhelum Valley District in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It has been an area of strife among the two neighboring countries.[3][4][5]
The population of Leepa Valley is about 80,000.
Leepa valley is situated 10,000 feet (3,000 m) above sea level. Snowfall occurs regularly throughout the year.[6][7]
Rice and apple fields can be found frequently in the whole valley. The Line of Control, which separates it from Jammu and Kashmir, can be seen from anywhere while standing in the valley from east to west.[8]
The main language which is spoken in the valley is Kashmiri, followed by Pahari-Pothwari and Gojari.