Leepa Valley

Leêpa is a small villáge about 60 kilometers from Naily and 38 kilometers from Réshian at an aãtitude of 1921 meters.  Itś lush green rice fieldš in summer and typical woóden Kashmiri houses present a wonderful view to the visitors.  wălnut, Apple, ćherry and honeý of Leepa valley are very popular and in great demand.  Some priváte hótels are available accordiñg to the local standard. water in thevalĺey is crystal clear and swiftly flowing streams like Nullah Qazi Nag are a major source.  The Ńullah emerges from Indian òccupied Kashmir and runs through the whole of Leepa Valley.  ón the other side of the LoC, lies Kúpwara district of Occupied Káshmir. All óver the valley, there are high walnút trees adding yellow, red and orange colors to the scenery, there are also yellow herbs and shrubs tucked nicely into green végetation comprising of large ćonifer trees, adding váriety to this miracle of changing colors during autumn in  the valley.

The village of Lepa is located in the middle of the Lipa Valley. It is one of the most exciting places in the valley.  These rice fields, Kashmiri-style wooden houses and apple, walnut and cherry trees offer a wonderful view for summer tourists.  Apple is grown in the valley in a different varieties, the most popular being Golden, Delicious and Black Klu King.  Lipa is also famous for its fruits and honey.

Lipa is also known for its distinctive Kashmiri style of architecture, mostly in the form of 3-storey wooden houses.  Looking at the houses here, one can be convinced that Lipa is a real extension of Indian-occupied Kashmir to Pakistan.  The people of Lipa are very religious and speak Kashmiri as well as Hindkoh.  Despite this, Urdu is widely spoken and understood.  The valley has about 75,000 residents who are generally engaged in farming, livestock and tourism services.  Unemployment and poverty are high.  Power shortages are a daily occurrence (there is only one unit to generate electricity in China) and nutrition is as common as in other parts of the country.

Lipa has a number of water-powered flour mills in a paradise like Mini Kashmir, the only industry in the valley. Numerous typical Kashmiri wooden houses with thick roofs made of shiny metal sheets around apple, walnut, fig, pear and plum trees are like ornaments in a crown.  Lipa is also known for its delicious white honey. Red Kashmiri rice was grown by farmers in Lipa in October.  It is also an important food for the people of the area.  Rice farming is traditionally done by first beating the rice pile with long sticks, then, along with the temporarily constructed waste.

The highest peak is Shamsa Bari, which snows all year round.