Poonch is a border district in the Jammu Division of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with Poonch town as its administrative headquarters. Located along the Pir Panjal range, the district is known for mountain valleys, waterfalls, alpine lakes, historic monuments and the famous Mughal Road connecting the Poonch-Rajouri region with the Kashmir Valley. The present district came into existence in 1967. It covers about 1,674 sq. km and had a population of 4,76,835 according to Census 2011 figures used by the district administration.
Quick Overview of Poonch District
| Particular | Details |
| Union Territory | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Administrative Division | Jammu Division |
| District Headquarters | Poonch |
| Present District Formation | 1967 |
| Area | 1,674 sq. km |
| Population | 4,76,835 |
| Literacy Rate | 66.74% |
| Sub-Divisions | 2 |
| Tehsils | 6 |
| Development Blocks | 11 |
| Gram Panchayats | 228 |
| Villages | 178 |
| Municipalities | 2 |
| Main Court | Principal District and Sessions Court, Poonch |
| Railway Station in District | None |
| Nearest Major Railway Station | Jammu Tawi |
| Railway Station Code | JAT |
| Main Poonch PIN Code | 185101 |
| Nearest Airports | Srinagar and Jammu |
| Official District Website | poonch.nic.in |
The latest official district profile lists two subdivisions, six tehsils, 11 blocks, 228 Gram Panchayats, 178 villages and two municipalities.
Location of Poonch District
Poonch lies in the western part of Jammu and Kashmir on the southern slopes of the Pir Panjal range. The district is a mountainous border region and has extensive forests, valleys, streams and high-altitude meadows.
Poonch town is around 240 km from Jammu by road. The journey generally takes considerably longer than a similar distance in the plains because much of the route passes through hilly terrain.
The historic Mughal Road provides an alternative connection towards Shopian and the Kashmir Valley. The section from Buffliaz towards Shopian passes through scenic places such as Behramgala, Chandimarh and Peer Ki Gali.
Agriculture remains important, although much of the cultivated area depends on rainfall. The local climate varies from subtropical conditions in lower areas to temperate conditions at higher elevations.
Administration of Poonch District
Poonch town is the district administrative headquarters.
The district has two subdivisions:
- Mendhar
- Surankote
There are six tehsils:
- Haveli
- Mandi
- Surankote
- Mendhar
- Mankote
- Balakote
The official district records also list 11 development blocks:
- Poonch
- Nangali Sahib Sain Baba
- Mandi
- Loran
- Sathra
- Surankote
- Lassana
- Buffliaz
- Mendhar
- Mankote
- Balakote
These blocks together contain 228 Gram Panchayats.
Municipalities
Poonch district has two urban local bodies:
- Municipal Council, Poonch
- Municipal Committee, Surankote
The Municipal Council office at Poonch is located near Guru Nanak Dev Ji Children Park, while the Surankote Municipal Committee operates near TCP Chowk.
Poonch District Court
The principal judicial establishment is the Principal District and Sessions Court, Poonch.
The district judicial system includes the Principal District and Sessions Court, Additional District and Sessions Court, Chief Judicial Magistrate and other subordinate courts. Judicial establishments also operate at Surankote and Mendhar.
Citizens can use the official eCourts system to check:
- Case status
- CNR details
- Hearing dates
- Cause lists
- Court orders
Poonch is listed as a separate district judiciary on the official eCourts portal.
District Court Location
The main judicial establishment is located at:
District Court Complex, Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir – 185101
Government records identify the District Court Complex within Poonch town, and current court listings confirm that the Principal District and Sessions Court functions from this complex.
The complex can be reached from central Poonch by local taxi, autorickshaw or private vehicle.
Railway Station in Poonch District
Poonch district currently does not have a railway station or direct railway connectivity. The district administration clearly states that Poonch is connected with the rest of the region mainly by road.
The nearest practical major railhead is:
Jammu Tawi Railway Station
Station Code: JAT
Jammu Tawi is approximately 240 km from Poonch. Indian Railways lists Jammu Tawi with station code JAT under Northern Railway.
Jammu Tawi Railway Station Location
Jammu Tawi Railway Station is located in Trikuta Nagar Extension, Jammu, outside Poonch district.
Northern Railway identifies Jammu as the main rail gateway for places including Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur and other parts of the Jammu region.
After arriving at Jammu Tawi, travellers must continue to Poonch by road.
Road Connectivity
Road transport is the main way to reach Poonch.
Regular road connections are available towards:
- Jammu
- Rajouri
- Mendhar
- Surankote
- Mandi
- Srinagar via Mughal Road
The district administration states that buses and other passenger vehicles operate between Jammu and Poonch, with the journey often taking around six to seven hours.
The Mughal Road provides a shorter link towards Kashmir Valley, but high-altitude weather around Peer Ki Gali can affect traffic. In 2026, the road experienced temporary closures after snowfall, so travellers should check current traffic advisories before using it.
Nearest Airport to Poonch
Poonch does not have a commercial airport.
The district administration lists:
- Srinagar Airport – about 210 km
- Jammu Airport – about 240 km
Srinagar can be closer when the Mughal Road route is open, while Jammu is often convenient for travellers combining air or rail travel with the onward road journey to Poonch.
Poonch Pin Code
The main PIN code of Poonch town is 185101.
India Post officially lists:
Poonch Post Office – 185101.
Other important postal codes include:
- Mandi – 185102
- Mendhar area – 185211
- Surankote area – 185121
Therefore, 185101 should not be used for every address in Poonch district.
Major Tourist Places in Poonch District
Poonch Fort
Poonch Fort is one of the district headquarters’ main heritage landmarks. The district’s heritage records also identify historic structures such as Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Baldev Mahal as part of Poonch’s architectural heritage.
Noori Chammb
Noori Chammb is a scenic waterfall near Behram Galla, around 45 km from Poonch town. It is traditionally associated with Mughal Emperor Jahangir and Queen Noor Jahan.
Mandi and Budha Amarnath
Mandi lies about 20 km from Poonch and is surrounded by green hills. The area is especially known for the Swami Budha Amarnath Ji Temple.
Mughal Road and Peer Ki Gali
The historic Mughal Road crosses the Pir Panjal through Peer Ki Gali and offers dramatic mountain views. It is also an important road connection between Poonch-Rajouri and the Kashmir Valley.
FAQs About Poonch District
Q. Is Poonch suitable for a one-day trip from Jammu?
A same-day return trip is generally impractical. Road travel from Jammu to Poonch can take six to seven hours each way, so an overnight stay is usually more comfortable.
Q. Should I use Jammu or Srinagar when travelling to Poonch?
Jammu is often the simpler option because it has both a major railway station and an airport. Srinagar can provide a shorter road journey when the Mughal Road is open, but travellers should check road conditions before departure.
Q. Can I rely on Mughal Road throughout the year?
Do not rely on it without checking. Snowfall and slippery conditions around Peer Ki Gali have caused temporary closures, including during 2026. J&K Traffic Police advises travellers to confirm road status before starting the journey.
Q. When is it easier to visit Poonch’s high-altitude lakes and trekking areas?
The summer season is generally more practical for high-altitude trekking. The district tourism department highlights alpine lakes and Pir Panjal trekking routes particularly for summer travel, when snow conditions are usually less restrictive.
