The Poonch River runs through the valley below Rawalakot, and the drive along its banks gives a different perspective on the landscape — lower, greener, and more agricultural than the hilltop views from Toli Pir. Small villages line the river terraces, and the valley narrows into gorges in places where the road clings to the hillside.
The river is important for local communities and provides irrigation for the terrace farms that step up the valley walls. It eventually flows into Azad Kashmir's disputed heartland before crossing into Indian-administered territory. The valley scenery is most attractive in spring when the terraces are green and the fruit trees are in blossom. The road along the valley also connects to other small towns and villages that see very few foreign tourists.