Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir Must Visit in 2024

Introduction to Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir 

Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir Must Visit in 2024 because Neelum Valley is a stunning paradise, often called the “Blue Gem” of Pakistan. It is located between the majestic Himalayan peaks. It is situated in the northernmost part of Azad Kashmir. It is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone who wishes to experience peace and harmony with nature. This is the Neelum Valley, a valley of emerald green mountain meadows, crystal-clear rivers flowing through the land, and mountains rising out of the valley where snow-capped peaks rise to the heavens. No wonder nature’s beauty unfolds with every step you take here.

• History of the Neelum Valley Kashmir

In addition to its landscape, the Neelum Valley has a rich history. Human settlements can be traced back to the Neolithic period. During historical times, it was part of the Silk Route, an international trade route connecting East and West. There have been various kingdoms ruling the valley over the centuries, including Kashmiris, Mughals, and Sikhs. Each era left its mark on the valley’s architecture, cuisine, and customs. Since the Neelum Valley became part of Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir in the 20th century, it has experienced significant development and tourism growth.

• Geographical features of the Neelum Valley Pakistan

Its dramatic landscape reflects nature’s creativity, with towering mountains rising from lush valleys and crystal-clear rivers making their way through the landscape. The Neelum River runs through the middle of the valley, providing essential water for the surrounding vegetation and a haven for trout.

There are towering mountains surrounding the river, many encircled by snow-capped glaciers, protecting the valley from harsh winds and preserving its natural beauty. Meadows and wildflowers stretch throughout the valley, providing comfort for those who live there and a calm haven for those who seek peace.

• Neelum Valley Weather

Each season brings its own charm and beauty to the valley, with its four different seasons such as spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Wildflowers bloom in the spring, filling the meadows with vibrant colors and the air with sweet fragrances.

Swimming and fishing are excellent in the rivers, while hiking trails offer stunning mountain views during the summer months.

The valley is transformed into a magical place of warm colors during autumn, with trees turning shades of gold, orange, and red.

It transforms in winter into a snowy wonderland. With the mountains covered in snow, and the rivers frozen over, it’s a perfect time to relax by the fireplace.

• How to reach 

From Islamabad, Pakistan, you can reach Neelum Valley in 10 hours 27 minutes by driving along the AH1 route.  The distance from Islamabad to Neelum Valley is 276 km.

The Islamabad-Rawalpindi Motorway (M-1) is the road from Islamabad that you need to take to reach Muzaffarabad. At exit 15, turn onto the N-5 National Highway. Continue on the N-5 National Highway for about 170 kilometers. After Muzaffarabad, you should follow the Neelum Valley Road until you reach. Muzaffarabad to wadi neelum Kashmir distance is approximately 99 miles.

Places to Visit in Neelum Valley; Places to Visit in Muzaffarabad in 2024

In the heart of the majestic Himalayas, Neelum Valley is a dream come true for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It’s a lush green valley with cascading waterfalls and snow capped peaks. Here are the top places to go:

• Dhani Waterfall

The Dani Waterfall Located in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan l. It measures 34 meters (112 feet) high. Located about 15 kilometers away from Kel, the waterfall is the highest waterfall in the Neelum Valley and it has become a popular tourist destination over the years. You can get to the waterfall by jeep from Kel. It is about two hours to the waterfall from Kel.

• Ratti Gali Lake: One of The Best Neelum Valley Place to Visit

There is a glacier lake called Ratti Gali Lake in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It’s 12132 feet high (3,697 meters) and surrounded by snow capped mountains. The lake is a popular place to fish, camp, and hike. Ratti Gali Lake is about 70 kilometers from Neelum Valley. 

 Kel is about three hours from Ratti Gali Lake. This lake stretches about 1 kilometer (0.62 miles). It’s 500 meters wide, and about 20 meters deep. 

It’s a beautiful and serene place to visit in wadi e neelum. Ratti Gali Lake is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and is a great place to take photos. Trout fishing is a popular activity at the lake too. Summer is the best time to visit Ratti Gali Lake because it’s warm and sunny.

• Arang Kel Village: A Hidden Gem

Arang Kel is a beautiful village located at an altitude of 8,379 feet (2,554 meters). It is known for its spectacular scenery, lush meadows, and friendly residents. The distance between Arang Kel and Neelum Valley is approximately two kilometers. The village measures 1 kilometer in length, 0.5 kilometers in width, and 8,379 feet in height. From Kel, you can reach the village by chairlift or by a 3-to-4-hour hike. The chairlift ride takes about 20 minutes and costs 250 rupees per person. 

The hike is more challenging, but the views of the surrounding mountains are stunning. There are many things to do and see in Arang Kel. Arang Kel is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and relaxing in the beautiful surroundings.

• Kutton Waterfall: A Scenic Place to Visit during Neelum Valley Tour

Kutton Waterfall, also known as Kundal Shahi Waterfall, is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the village of Kutton. There is a road connecting the towns of Keran and Kel to Kutton Waterfall. The waterfall is about 73 kilometers from Keran and 32 kilometers from Kel. It’s not known what the waterfall’s exact dimensions are, but they’re around 30 meters tall and 10 meters wide.

The waterfall is popular for picnicking, camping, and photography. It’s also a good place to go for trekkers, because it’s on the Kutton Glacier Trek. Spring and summer are the best times to go to Kutton Waterfall, because the weather is nice and the waterfall is full.

• Shounter Valley: A Paradise for Trekkers

Shounter Valley offers a captivating paradise to those who dare to venture into its depths. It is located in the Upper Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It has lush green meadows dotted with wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil lakes adding to its tranquility. As well as pine trees, juniper shrubs, and a wide variety of birds, the valley is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The enchanting valley is a haven for trekkers, nature lovers, and those looking for peace and quiet.

Shounter Valley is about 15 kilometers long, and 5 to 10 kilometers wide. It’s about 25 kilometers from Kel, which is the center of the valley. A breathtaking view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains awaits you here at an elevation of 3,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level. In Shounter Valley, there are a variety of hiking trails ranging from moderate to challenging. A popular one is Shounter Pass Trek, which leads to Shounter Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

• Kel Valley: A Scenic Valley 

The Kel Valley is a picturesque valley with snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows and waterfalls in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is a heaven for adventure seekers. And with a scenic jeep ride along the Neelum Valley Road, the valley is located approximately 100 kilometers away. This valley stretches 30 kilometers from the Himalayas to the Neelum River, and it has a width of 5 to 10 kilometers. Visitors can explore Kel Valley’s natural wonders in a variety of ways. Hiking trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints and hidden waterfalls in the valley.

• Taobat: A Spiritual Site

In terms of spirituality, Taobat is a religious site located in this valley of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan, which is home to a number of shrines and is popular among Muslims for pilgrimage. It is possible to reach Taobat from the town of Kel by jeep. The journey takes about two hours from Kel to Taobat. 

• Neelum River 

The Neelum River is a major river in this valley of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It originates from the Kishanganga River, which flows from India into Pakistan. As the Neelum River flows through the valley, it joins the Jhelum River at Muzaffarabad after flowing for 245 kilometers (152 miles). 

In addition to being used for irrigation, the Neelum River is also used for hydroelectric power generation. In addition to having an average width of 100 meters (330 feet), the Neelum River also has an average depth of 2 meters (6 feet) on average. However in some areas, the river can be as wide as 200 meters (660 feet) and as deep as 5 meters (16 feet) depending on its location and season.  

Adventure activities in Neelum Valley

In the Neelum Valley, also called the “Valley of Pearls”, there are many adventure activities that you can take part in. With its towering mountains, lush forests, and rushing rivers, the valley offers many adventure activities that will get you in the mood for adventure. You can enjoy a variety of adventure activities in the Neelam Valley, including:

• Hiking and Trekking 

The Neelum Valley offers a wide range of hiking trails and trekking opportunities, ranging from easy hikes and short hikes to challenging multi-day treks. Among the hiking trails in the Neelam Valley are the Neelum Valley Trail, the Shounter Pass Trek, and the Kel Valley Trek. Here are some of the most impressive hiking and trekking trails,  along with some details about each one:

Ratti Gali Lake Trail: This trail leads you to spectacular Ratti Gali Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine flowers. The trail starts from Dawarian, where you can ride a jeep for about 18 kilometers to reach the base camp. From there, you have to trek for about 3 hours to reach the lake. The trail is moderate and requires stamina and hiking gear. The most convenient time to visit the lake is from May to October.

Chitta Katha Lake Trail: This trail takes you to the beautiful Chitta Katha Lake, which is also a glacial lake with turquoise color. The trail starts from Kel, where you can ride a jeep for about 20 kilometers to reach the Shounter Valley. From there, you have to trek for 5 to 6 hours to reach the lake. The trail is difficult and steep, and you need to be physically fit and well-equipped. The most ideal time to visit the lake is from June to August.

Arang Kel Trail: This trail takes you to the stunning hilltop village of Arang Kel. The trail starts at Kel, where you can either take a chairlift or hike for about an hour to reach Arang Kel. The trail is easy and suitable for beginners. The most ideal time to visit Arang Kel is from April to November.

• Whitewater Rafting

The Neelum River is a popular river for whitewater rafting, thanks to its rapids and fast currents that provide an ideal setting to test your strength and endurance. There are various companies which offer whitewater rafting trips on the Neelum River.

• Fishing

You can enjoy fishing almost anywhere on the Neelum River, which is home to a wide variety of trout species. Whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner, you can be assured that you will have fun casting your line into the clear waters.

• Paragliding

It is obvious that the valley is the perfect place to go paragliding because of the wonderful views of the mountains and the lush green meadows.

• Camping

There is no doubt that this beautiful valley offers a wide variety of camping options for you. With its stunning scenery and many campsites, you are sure to have a memorable camping trip in this valley. Here are some of the most romantic camping sites in AJK, along with some details about each one:

Keran: Keran is a charming village near the Neelum River, where you can find many hotels, guest houses, and camping facilities. It is also a base camp for exploring other scenic spots in the valley, such as Taobut, Kel, and Arangkel. You can camp by the river or in the lush green meadows, and enjoy the views of the mountains and the water. Tents cost around 2500 Pakistani rupees per night.

Arang Kel: Arang Kel is a stunning hilltop village offering panoramic views of the valley and the Nanga Parbat peak. It is accessible by a steep hike from Kel, or by a chairlift. Arang Kel has many colorful camping tents, as well as guest houses and cottages. You can also hike to the nearby Nanga Parbat viewpoint, or visit the walnut orchards. Tents cost around 3000 Pakistani rupees per night.

Ratti Gali Lake: Ratti Gali Lake is a spectacular glacial lake at an altitude of 3,700 meters. It is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine flowers, and has turquoise color. The lake is reachable by Jeep from Dowarian, followed by a 3-hour trek. There are some camping sites near the lake, where you can pitch your own tent or rent one from the locals. Tents cost around 2000 Pakistani rupees per night.

These are some of the most scenic camping sites in the Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir to choose from. Camping in the valley is a wonderful experience that you will never forget. You can enjoy the fresh air, the beautiful nights, the bonfires, and the friendly people. Pack warm clothes, food, water, and camping gear, and follow safety rules.

• Jeep Safaris

We highly recommend you take a Jeep Safari there, if you wish to explore the valley’s hidden gems and get off the beaten path. Jeep safaris are a great way to discover the valley’s hidden gems.

Neelum Valley Hotels and Restaurants

Here are three best hotels in Neelum Valley for you:

• Midway Lodges

A beautiful hotel situated on the Neelum Valley Road in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan is Midway Lodges. The hotel is just 8.3 kilometers from the center of the valley. If you are seeking a relaxing and peaceful stay, you should stay at this hotel. There are many amenities available at the hotel, including a restaurant, a bar, swimming pool, and spa. The price of a room starts at 5,446 Pakistani Rupees per night.

• Pine Park Lodges

The Pine Park Lodges is located in Karen and it’s a great hotel where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the rooms are clean and comfortable. Rooms start at 4,331 Pakistani Rupees per night. The check-in time is 2:00 PM, and the check-out time is 12:00 PM. There’s a pool and a restaurant at Pine Park Lodges.

• Keran Highland Resort

The hotel is located on the banks of the Neelum River, offering spectacular views of the mountains. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals. It’s got luxuries, fine dining, a spa, a fitness center, a swimming pool, a kids’ playground, and a game room. Rooms start at 3,813 Pakistani Rupees a night.

You can visit and Book Hotel online Here.

Local Cuisine

Here are some popular local cuisines, influenced by Kashmiri flavors and traditional Pakistani dishes.

• Gushtaba

A delicious and satisfying dish, Gushtaba is a type of meatball curry made with minced mutton and spices cooked in a thick yogurt-based gravy.

• Rogan Josh

The dish Rogan Josh is known for its vibrant color, flavorful red curry, and tender pieces of meat (usually lamb or goat).

• Nadru Yakhni

Lotus stems (nadru) are cooked in a yogurt-based curry with traditional Kashmiri spices. This is a unique and delicious vegetarian dish.

• Dum Aaloo

Baby potatoes are cooked in a rich and spicy tomato based curry for a creamy and flavorful dish. 

• Shufta

Shufta is a sweet dish prepared during holidays and special occasions with dry fruits, nuts, seeds, and honey.

FAQs

What is special about Neelum Valley?

A scenic beauty with outstanding views, rolling hills on both sides of the roaring Neelum River, lush green forests and enchanting streams.

Which river passes through Neelum Valley?

The river has traditionally been known as the Kishanganga River and is still known as such in India but after the partition of India in 1947, the river was renamed the Neelum River in Pakistan in 1956.

Is there landsliding in Neelum Valley?

In the northern mountainous terrain of Pakistan, such as the District Neelum, landslides are common and recurrent.

Which is the most beautiful valley of Azad Kashmir?

These places are best for valleys in Azad Kashmir:

Neelam Valley, Shounter Valley, Dream Valley Resort, Baboon Valley, Leepa Valley.

What is the old name of Neelum Valley?

It was known before the partition as Kishanganga.

Which dam is built on Neelum River?

The Neelum Jhelum Dam and it is a 60 m (197 ft.) tall and 125 m (410 ft.) long gravity dam.

Which two rivers meet at Muzaffarabad?

Both the Kunhar River and the Neelum River join the Jhelum at Domel, Muzaffarabad.

What is the highest peak in Neelum Valley?

“Sarwaali Peak”

Sarwaali Peak (6326 meters) in Neelam Valley is the highest peak.

Which is the last village of Neelum Valley?

Taobat is a village in Sharda Tehsil in Neelam Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is the last village of the Valley.

Which language is spoken in Azad Kashmir?

The official language of Azad Kashmir is Urdu, while English is used in higher domains.

Which is the national animal of Azad Kashmir?

The nominate subspecies Kashmir markhor is the State animal of Azad Kashmir.

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