Neelam Valley: A Picturesque Beauty is a tale of journey to Neelam Valley, Kashmir (Azad Jammu Kashmir – AJK). Nellam valley is a place that is considered heaven on earth full of green mountains, white streams, tasty fruits, beautiful people and last but not the least – the Neelam River.
Following are highlights of this beautiful journey. If you are interested to visit this beautiful place on earth, the best time is August as it is the time when most of the fruits are ripped and you can enjoy a lot of fresh fruits there along beautiful, green valley.
1. Neelum Valley
The beautiful Neelum Valley is located to the north and north-east of Muzaffarabad and is about 240 kilometers long. It parallels the Kaghan Valley and is set apart from it by peaks covered with snow, some of which rise to elevations of more than 4000 meters.
Of the ten districts that make up the region of Azad Kashmir, which is controlled by Pakistan, Neelum is the furthest north.
The district, which makes up the majority of the Neelum Valley, is home to about 191,000 people as of 2017. When the earthquake in Kashmir struck Pakistan in 2005, this region was among the most hit.
The valley is a dream come true thanks to its exceptional visual splendour, panoramic perspective, towering hills on each side of the loud Neelum River, thriving green woods, streams, high altitude lakes, and charming surroundings.
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Mountain tourism is also a great fit for the region. This region has a portion of the Nanga Parbat Massif, which is dominated by Sarwaali Peak, the tall mountain in Azad Kashmir.
Neelam Valley: A Picturesque Beauty is similar to Kaghan Valley, it is well known for its fishing and angling opportunities in the trout-stocked Neelum River and Jagran Nullah.
Tourists can access the valley up to Kel, 165 kilometres from Muzaffarabad, on a route that is open in all weather. Daily coaches travel this route, and accommodations are also offered at tourist destinations.
2. Location
The district is bordered on the north and north-east by the Gilgit-Baltistan districts of Diamer, Astore, and Skardu; on the south by the Indian-administrated districts of Kupwara and Bandipora; on the south-west by the Muzaffarabad District; and on the west by the Mansehra District of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan.
Prior to the partition, the Neelum Valley was known as Kishanganga and was afterwards renamed for the Neelam hamlet. It originates in the Gurez Valley in Indian-administrated Jammu and Kashmir and flows roughly in two directions before joining the Jhelum River in Muzaffarabad.
The valley is a heavily forested area between 4,000 and 7,500 feet above sea level, with 17,000-foot-tall mountain peaks on either side. The length of the Neelum Valley is 144 kilometres.
Several communities on the left bank of the river lie on the Indian side of the border as the Line of Control runs down the valley, either across the southeast-facing mountains or in places right along the river.
3. Climate
Summertime weather is hot during the daytime because of the sun, but it gets rather cold at night. Even at night in the summer, people dress in sweaters. On the other hand, it gets very chilly throughout the winter. During the winter, people may see snow falling.
4. Attractions for Tourists
Some of the tourism destinations in, Neelam Valley: A Picturesque Beauty, include:
4.1 Noseri Dam
It is about 36 kilometers from Muzaffarabad is where you’ll find the recently built Neelum Jhelum Hydro Power plant and dam.
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The dam’s goal is to redirect River Neelum water into the River Jhelum for the purpose of producing electricity. It is a popular tourist destination that draws people who are driving on the Neelum Valley Road.
4.2 Kundal Shahi
From Muzaffarad, it is 74 kilometres away. Here, the silvery Jagran Nullah enters the river Neelum, which is home to a large population of trout fish. There are a few private hotels available.
4.3 Jagran Valley (Kutton)
With an altitude of 1530 metres above sea level and a radius of 10 kilometers, Kutton’s beguiling beauty fills Jagran Valley. Road access is available in the region, which is 16 kilometers from Kundal Shahi.
For the convenience of visitors, the AJK Tourism Department built a rest house, and lodging is also available in a nearby residential complex run by the Power Development Organization.
4.4 Authmuqam
Ten kilometers separate Kundal Shahi from Authmuqam. It is situated 1371 meters above sea level. Since it is the Neelum District’s district headquarters, it serves as a starting point for visitors looking to hike and explore the inner valley.
It is a charming location renowned for its assortment of fruits.
There are good-quality versions of all basic amenities, including a bazaar, post office, banks, hospital, telephone, PWD rest house, and few private hotels.
4.5 Karen
Karen, which is located near the right bank of the Neelum River at around 1524 meters above sea level, is about 9 kilometers from Authmuqam. It has gorgeous landscape.
On the bank of the meandering river Neelum, one can see the other side of Karen in Indian-held Kashmir from a tiny shop and a tourist lodge operated by the tourism department.
The Karen Resort is one of the tourism motels that the AJK Tourism Department constructed and then leased to the private sector under a public-private partnership model. The most well-known and popular tourist attraction is Karen, which has a large number of privately owned guest homes.
karen is heart of Neelam Valley: A Picturesque Beauty and is divided into two parts lower Karen and Upper Karen.
4.6 Upper Neelum
Upper Neelum (or Upper Karen), which is roughly 2.5 kilometers from Karen and sits at an elevation of 1824 meters above sea level, is situated in that area. This picturesque, verdant village draws visitors from all over the nation because it is abundant in wild fruit and wildlife.
The fact that this location offers a panoramic view of the entirety of occupied Kashmir is another outstanding feature. The Upper and Lower Neelum have been transformed into a tourist village by the AJK Tourism Department due to its tourist interest.
The neighborhood is known as a tourist resort and includes many guest houses with excellent services. For those who enjoy adventure, a route has been built from the village’s backside to the Baboon Hill Station.
4.7 Dawarian
At a height of roughly 1615 metres, Dawarian is located 13 km from Neelum. Mountains covered in conifer trees encircle it.
The Neelum & Kaghan Valleys are connected by a mule trail that ascends to Rati Gali pass about 30 kilometres to the west.
Visitors can stay near the main road as well as on top of the hill in a department of tourism hut and a few private guest rooms.
4.8 Rati Gali Lake
it is about 18 kilometers from Dawarian is where you’ll find the renowned and intriguing Rati Gali Lake.
This lake, which is accessible by Jeep from May to October, is located on the left side of the Neelum Valley road.
4.9 Sharda Valley
At a height of 1981 metres, it is a breathtakingly green area that is 30 kilometres away from Dawarian. The two mountain peaks that overlook the valley are named Shardi and Nardi in honour of the mythical princesses Sharda and Narda.
Its picturesque scenery features numerous springs and hill sides that are covered in dense forest.
4.10 Arang Kel
A picturesque vegetation village with a hiking trail is located 9 kilometres from Kel. Due to its stunning natural surroundings, a cable car that provides pick-up and drop-off service runs between Kel and Arang Kel.
Adventure tourism, trekking, and tracking are well known in Arang Kel. In order to meet tourist demand, some guest houses offer lodging and meals.
4.11 Taobat Valley
Taobat valley is a small beautiful village in Sharda Tehsil in Neelam Valley. It is the last point and after it the Indian territory starts.
This beautiful valley is located 200 kilometers from Muzaffarabad and 39 kilometers from Kel.
It is also the nearest location from where Neelam River enters Pakistani territory and becomes River Neelum.
