Neelum Valley
Neelum valley is a beautiful greenish valley in Azad Kashmir Pakistan. Neelum valley is the most beautiful tourist destination in Pakistan. Neelum valley is 144KM long valley along Neelum River. The last point of the Neelum valley is Taobut. Muzaffarabad is the capital of Azad Kashmir and Neelum valley is one of the biggest district of Azad Kashmir. There are two main routes to reach Neelum valley one is from Abbottabad, Gari-Habibullah road and the other one is Murree, Kohala road. The most beautiful tourist places in Neelum valley are as follows.
Here are top beutiful places to visit in Neelum valley
Table of Contents
1: Dhani Waterfall
Dhani waterfall is the first tourist point in Neelum valley. It is the biggest waterfall in Neelum valley. It remains dry in Winter tourist can enjoy its beauty in Summer.
2: Chilhana LOC
Chilhana LOC is the 2nd tourist point in Neelum valley. At this point, tourist can see crossing Point between Azad Kashmir and Indian occupied Kashmir.
3: Kutton Waterfall
Kutton waterfall is the most beautiful waterfall in Neelum valley. It is the 3rd tourist spot in Neelum valley. The actual name of this waterfall is the Kundal Shahi waterfall as it is located in Kundal Shahi village in Neelum valley. Because it’s water is coming from Kutton that’s why it is called Kutton waterfall.
4: Athmuqam
Athmuqam is about 73km from Muzaffarabad. It was known as the main tourist spot where tourists can buy traditional handicrafts. Post office and Banks are available in Athmuqam. Athmuqam is the biggest shopping market in Neelum valley.
5: Keran
Keran is a beautiful small village in Neelum valley along Neelum river. Keran valley has all basic facilities for tourists. Tourists can book jeeps from Keran for the Rattgali tour. For overnight stay, Nice and clean hotels are also available in Keran.
6: Upper Neelum
Upper Neelum is a small village in Neelum valley. It is the most beautiful place to stay while visiting the Neelum valley. It is located near Keran that’s why it is also known as Upper Keran. Tourists can enjoy amazing views of Neelum River, Keran village and Indian Occupied Kashmir. Upper Keran has beautiful hotels for Overnight stay. Tourists can book Hotels in Upper Neelum/Upper Keran online.
7: Baboon Top
Baboon top is a greenish and beautiful meadow located on drive of 8 hours from Upper Neelum. It can be only accessed by 4X4 jeeps. It has two major routes one is from Kutton and the other one is from Upper Keran. Baboon top is a beautiful and peaceful tourist place in Neelum valley if you are going to Visit Neelum valley than you must add Baboon top in your travel itinerary.
8: Dawarian
Dawarian is a small town next to Keran village. Hotels in Dawarian available. Tourists who are visiting Rattigali can book jeeps from Dawarian.
9: Ratti Gali Lake
Ratti Gali lake is the most beautiful lake in Neelum valley. This lake is located near Keran and Dawarian village in Neelum Valley. The Ratti Gali lake Neelum valley is only accessible on 4×4 jeeps. Jeep for Rattigali lake can be hired from Keran and Dawarian. There isn’t any hotel available at Rattigali lake however tourist can stay in Camps that are available in Rattigali base camp. All basic facilities including, restaurants or Dhabbas and satellite phones available for emergency phone calls.
10: Sharda Valley
Sharda is a very famous and most visited tourist spot in Neelum valley. Sharda is the hub of beautiful hotels in Neelum valley. There are many beautiful places to visit in Sharda including, Sharda Temple, Sharda university, Kishan Ghati and many more. Some hotel owners in Sharda are also proving Boating in Neelum River.
11: Kel
Kel is a small village in Neelum valley. Kel is located on 1 hour’s drive from Sharda. Road towards Kel isn’t good. Tourists usually hire jeeps from Sharda to go to Kel. Ajktourism department’s guest house is available in Kel for overnight stay. There are a hospital and School operated by Pakistan Army.
12: ArrangKel
ArrnagKel is a small and beautiful tourist destination in Azad Kashmir. It can be accessed by a cable car operated by Pakistan Army and after that almost 30 mints hike. ArrangKel is the best place for an overnight stay. Beautiful hotels and cottages are available in ArrangKel on cheap rates.
13: Taobut
Taobut is the last and most precious most beautiful tourist point in Neelum valley. If you are visiting Neelum valley than don’t miss to add Taobut in your travel itinerary. Taobut can be only accessed by 4X4 Jeeps that can be hired from Kel. Taobut is a small village with a lack of facilities. You won’t find restaurants and hotels in Taobut. There are just 2 hotels available in Taobut Neelum valley.
FAQs
Q1: Where is Neelam Valley located?
The Neelum Valley, nestled in the Himalayas within the Kashmir region, traces the path of the Neelum River. Spanning 250 kilometers, this lush and productive valley extends from Muzaffarabad to Athmuqam and further to Taobutt.
Q2: Is Neelum Valley in Murree?
The Neelum Valley spot sits along the river, just about an hour away from Murree city. During summer travels to Murree, it’s an ideal destination to explore. This spot caters well to families, welcoming children over 4 years old and young adults alike.
Q3: How to go Neelum Valley from Islamabad?
The journey to Neelum Valley commences from Islamabad, embarking on the Murree Expressway towards Muzaffarabad. The drive typically lasts 3-4 hours, contingent on traffic conditions. As you trace the path alongside the Neelum River, the enchanting beauty gradually unfolds, captivating the senses.
Q4: Which is the largest district of AJK by area?
The Neelum District holds the distinction of being Azad Kashmir’s most expansive district in terms of area.
Q5: What is the best time to visit Neelum Valley?
The best time to visit Neelum Valley largely depends on what you want to experience. However, the most favorable period is from May to October.
Q6: Which side of Kashmir is more beautiful?
The beauty of Kashmir, whether on the Pakistani side (Azad Jammu and Kashmir) or the Indian side (Jammu & Kashmir), is subjective and depends on personal preferences. Both regions offer breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences. The Pakistani side is lauded for its pristine natural beauty and adventurous terrains, while the Indian side is celebrated for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and better-developed tourist infrastructure.
Q7: What is special about Neelum Valley?
Neelum Valley is special for its stunning natural landscapes, serene environment, rich culture, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Its picturesque scenery, including lush green mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and tranquil lakes, combined with the hospitality of local people, makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers, trekkers, and anyone seeking peace and tranquility.
Q8: Which month is best for Neelum Valley?
July is considered one of the best months to visit Neelum Valley, offering lush landscapes and ideal weather conditions for exploring.
Q9: Which valley is best in Azad Kashmir?
Neelum Valley is often regarded as one of the most scenic and popular valleys in Azad Kashmir due to its breathtaking natural beauty, including lush green mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and picturesque landscapes
Q10: Why visit Neelum Valley?
Visiting Neelum Valley offers breathtaking natural beauty, adventure activities like trekking and camping, cultural experiences, serene environments, photography opportunities, accessibility, and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an escape into nature.
Q11: What language is spoken in Neelum Valley?
In Neelum Valley the local population speaks the regional language of Kashmiri, as well as Pahari, Hindko and Gojri in some areas.
Q12: Which river pass through Neelum Valley?
The Neelum River flows through Neelum Valley.
Q13: Why is Azad Kashmir called Azad?
Azad Kashmir, which translates to “Free Kashmir,” is called “Azad” because it is a self-governing administrative region of Pakistan.