Neelum Valley:
Neelum is a district situated in the Pakistan-administered region of Azad Kashmir, located within the disputed Kashmir territory. It holds the distinction of being the northernmost district among the ten within Azad Kashmir. Encompassing a significant portion of the picturesque Neelum Valley, the district had an estimated population of approximately 191,000 inhabitants as of 2017. It endured severe devastation during the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, emerging as one of the most adversely affected areas in Pakistan
Top 10 Places to Visit in Neelum Valley:
If you ever visit Neelum Valley? If not than its beauty can’t be explain by words, person should visit it and explore that. Following are the hidden gems and top 10 places in Neelum Valley to Visit.
List Of top 10 Places in Neelum Valley:
- Kutton Waterfall
- Keran
- Upper Neelum
- Sharda Valley
- RattiGali Lake
- Baboon Valley
- Kel
- Arang Kel
- Chita Katha Lake
- Taobutt
Kutton Waterfall:
Venturing into the heart of Neelum Valley, a scenic journey awaits those who seek the tranquility of Kutton Jagran Resort. Nestled approximately 3 hours away from Muzaffarabad, this road leads travelers to a captivating haven. The best time to embark on this adventure spans from March to October
Keran:
Embark on a captivating journey along the Main Neelum Valley Road, a scenic route that leads from Muzaffarabad to a breathtaking destination. With a travel time of approximately 3 hours, this enchanting spot beckons travelers throughout the year. Situated on the banks of the Neelum River, it marks the Line of Control (LOC), offering a unique vantage point where one can behold both Indian-held Kashmir and Azad Kashmir. Here, the Neelum River flows serenely, adding to the tranquil ambiance of the surroundings.
Upper Kachura Lake:
Nature has blessed a lot of enchanting lakes in Skardu Valley. In this regard Upper Kachura lake is been consider the best lake to visit. Surrounded by dense forests and towering Himalayan Mountains, the lake offers unparalleled natural beauty. Visitors are drawn to its serene ambiance, where they can indulge in activities such as trout fishing, boating, rafting, and marvel at the emerald green waters for hours on end
Upper Neelum:
Covering a distance of 3 hours and 20 minutes, the journey along the main Neelum road unveils a captivating destination awaiting exploration. The ideal time to experience its beauty is from March to October. A narrow link road branches off the main route, leading travelers to the picturesque hilltop adorned by Upper Neelum Village. Renowned for its stunning landscape, this village offers a serene escape amidst natures finest.
Sharda Valley:
Located approximately 5 hours away from Muzaffarabad along the Main Neelum Valley road, Sharda Valley emerges as a charming destination waiting to be explored. The optimal time to immerse oneself in its beauty spans from March to December. Nestled on the banks of the Neelum River, Sharda is a quaint town renowned for its array of tourist attractions. Visitors can indulge in a variety of water sports, embark on scenic hikes to Sharda Peeth, admire the architectural marvel of Sharda Bridge, and partake in the tranquil activity of fishing.
RattiGali Lake:
A mere 3-hour journey from Keran, the captivating destination of RattiGali awaits exploration. The ideal time to experience its enchanting beauty is from July to September. Embarking on a thrilling 20-kilometer jeep trek from Dowarian to RattiGali unveils a mesmerizing adventure that takes approximately 2 and a half hour. RattiGali, nestled amidst alpine glaciers, stands as one of the premier attractions of Neelum Valley, offering visitors a serene escape amidst breathtaking natural scenery.
Baboon Valley:
Located just 3 hours away from Keran, Baboon Valley beckons visitors to indulge in its splendor, especially during July to September. To reach this picturesque destination, one simply needs to take a short jeep ride from Naqdar, which is conveniently situated just a minute’s drive from Keran. Regarded as the second-best attraction in Neelum Valley, Baboon Valley enchants visitors with its abundance of water streams, cascading waterfalls, and verdant meadows, offering a tranquil retreat amidst nature’s embrace.
Kel:
A mere 2 hours and 20 minutes journey from Sharda lies the renowned town of Kel, nestled in the heart of Neelum Valley. The optimal time to explore its beauty ranges from March to December. Kel captivates visitors with its quaint huts, picturesque waterfalls, and the serene Neelum River, which stand as the primary tourist attractions. Moreover, Kel serves as the gateway to the breathtaking destinations of Shounter and Chitta Katha Lake. Notably, plans for the construction of the Astore to Kel tunnel are underway as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), promising enhanced accessibility to this charming town in the future.
Arang Kel:
Arang Kel stands as the crown jewel of Neelum Valley, attracting visitors from far and wide to experience its unparalleled beauty. Accessible via a scenic 45-minute hike from Kel, the best time to immerse oneself in its charm is from March to December. Renowned for its vast green fields, majestic glaciers, and cozy huts, Arang Kel captivates with its breathtaking landscape. The journey to Arang Kel is an adventure in itself, as it can only be reached via a combination of chairlift and a brief 30-minute hike, adding to the allure of this remote paradise nestled amidst the mountains.
Chitta Katha Lake:
Embark on an exhilarating one-day tour to Chitta Katha Lake, promising a blend of adventure and natural splendor. Ideal for visitation from July to September, this journey entails a 2-hour jeep ride followed by a challenging 6-hour hiking trek. Nestled amidst the rugged terrain, Chitta Katha Lake offers a rewarding experience for those seeking pristine beauty. While the journey may prove arduous, it’s important to note that only individuals in peak physical condition are advised to undertake this expedition, as it poses significant challenges, particularly for families.
Taobutt or Guraiz Valley:
A 3-hour jeep trek from Kel to Taobutt promises an adventurous journey through the rugged terrain of Neelum Valley, best enjoyed from July to September. Taobutt, marking the culmination of the valley’s exploration, boasts a unique charm accentuated by its picturesque landscape. Along the way, visitors can explore notable sites such as Helmet, Sardar, Phulawai, and Janawai, each offering a glimpse of natural beauty. Despite its remote location, Taobutt offers limited accommodation options, with only a handful of hotels available for visitors seeking to extend their stay amidst this captivating scenery
