Tourists Places in Neelum Valley
Neelum Valley, located in Azad Kashmir, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventurous travelers. If you’re planning to explore this scenic destination, we have an easy step-by-step guide for you. Please read the complete blog for before you plan to visit Neelam Valley. We hope that, this blog will be fruitful for you, if it is so then don’t forget to give your feedback. Valley begins.
Exploring Tourist Places in Neelum Valley:
From Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city, take the Murree Expressway to reach Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir. For those coming from Hazara, it is recommended to use the Hazara Motorway. Once you reach Muzaffarabad, the journey to Neelum. After traveling approximately one hour from Murree, you will arrive at Kohala. Cross the Kohala Bridge to enter Azad Jammu and Kashmir. About an hour’s drive from Kohala, you will reach the city of Muzaffarabad. At this point, travelers should decide whether to stay overnight in Muzaffarabad or continue their journey towards Neelum Valley. Generally, it is considered risky to travel to Neelum Valley during the night, so if you arrive in the evening, it is advisable to stay in Muzaffarabad. The city offers a variety of hotels and guest houses, ranging from 1500 to 40000 Pakistani Rupees per room.
If you arrive in Muzaffarabad during the daytime and plan to continue your journey, head towards the central Shahrah-e-Neelum or take the Naluchi Gogjra Bay Pass Road to reach Chella Bandi. From Chella Bandi, your journey to Neelum Valley begins. Along the way, you’ll come across various tourist points, such as Dhani Waterfall, Neelum Jhelum Dam, and Line of Control viewpoint. After approximately three hours, you will reach Kundal Shahi. Consider spending the night in Kundal Shahi, Kutin, or Athmuqam, where numerous guest houses are available for tourists. If you have time, you can also stay in Keran, located 30 minutes away, or even further up at Upper Neelum.
The Beauty of Ratigali Lake Neelum Valley:
If you plan to visit Ratigali Lake the next morning, it is recommended to hire a jeep from Keran as the road is not suitable for regular cars. The jeep rental cost is around 10,000 to 12,000 Pakistani Rupees. If you’re traveling alone or in a small group, you can negotiate the fare per person with the jeep driver. Alternatively, if you prefer trekking, make sure to carry energy foods like biscuits, instant powders, juices, and milk. Kailcha, a local specialty of Azad Kashmir, is also highly recommended. Please avoid driving on the Ratigali Road if you are not experienced.
Visiting Tourist Places in Sharda Valley:
The journey from Duwarian to Ratigali Base Camp, where cars are accessible, covers a distance of approximately 18 kilometers and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Spend the night at Ratigali Base Camp, where you can pitch your tent or rent one from the available base camps. From the base camp, it’s a 40-minute walk to Ratigali Lake. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the lake and observe the weather conditions before heading back to the base camp by noon. Return to Duwarian and proceed towards Sharda, which is a two-hour drive. Be cautious while driving as the road conditions after Duwarian are not as favorable. Spend the night in Sharda, where you’ll find a range of hotels and guest houses.
Arrang Kel Neelum Valley- A Gateway to Paradise:
After a drive of approximately 2 hours from Sharda, you will reach Kel, a mesmerizing village in Neelum Valley. Park your car and embark on an exhilarating chairlift ride to reach the majestic Kel Heights. The chairlift journey takes around 35 to 40 minutes. Please note that the chairlift operates until early evening, so plan your visit accordingly.
Once you reach the Arrang Kel side, prepare yourself for a thrilling hike. The hiking trail from Arrang Kel Heights offers stunning vistas and takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes to reach its culmination point. Spend the night at Arrang Kel and wake up early to witness the captivating sunrise over the valley. Take in the panoramic views before returning to Kel and continuing your journey towards Taobut. If you want to visit tourist places in neelum valley especially in Sharda Valley then visit domestic tours section.
Taobat Neelum Valley- Nature’s Abode:
From Kel, hire a jeep or a personal 4WD vehicle to reach Taobat, which is approximately 40 kilometers away. The journey takes around 4 hours, so make sure to enjoy the scenic landscapes along the way. It is recommended to spend the night at Taobat to fully immerse yourself in its serene atmosphere. If you plan to return, start your journey back to Kel around 3 pm to reach back to Kel or Sharda.
Baboon Meadows Neelum Valley- A Paradise Within:
The next morning, rise early and head towards Nagdar Village, en route to Baboon Valley via 4×4 Jeep that costs 8000 to 10000 Pakistani Rupees. Journey from Nagdar Nala to the baboon is full of adventurous. After 2-3 hours you will be reached Baboon Valley. Spend the entire day marveling at the magnificent wonders of Allah Almighty’s creation in Baboon Valley. After a day filled with awe-inspiring views, return to Keran Village in the evening and rest for the night.
Kutton Waterfall:
Among most visited Tourist Places in Neelum Valley
The following morning, after having breakfast, start your journey back towards Kundal Shahi. Along the way, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing Kundal Shahi Waterfall. As you soak in the natural beauty, begin your return journey, keeping Allah Almighty as your guardian throughout.
Important Guidelines to visit Tourists Places in Neelum Valley
- Due to the mountainous terrain of Neelam Valley, drive with extreme caution. Continuous driving, especially in a state of sleep deprivation, can be highly dangerous.
- When traveling to Neelam Valley, make sure to carry warm shawls, warm clothes, jackets, hats, gloves, and socks according to your needs.
- Since reaching hospitals or medical facilities quickly in Neelam Valley may not be possible, it is advisable to carry emergency medications such as fever, cold, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, etc., along with bandages and pain relievers.
- Ratti Gali and Baboon Valley are situated at a considerable altitude from sea level, so ensure you have high-quality sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
- The waves of River Neelam are extremely powerful and dangerous. Avoid getting into the river, streams, or canals. Taking a selfie or capturing an image on a bridge or wooden plank can risk your life. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.
- During your visit to any area, appreciate the natural beauty of that place and instead of littering, collect the wrappers of the food and drink items you brought along in a shopping bag and dispose of them consciously at a designated spot. Show that you are a responsible citizen.
- Respect the local people and their privacy during your visit to any area. Do not take pictures of anyone’s house or women without permission, as it can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings.
- Apart from a 4WD vehicle, avoid attempting to take any other type of vehicle on rough or dirt roads as it can be perilous for your life.
Note:
This is a general tour guide. There are many other notable places to visit besides these, such as Shounter Valley, Chitta Katha Lake, Patliyan Lake, Gattian Lake, and Saral Lake.
We, the Neelam Valley team, warmly welcome all our esteemed guests to the heart of Neelam Valley.
