26/06/2024
Discover the Enchanting Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Embarking on Your Journey:
Kick off your adventure to Neelum Valley from any city in Pakistan, heading through Islamabad. Follow the Express Highway through the scenic routes of Murree. At the end of the Express Highway, take a right onto Murree Road and continue towards Muzaffarabad, the vibrant capital of Azad Kashmir. If you’re traveling from the Hazara region, the Hazara Motorway is your best route.
Stay Connected:
As a border area, Neelum Valley has limited mobile service. The only reliable service is provided by SCOM, which offers coverage in almost all areas of Neelum Valley, including 4G internet. Ufone also works on roaming but without internet. Be sure to pick up a SCOM SIM card in Muzaffarabad or along the way at Noseri, Kundal Shahi, Kutton, or Athmuqam.
Important Travel Tips:
Beware of a misleading commercial area near Islamabad called "Neelum Point," which falsely claims to be part of Neelum Valley. Remember, this spot is not in Azad Kashmir, so avoid being misled.
Crossing Kohala Bridge marks your entry into Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Muzaffarabad is just an hour away. Depending on your arrival time, decide whether to stay overnight in Muzaffarabad or head directly to Neelum Valley. Night travel in the valley can be risky, so if you arrive in the evening, consider staying in Muzaffarabad. The city offers accommodations ranging from budget-friendly rooms (Rs. 2500/3000) to the luxurious Pearl Continental Hotel.
If you arrive during the day and want to continue, take the main road through Muzaffarabad or the Naluchi Gujra Bypass Road towards Chehla Bandi. Your Neelum Valley adventure begins here. Visit tourist hotspots like Panjgran Waterfall, Dhani Waterfall, Neelum Jhelum Dam, and the Line of Control at Chilhanna. After about three hours, you’ll reach Kundal Shahi. Stay overnight at Kundal Shahi Waterfall or Kutton, where guest houses range from Rs. 2500 to 8000. If these are full, you can stay at Athmuqam, Keran, or Upper Neelum.
Exploring Neelum Valley:
From Keran, set off for the breathtaking Ratti Gali Lake, accessible from Dwarian village. If you don’t have a 4WD vehicle, hire a jeep for Rs. 12,000 to 15,000. Bring along energy foods like biscuits, instant juice powders, milk, and local treats like kulcha. Consider hiring a local driver for the challenging terrain. The journey from Dwarian to Ratti Gali Base Camp is 18 km and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Spend the night at the base camp, where tents are available for rent. The next day, hike to Ratti Gali Lake, a 40-minute walk from the base camp.
After soaking in the beauty of the lake, return to Dwarian and then head to Sharda, a two-hour drive. Drive carefully as the road condition from Dudhnial onwards can be rough. In Sharda, you can enjoy motor boating and visit the ancient Sharda University. If time permits, continue to Kel, about 1.5 hours away. Park your vehicle and take a chairlift to Arang Kel, followed by a 35-40 minute hike. Spend the night in Arang Kel and explore the stunning valley the next morning.
From Kel, journey to Taobat, 40 km away, taking about 3 hours by jeep (Rs. 13,000 to 15,000). Spend the night in the serene Taobat, or if returning, start your journey back to Kundal Shahi or Kutton by 2 pm.
The next morning, set off for Baboon Valley via Jagran. Drive to Jagran in your car or hire a 4WD vehicle for Rs. 12,000 to 15,000. Baboon Valley is about two hours from Jagran and offers stunning views that will leave you speechless. After a day of exploring, return to Kundal Shahi or Kutton for the night. The following morning, enjoy the sights at Kundal Shahi Waterfall before heading home.
Essential Tips:
1. Drive carefully in the mountainous terrain, and avoid driving when sleepy.
2. Pack warm clothing, including shawls, jackets, hats, gloves, and socks.
3. Bring emergency medicines for fever, cold, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, bandages, and antiseptics.
4. Use high-quality sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays at high altitudes.
5. Avoid entering rivers or streams; the currents are strong and dangerous.
6. Dispose of your trash properly; don't litter.
7. Respect local privacy and avoid taking photos of homes or people without permission.
8. Only drive 4WD vehicles on rough or unpaved roads to ensure safety.
9. Ratti Gali Lake, Baboon Valley, Patlian Lake, and Shounter Lake are generally accessible from June to October.
10. Jeep rental rates may vary, so consider these as general estimates.
**Additional Attractions:**
This guide covers a general tour, but Neelum Valley offers many other mesmerizing spots like Shounter Valley, Chitta Katha Lake, Gattian Lake, and Saral Lake.
Amazed? Let do connect with us (via DM or WhatsApp 0315 4262233 ) for details.
To make your trip easier, safer & affordable. Use Tour De Swat tourist information centre for free. LAP's (Low Altitude Porters).
