Azad Kashmir

Neelum Valley: A Scenic Paradise
in Azad Kashmir

The Neelum Valley in the territory of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan being exceptionally beautiful earned the nickname ‘Blue Gem’.

The Neelum valley is 144 km long and occupies the region along the Neelum river; it is surrounded by green hills, forests, waterfalls, and glacial lakes.

Tourists use the area for hiking, rock-climbing, white-water rafting and other related activities; the peace and serenity of the surrounding landscape being attractions that attract adventure tourists.

Due to its location in a contested area, it is one’s wish that subsequent visitors will be considerate and conserve the valley ecosystem and native people.

Neelum Valley has a variety of activities available year-round, whether you are searching for absorbing culture, pleasure vacation, or exciting outdoor activities.

Travellers consider the valley to be one of Pakistan’s most popular locations due to its unique weather, interesting history, and magnificent natural environment.

Neelum Valley Weather

Neelum Valley Weather:

Correct weather and seasons of Neelum Valley allow a traveller to have specific time to visit this beautiful place.

As for the best time to travel Its really up to you and what you would want to do.

Instead paying attention to seasonal weather patterns and averages though can enable travellers to determine when the climate will be most favourable for the kind of vacation they have planned.

  • Spring 
    Neelum Valley evokes images of vibrant springtime flowers. It is an ideal time of year for nature lovers and travellers, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. It is one of the most charming times of the year, as the fields and woodlands are adorned with blossoming wildflowers.
  • Autumn
    The valley is transformed into a vibrant array of pleasant oranges, reds, and yellows during the autumn season. The vibrant vegetation and the cold air, which ranges from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius, provide the optimal environment for exploration and photography.
  • Summer 
    The temperatures during the summer are moderate, with daytime highs ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The valley is abundant with vegetation, and the climate is tranquil and rejuvenating. The majority of travellers arrive during the busiest season in order to avoid the humidity of the cities.
  • Winter
    The winters in the Neelum Valley are harsh, characterised by a significant amount of rainfall and frigid temperatures that can drop as low as -5°C. The valley has been transformed into a snowy wonderland, making it an ideal destination for those who love winter activities or simply wish to enjoy the peace of the snowy landscape.Travelling may be more challenging at this time due to road restrictions.

Best Time to Visits Neelum Valley:

The best time of year to visit Neelum Valley can depend on the type of experience you want.

The best time to experience fresh greenery and pleasant temperatures is summer, which lasts from June to August.
Spring and autumn are great for those who like colourful scenery, while winter is best for travellers who want to see the beauty of the snow-covered valley.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the weather in the Neelum Valley is subject to unexpected changes.

Trekking and hiking:

Both tourists and hikers will appreciate the beauty of the Neelum Valley.

There are several chances for hikers of all fitness levels, ranging from easy riverfront excursions to tough mountain walks.

The routes surrounding the Ratti Gali and Sharda lakes are classified as hiking trails, and they offer stunning views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, there are various short treks to local villages, waterfalls, and hidden gems in the valley.

Travel routes to the Neelum Valley:

Travelling to Neelum Valley becomes a journey in its own right. Numerous routes offer scenic paths across the mountains descending into the valley.

RouteDistanceApproximate travel timeDetails
Islamabad to Neelum Valley distance240km6-8hoursAn beautiful journey featuring magnificent views of the mountains and beautiful valleys. Particularly as one nears the Neelum Valley, there may be curves. Utilising a 4×4 vehicle or employing a local driver is advisable.
Lahore to Neelum Valley distance280km12-13hoursa lengthy travel that typically involves delays in Muzaffarabad and Islamabad. Upon nearing Neelum Valley, the roadways constrict and vehicular movement reduces.
Muzaffarabad to Neelum Valley distance90km2-3hoursThe drive from Muzaffarabad is shorter, though the high altitude occasionally complicates travel. It is advisable to possess a 4×4 vehicle, particularly during winter or monsoon seasons.

Local Food in Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir

Among other benefits that worth mentioning while visiting Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir, is the possibility to taste delicious Kashmiri cuisine.

Real trout from Neelum River, Continental and traditional curries and Kashmiri Kahwa tea are among the culinary surprises awaiting the diner.

Originally, the simple and tasty homemade dishes served in different villages are a great example of local products cooked by locals and using locally produced fresh products.

How to Get There?

Reaching Neelum Valley is fairly straightforward:

From Islamabad:

You can either self-drive or hire a car to reach Muzaffarabad markazi and from here starts the journey of Neelum valley. There is also the use of buses and van from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad to solve the problem of transport.

From Lahore:

The simplest transport to Neelum Valley from Lahore is by car. But if you prefer the longer route, you will have to take a bus to either Islamabad or Muzaffarabad for the rest of the trip. You will be traveling long hours but the beauty of the areas to be covered is worth the long hours of travel.

Best Places to Visit in Neelum Valley

Kashmir Neelum Valley
Neelum Valley is as such decorated with so many beautiful places of the region that are amazingly beautiful. Here are a few must-visit destinations:
  • Keran:
    Keran is situated on the bank of Neelum River and it provides the beautiful scenes of both sides of LoC of Pakistan and India. It is, in fact, a serene environment, suitable for a vacation.
  • Kutton and Jagran Resort:
    This region is famous for nice waterfalls and rich nature here. The Jagran Resort is highly recommended to those people who’d like to stay a little bit luxurious but in the heart of nature.
  • Sharda:
    A historical town, Sharda has evidence of ruins and epitome of special educational institution Sharda University. This must be because it has some beautiful views of scenery and cultural importance to many visitors.
  • Upper Neelum:
    If a person wants to have look of the entire valley then has to visit Neelum area known as Upper Neelum. The exposure from this vantage point is really panoramic.
  • Leepa Valley:
    Leepa Valley has terraced cultivation, wooden houses and apple trees are grown there are major attractions. It is easily one of the most beautiful places in the area.
  • Ratti Gali Lake:
    Ratti Gali Lake is one of the most popular lake along with others, this lake is located in the middle of snowy towering peaks and greenish alpine.” It is one of the places that is a must visit for anyone who in search of natural beauty.

Neelum Valley Hotels

Ratti Gali Lake
Currently there are a variety of hotels or motels all over Neelum Valley, both in price and quality. You can choose from high end expensive hotels to low cost cheap hotels depending on what you want. Some of the best hotels in Neelum Valley include:
  • Keran Resort:
     A peaceful getaway situated in the proximity to the river with stunning views, well-equipped rooms.
  • Jagran Resort:
     This one is sited in Kutton and is ideal for the persons interested in visiting the Water Falls.
  • Sharda Guest House:
    Ideal for anyone who will get to the historical town of Sharda?

Wildlife around Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir

In addition to the wonderful physical features and the vegetation, Neelum Valley also boast of wildlife. It’s possible to see snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and musk deer here. The bird watchers will also be able to see beauty of the valley with flight of the Himalayan monal and golden eagles among others.

What You Should Bring

Regarding clothing and accessories the best advice would be appropriate when visiting Neelum Valley are:
. Coat, especially if you are traveling in winter or on the mountains.
. Hiking shoes for trekking on rough terrains and for other foot related activities.
. Sunscreen lotion, and insect repellent especially during the summer period.
. A camera for taking beautiful pictures featuring the views.
. Food and water, as this will be available through the kitchen, in case there are no nearby hospitals or clinics.

Travel Tips for Visiting Neelum Valley

. Make sure you have the right travel expectations by checking the weather conditions before travelling in case you encounter problem such as snow cover or landslides.
. Establish Reservation for accommodation beforehand, especially during the high demand season.
. Culture and tradition of people should be valued. Mainly the local people of Azad Kashmir are conservative therefore one should dress appropriately and respect their culture.
. Bother to have cash with you, some parts may lack working Banks/ATM.

Conclusion

Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir is off beat place which nobody knows about but it is a gem of a place hidden away from plain sight.

This beautiful country boasts of natural beauty from massive land formations, packs a variety of animal species and showcases a blend of culture perhaps only found in East Africa.

If it is a short trip or an adventurous one, Neelum Valley is a place that is must-visit and has lot of stories to tell and cherish forever.
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The Travel North

The Travel North is focused on capturing and presenting the magnificent scenery of the Northern Areas of Pakistan.