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More About Arang Kel Neelum Valley:

Arang Kel is a prominent tourist destination featured in the Neelum Valley tour package to Azad Kashmir, situated at an elevation of 8,380 feet above sea level. It requires a two-hour hike from Khel village, which is linked to Muzaffarabad by a connecting road. The travel time from Islamabad to Arang Kel is approximately 12 hours.

Neelum Valley is an extensive verdant valley that extends alongside the Neelum River. It stretches nearly 300 kilometers in length. The tourist attractions in the Neelum Valley during the Arang Kel tour packages include Kuttan, Keran, Neelum village, the Titwal Loc point, Dhani waterfall near Muzaffarabad, and Dolai waterfall.

The following itinerary will be adhered to during the 4-day Azad Kashmir tour package focused on Arang Kel, which is also ideal for honeymooners traveling from Karachi.

Location

Arang Kel is the best place I’ve ever visited. It feels like a model village, perfect for true nature lovers. If you’re planning to visit, book a hotel in Arang Kel for an overnight stay to explore the area. This destination isn’t just for a quick visit; you’ll want to spend at least a whole day discovering its meadows, forests, waterfalls, and surrounding hills.

From Kel, you can either start hiking or take the chairlift. Hiking without the chairlift takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your fitness level and stamina. If you take the chairlift, the hike is only about half an hour, but it is very steep.

Where to Stay

There are various guesthouses and camps available for rent in Arrang Kel, but don’t expect the luxury hotels. You will have to choose between comfortable accommodations and the stunning natural beauty of the area. If you really cannot live without the comforts of a good hotel, you can return to Kel and stay at the PTDC hotel in Kel Bazar or at WAPDA’s Margalla guest house, which is about 4 km from the main Kel Bazar.

Trek Condition

Arang Kel is located on the other side of the river and includes a chairlift (also known as Doli) and a one-hour hike. Be cautious during rainy weather, as the path becomes muddy and slippery after the lift. On the Arang Kel side, there are people offering guidance, walking sticks, water, beverages, and assistance.

How to Reach

While guidance is not essential to reach the top, you need to take walking sticks to trek and water with you. The one-hour hike is somewhat steep and requires stamina, patience, courage, and skill. If you’d like to avoid this path, there is an alternate route: take the road, cross the bridge, and reach Arang Kel, which takes about four hours. Horse riding is also an option on this route. Given the village’s beauty, staying in Arang Kel is highly recommended over staying in Kel.

Arang Kel Map and Location: