Kashmir is a name that always filled my imagination with awe-stricken landscapes, lush green trees, and mighty mountains. It was always perfect in every picture as if the images had been photoshopped in the highest resolution. There are many top 10 most beautiful Azad Kashmir famous, and best tourist places to visit and see with your family in winter and summer. Well, I found AJK just like that, especially the area of Neelum Valley, which was picturesque and a piece of heaven on earth.
Azad Kashmir is a miraculous place, the garden of the Himalayas. You will not expect such a landscape here and It overflows with incredible greenery and charm. The Neelum Valley in Kashmir is a popular spot for its beautiful green meadows and coniferous forests. People come here for picnics, camping, and hiking in the mountains. It is considered one of the best places to visit in Azad Kashmir. We have wide range of Neelum Valley Tour Packages to serve you in better ways.
With breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes, Keran is a serene town in Azad Kashmir that offers people a quiet respite from city life and the hustle and bustle of daily life.
In addition to its lush greenery and proximity to the Line of Control, the town provides visitors with a unique experience of being on the other side of the border.
There is also a relaxing ambiance created by the Neelum River flowing through the town, offering adventure enthusiasts a chance to explore the nearby areas through hiking trails and find peace in the natural beauty of Keran.
Taobat Valley offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, vast meadows, and lakes. About 25,000 people live here, primarily practicing Islam. South of the village of Halmat, however, the valley is almost uninhabited. You can choose from our Azad Kashmir Tour Packages a perfect getaway with your family.
The stretch of AJK is 400km, and Neelum Valley is part of its runs for 144km. It includes many large and small villages, Kutton being the starting point and Taobat being the last. You will enter from Islamabad into Azad Jammu Kashmir via the Murree Expressway and then the Kohala- Muzaffarabad Expressway. The highways were well-built with road safety signs and walled borders on the edge side of the road.
As we moved higher in the mountains, you will enter Neelum Valley. The place is significant as LOC runs through it, and the army seems present at several check posts. The roads are decent, but as you move towards Keran, there were several 10-minute-long, rocky patches with no railing or boundary at the road’s edge.
At this point, the situation got a little scary as one wrong angle may get the car into the 8000-foot ditch. It is commendable how our drivers drove with extreme precaution as this was a single-lane, two-way traffic, thin, rocky, roads. The one driving on the edge has to be vigilant and focused at all times. Except for the patches, the road leading to Keran was fine.
There are numerous terraced fields, vibrant orchards, and traditional wooden houses in Leepa, a picturesque valley in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. The valley is accessible via a scenic 5-hour drive from Muzaffarabad, offering glimpses of the stunning landscapes along the way.
In spite of its natural splendor, Leepa is a serene destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature’s bounty. It is known for its architecture, handicrafts, and local festivals, which showcase its cultural richness.
In addition to the terraced fields and blossoming flowers adorning the terraced fields of Leepa, the valley is dotted with charming villages, each adding to its unique charm.
Taobat
Taobat
Neelum Valley, also known as the ‘Switzerland of the East‘ offers a wide range of breathtaking tourist attractions that lure travelers from all over the world. From the masterpiece of Arang Kel to the calmness of Taobat Village offers all types of sceneries that they want.
Neelum District, the largest in Azad Kashmir, shares borders of 750 kilometers with Gilgit-Baltistan and Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Formerly known as Kishanganga, the Neelum Valley stretches 145 kilometers along the Neelum River, marked by mountain peaks reaching 17,500 feet.
The Line of Control traverses the valley, impacting some villages. Administratively consisting of Athmuqam and Sharda tehsils, the district transitioned from Muzaffarabad District in 2005.
As well as education challenges, Neelum Valley, which lies between 4,000 and 7,500 feet in elevation, is becoming an important tourist destination. There are hiking, fishing, and water sports activities available there. Neelum Valley is the best place to touch nature deeply and enjoy quality time with your friends and family.
Pir Chinasi Kashmir, I rate this small village at the top in comparison to any small town/village in Europe, about 2-hour drive from Muzafarabad firstly, you have to get into Muzaffarabad and then to Pir Chinasi, you have to cross the river through the cart and at last but not the least 45 mints hike to Pir Chinasi in winter season, A peace of heaven on earth an unmatched beauty.
A carpeted but curvy and dangerous road leads to Pir Chinasi from Muzaffarabad city. Most people visit Pir Chinasi and then return to Muzaffarabad in one day. When going to Pirchanasi, be sure to have warm clothes as the weather is always cold, and a chilling breeze blows after 5 o’clock.
An integral component of Pir Chinasi’s historical appeal is the Pir Chinasi Shrine, a domed structure dedicated to the saint. Its unique architectural style combines Islamic architecture with local aesthetics, enhancing the shrine’s visual appeal.
The natural beauty of Pir Chinasi goes beyond its historical and spiritual significance. This destination offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains With an elevation of over 9,000 feet. A tranquil setting, lush green meadows, and colorful wildflowers make this an idyllic place for relaxation and reflection.
Tourism has flourished in Pir Chinasi in recent years. A number of factors have contributed to its popularity, including its proximity to the nearby city of Muzaffarabad and improved road infrastructure. A trip to Pir Chinasi is an adventure, with winding roads offering glimpses of the scenery that awaits.
Taobat
You will be fortunate enough to see this glorious encounter in the crown of Azad Kashmir – Taobat Village. Moreover, when the sun sends its magical rays into this valley, you can see nature blooming in its complete glory! And when this happens, the entire valley is filled up with her charm!
You can see her splendor in the sprouting of those wildflowers, in the swinging golden tops of wheat plantations, you can hear her sweet voice in the enchanting songs of the singing birds, in the rustling of leaves, in the whistling of the winds, you can feel her majesty when you go down deep in the unexplored woods only to be enmeshed in its serenity!
There are a few places that I would love to visit over and over again and Taobat is just one of them….. a piece of Heaven that comes straight outta some fairytale. Check the weather first before visit this stunning valley.
Taobat
The next day we planned on ascending to Sharda. The distance from Sharda to Keran is 37km which on a proper road can easily be completed in 40-50 min but it took us 2.5 hours at a speed of 10km/hr. Everyone went through car sickness as the car was wobbling on the terrible, stony road. The road had no side borders and all we could see was the deep ditch, with heavy rain, praying for a safe journey.
We took a deep sigh of relief once we arrived at Sharda. We stayed here for three days as none of the family members with children yearned to ascend to more beautiful places at a higher altitude because of the traumatic road experience we had from Keran to Sharda.
Arang Kel is a village at a height of 8379ft. It is accessible through a cable car or by hiking. Hiking was a long, steep track which only those can do who are a pro at. The cable car fits in 8 people at a time and goes back and forth to the valley. It approximately takes 5 – 6 hours of patiently waiting for the turn.
The cable car was originally made for the locals but now the local contractor runs it for commercial purposes. Locals keep coming in and they have to be accommodated first. Then, special guests of the army coming straight from the mess are accommodated. Waiting time is exhausting.
Anyway, we reached the other side of the mountain and trekked for an hour. The track was well-built and there were local horse riders to take the ones who weren’t able to climb. I came on a horse which had a changed path and oh my goodness, what mesmerizing landscape did I just see! The back end of Arang Kel is not much commercial and is the perfect place to visit.
The place had the homes of locals. Small huts with daylight and partial clouds over the snow-dripped mountains. A local Chacha explained to us the different angles of Arang Kel and the starting mountain of Nanga Parbat which was gorgeous.
Located in Neelum District, Kel is surrounded by snow-covered peaks and dense forests, creating an enchanting landscape. Accessible from Muzaffarabad, Kel offers breathtaking views along the way.
Arang Kel and Shounter Lake are two other scenic destinations that can be reached through Kel. The lively culture of the local people adds to the attraction of Kel, which offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. Before visiting this stunning tourist attraction, make sure the weather is right.
In addition to the natural beauty and cultural experiences found around Kel, the landscapes around the city are ideal for hiking and exploring.
| Locations | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad to Arang Kel | 304 km | 14 to 15 hours |
| Islamabad to Sharda | 282 km | 12 hours |
| Islamabad to Keran | 241 km | 9 hours |
| Muzaffarabad to Sharda | 156 km | 8 hours |
| Muzaffarabad to Keran | 115 km | 7 hours |
| Muzaffarabad to Kel | 175 km | 9.5 hours |
| Muzaffarabad to Arang Kel | 178 km | 10 hours |
| Muzaffarabad to Taobat | 216 km | 12 hours |
| Muzaffarabad to Kutton | 97 km | 5.5 hours |
| Muzaffarabad to Neelum Valley | 103 km | 6 hours |
| Muzaffarabad to Dowarian | 128 km | 7.5 hours |
| Muzaffarabad to Upper Neelum | 106 km | 8 hours |
| Neelum Valley to Dowarian | 25 km | 7.5 hours |
| Neelum Valley to Sharda | 54 km | 3 hours |
| Neelum Valley to Kel | 72 km | 4.5 hours |
| Neelum Valley to Arang Kel | 75 km | 5 hours |
| Kutton to Keran | 27 km | 2 hours |
| Kutton to Dowarian | 40 km | 3 hours |
| Kutton to Sharda | 70 km | 4.5 hours |
| Kutton to Kel & Arang Kel | 88 km & 91 km | 6 hours |
| Athmuqam to Keran | 12 km | 2 hours |
| Athmuqam to Sharda | 53 km | 4 hours |
| Keran to Dowarian | 13 km | 2.5 hours |
| Keran to Sharda | 41 km | 3 hours |
| Keran to Kel | 60 km | 5 hours |
| Keran to Arang Kel | 101 km | 5.5 hours |
| Dowarian to Sharda | 28 km | 1.5 hours |
| Dowarian to Ratti Gali Lake | 24 km | 2 hours |
| Dowarian to Kel | 47 km | 3 hours |
| Sharda to Kel | 19 km | 1.5 hours |
| Sharda to Arang Kel | 21 km | 2 hours |
| Sharda to Toabat | 60 km | 4 hours |
| Kel to Arang Kel | 2 km trek | 30 mins |
| Arang Kel to Taobat | 40 km Jeep Track | 2.5 hours |
| Months | High / Low (°C ) | Weather Condition | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / -5° | Snowfall | Partially Close |
| February | 8° / -2° | Snowy Areas | Partially Close |
| March | 16° / 7° | Partially Snowy | Open to Visit |
| April | 18° / 9° | Spring Season | Open to Visit |
| May | 27° / 15° | Greenery | Open to Visit |
| June | 30° / 21° | Sunny - Green | Open to Visit |
| July | 34° / 23° | Rainy | Open to Visit |
| August | 31° / 20° | Lush Green | Open to Visit |
| September | 28° / 15° | Partially Green | Open to Visit |
| October | 22° / 10° | Autumn Season | Open to Visit |
| November | 15° / 5° | Too Cold to Visit | Partially Close |
| December | 7° / -5° | Partially Snowy | Partially Close |
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