Kashmir truly is a paradise on earth—lush and vibrant, with an abundance of greenery. The scenery becomes even more breathtaking as you venture further into Neelum Valley. The road to Keran and Upper Neelum is mostly good, with just a few rough patches, making it an appealing journey, especially since it is only about 7 hours from the capital city.
Azad Kashmir offers numerous stunning destinations for travelers to explore, primarily in the Neelum Valley. The trip packages showcase the beauty of Pakistan, which includes:
Arang Kel is across the river, and you will reach Arang Kel by a chairlift (Doli) ride followed by a 1-hour hike. Guides are available to assist with walking sticks, water, and beverages on the Arang Kel side. Alternatively, there is a road route that bypasses the hike; by crossing the bridge, you can reach Arang Kel in about 4 hours. Horse riding is an option on this route. The village is picturesque, making it worthwhile to stay there instead of in Kel.
From Kel, there is a 30 to 45-minute trek to Arang Kel. An alternate route to Arang Kel from Kel features an army-constructed chairlift that offers fantastic views over the river. The region is lush and dotted with snow-capped mountains, providing vast areas to explore during your Kashmir tours. Activities included in the Azad Kashmir tour packages for 2025 span 2, 3, 4, and 5 days, and include camping, bonfires, horse riding, and hiking.
Ratti Gali Lake is in Neelum Valley, the most beautiful glacial lake in Azad Kashmir. During the summer season, tourists can explore the lush green valleys and fields surrounding the lake. In contrast, the winter season offers visitors the experience of snowfall and freezing temperatures. Many tourists utilize local transport or jeep rides to explore the lake and its surrounding areas, which include a 2-hour jeep drive from Dowarian to the Ratti Gali Base Camp.
From the Base Camp, there is an easy 1-hour trek to reach Ratti Gali Lake. Tourists can find well-established hotels for safe overnight stays during their travels. Additionally, there are opportunities for camping, allowing visitors to enjoy their time at the beautiful Ratti Gali Lake.
The northern regions of Pakistan boast a wealth of picturesque tourist destinations, with Azad Kashmir being a prime example. Nestled in the majestic Himalayan ranges, it provides travelers with a remarkable opportunity to explore nature. Currently, Pakistan’s tourism industry is flourishing, promising an exceptional experience in Kashmir. Due to its proximity to Indian-occupied Kashmir, Neelum Valley holds a significant position on the Pakistani map, with its breathtaking landscapes and pleasant climate making it a vibrant cultural hub.
Azad Kashmir offers packages that include Ratti Gali Lake tours, Neelum Valley excursions, Kutton Jagran district exploration, and comfortable hotels at Keran Resorts, close to the Indian border, in Taobat and Sharda.
The upper part of Azad Kashmir, including Kel, Arang Kel, Halmat, and Taobat, has always been a magnet for tourists. Other attractions include Banjosa Lake, Kutton Valley, Shardha Valley, and the stunning village of Taobat. Summer brings numerous visitors to explore every corner of Azad Kashmir, where quality services are available at competitive prices.
At approximately 9,400 feet (2,850 meters) above sea level, Pir Chinasi is one of the most breathtaking tourist destinations in Pakistan’s Northern Areas. It takes around one and a half hours to drive the 30 kilometers from Muzaffarabad, the capital city of Azad Kashmir. The route includes a metal road that provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Azad Kashmir is renowned for its amazing landscapes, featuring lush green meadows, alpine lakes, and towering peaks. Tolipeer is an ideal destination for those seeking to experience the tranquility of nature in a smooth travel setting. This region is also perfect for hiking, trekking, camping, and sightseeing trips of varying difficulty levels.
Baboon Meadows is one of the most captivating valleys in Azad Kashmir. Travelers can reach Baboon Meadows from Upper Neelum Valley via Kutton, with a combination of thrilling jeep safaris and short trekking routes. To access this stunning valley, visitors typically hire a jeep from Kutton village for a 3 to 4-hour off-road ride, costing between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 14,000 for a round trip. Within the valley, there is a charming but small lake, Baboon Lake, perfect for sightseeing. Travelers also have the option to camp under the stars, as there are no accommodations available in the area.
Exploring Kashmir was a unique and beautiful experience that I plan to enjoy again in the future. You will love the stunning beauty of the snowy, lofty peaks of Azad Kashmir. Pictures cannot capture the beauty that one can witness with their own eyes. However, I am sharing some photos to give you a glimpse of my best experiences.
From Kel, you can either start hiking or take a chairlift. Hiking without the chairlift takes about 45 minutes, depending on the hikers’ physical fitness and stamina. You can hire a local guide or porter to assist your family with trekking up to Arang Kel in the Azad Kashmir trip packages.
There are no telecommunication services in Azad Kashmir due to LOC. SCOM local SIM is used for communication & internet services for the Azad Kashmir Region. You can get the SIM from Muzaffarabad, Athmuqaam, or Sharda quickly.
There are many beautiful and crystal clear lakes in Azad Kashmir. The most visited lakes are following:
Various hotels are available in Azad Kashmir to accommodate families and groups. Tourists can acquire Standard and Deluxe rooms according to their budgets and services.
Kashmir is located in northern Pakistan, almost 300 km away from Islamabad. So, it takes 7 to 8 hours by road drive to reach Kashmir, with short refreshments and sightseeing stays on the way. Then, there are many trekking and jeep routes to see the beautiful destinations.
4 to 5 days are enough to visit the main tourist attractions of Azad Kashmir. You can easily cover all the major sightseeing points like Sharda, Kel, Arang Kel, Ratti Gali Lake, Taobat, Keran, and many more in 6 days. You can also indulge in activities like trekking, jeep safari, and boating at River. We also have 3, 4, and 5-day group and private Kashmir tour packages from Islamabad.
Traveling by bus from Islamabad to Kashmir is an economical and efficient way to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Azad Kashmir. But these buses are uncomfortable and drive harshly in hilly areas. Bus tickets are generally less expensive but not recommended for families and couples. You can join our group tour or select any option from our Kashmir Tour Packages from Islamabad for a memorable journey and unforgettable experience. You can be sure you’ll enjoy a safe and comfortable ride, take in breathtaking views of Kashmir’s verdant lands, have time to explore important historical landmarks, and save money on your travel costs
Tourists love to visit in summer to beat the heat, and winter offers a treat to the eyes. Kashmir has dual beauty in both seasons and remains open all year. However, if you want to see the true colors of Azad Kashmir, you should visit Azad Kashmir from April to October. Kashmir is also the perfect destination for honeymoon couples in winter. Lush green meadows and gushing streams are waiting for you in summer. On the contrary, white snow has its charm for nature lovers and adventurers.
