Azad Kashmir
Neelum Valley
Region
Azad Kashmir
Best Visit
April to October for green valleys and open roads, with June to September best for the high lakes like Ratti Gali. December to February is snowbound with landslide risk
Highlight
Kashmir
Access
Open to All
Neelum Valley
— at a glance
Neelum Valley is the long, green jewel of Azad Kashmir, a roughly 200 km ribbon of forested hills and rushing river running northeast from Muzaffarabad to the last village at Taobat. The Neelum River traces the Line of Control for much of its length, so for stretches you look straight across the water at villages in Indian administered Kashmir. Along the way lie the riverside towns of Keran and Athmuqam, the ancient Sharada Peeth temple ruins at Sharda, the cliff top meadow village of Arang Kel reached by chairlift above Kel, and a string of alpine lakes led by the dazzling Ratti Gali. Green and accessible from April to October, snowbound in winter, it is one of the most beautiful and beginner friendly mountain escapes in Pakistan.
What to expect
KashmirRiver ValleyAlpine LakesForestFamily
Photo by Zuhaira.farooq
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Neelum Valley?
- Neelum Valley is in Azad Kashmir, northeast of Muzaffarabad, running about 200 km along the Neelum River up to Taobat. The river marks the Line of Control, so India administered Kashmir lies just across the water in places.
- How do you get to Neelum Valley?
- Drive from Islamabad via Murree and Muzaffarabad, about 235 km and five to seven hours to the lower valley. The road is paved to Sharda, then a four wheel drive is needed for Kel, Arang Kel, Taobat and the lakes.
- What is the best time to visit Neelum Valley?
- April to October, when the valley is green and roads are open. June to September is best for the high alpine lakes like Ratti Gali. Winter, December to February, brings heavy snow and landslides.
- Do you need an NOC for Neelum Valley?
- Pakistani tourists generally do not, but foreign visitors should check the current No Objection Certificate rules for Azad Kashmir and the border areas before travelling, since Neelum runs along the Line of Control.
- What is the most famous place in Neelum Valley?
- Arang Kel, a meadow village on a cliff top above Kel, reached by a short chairlift and a hike, is the valley icon. Ratti Gali Lake and the ancient Sharada Peeth ruins at Sharda are the other highlights.
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