1- MUZAFFARABAD:Muzaffarabad, the capital of the Azad State of Jammu & Kashmir, is situated at the confluence of the Jhelum & Neelum rivers. It is at a distance of 138 kilometers from Rawalpindi and about 76 kilometers from Abbottabad.
The present name of Muzaffarabad has been given to it after the name of Sultan Muzaffar Khan, a chief of Bomba Dynasty (in 1652). Cradled by lofty mountains, Muzaffarabad is a blend of varied cultures and languages. Being the capital of the state it has all the necessary facilities of life. In addition, there are two historical forts, Red & Black Fort, situated on the opposite sides of river Neelum. The Neelum river streams, proudly through the hubbub of the town, joins river Jhelum at Domel and plays a dominant role in the micro climate of Muzaffarabad.
Muzaffarabad, being the capital city is not only the hub of political and cultural activities but it also serves as a base camp for the tourists. It has various spots of leisure. View point Sathra, a public place, unravels the panorama of the entire city before a beholder. The junction point of the river Neelum and Jhelum presents a majic beauty from here. Lohar Gali, situated 9 kilometers from Muzaffarabad on Abbottabad road. The Red fort is a witness to the ancient history of this great city. The local market in Muzaffarabad can be explored for walnut carvings, kashmiri shawls and other traditional handicrafts. It is always possible to get a good bargain.
MUZAFFARABAD FORT:
Muzaffarabad Fort, generally known as Red Fort, traces back a checquered history. It is said that construction of the fort was initially taken up by the Chuk rulers to counter the offensives of the intruders. However, Sultan Muzaffarabad Khan, the founder of Muzaffarabad town, finally completed it in 1646. During the Mughal rule in Kashmir this Fort lost its importance, as they were more interested in other parts of their empire. But when Durrani's over-took the rule of this area, it again came in to limelight and its importance was recovered. Afterwards during the Dogra rule of Maharaja Ghulab Singh and Maharaja Ranbir Singh, the Fort was reconstructed and extended according to their political and militarial requirements. However, towards the end of 1947 the Dogra's fled away leaving the fort wide open to anybody. Since then it has braved devastating floods, ravages of time, and other hazards to project its inherent glory and historical background.
PIR CHINASSI:
The awe-inspiring locus, with an altitude of 2924 meters above the sea level is located eastward of Muzaffarabad. Due to its tremendous scenic beauty, velvet green plateaus and wonderful climate, it wins admiration of nature lovers. The view of the summit of the neighbouring mountain peaks spell bounds a tourist. Devotees of Saint Shah Hussain Bukhari, take pilgrimage to rejuvenate their adust heart. The adjacent Pirchinassi, phawna da Danna and the areas in the bottom of Pirchinassi, i.e. Saran, Sud Bun, Mushki, Sakki and Jarran phirran are also worth seen and ideal for hiking, trekking and camping activities.AJK Tourism Department has also constructed a tourist lodge at Saran to provide accommodation facilities to the tourists.
SHAHEED GALI:
The comely beauty of the place attracts a restive mind to prolong his stay. The picturesque Shaheed Gali, situated at the height of about 1640 meters above sea level is at a distance of about 16 kilometers westward from Muzaffarabad. From Shaheed Gali a trek of 4 Kms leads towards a wholesome spot namely "Sri Kot". A tourist is bound to be fascinated by the serenity for the backdrop of the area. A Tourist Rest House is available for accommodation at Shaheed Gali.
PATIKKA:
Located at a distance of 19 Km from Muzaffarabad, it is a gateway to Neelum valley and can be the first journey break on the way.
A mini zoo and a fish hatchery have turned the place into a site of diversions. AJK Tourism Department has constructed a Tourist Rest House here, which is very popular among tourists.
A mini zoo and a fish hatchery have turned the place into a site of diversions. AJK Tourism Department has constructed a Tourist Rest House here, which is very popular among tourists.
NEELUM VALLEY:
About 240 kilometers long the picturesque Neelum Valley is situated to the North & North East of Muzaffarabad. Running parallel to the Kaghan Valley it is separated from it by snow covered peaks, some over 4000 meters above sea level. Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic view, towering hills on both sides of the noisy Neelum river, lush green forests, enchanting streams, high altitude lakes and attractive surroundings make the valley a dream come true.
The area is also ideal for mountain tourism. A part of Nanga Parbat Massif falls in this area which is dominated by "Sarwaali Peak" (6326 meters) the highest mountain in Azad Kashmir. Moreover like Kaghan Valley it is famous for fishing and angling activities in Neelum river and Jagran nullah which are stocked with trout fish.
A fair weather road opens the valley to tourists up to Kel, 155 kilometers from Muzaffarabad. Buses ply daily on this route and accommodation facilities are also available in the rest houses at places of tourist attraction.
The area is also ideal for mountain tourism. A part of Nanga Parbat Massif falls in this area which is dominated by "Sarwaali Peak" (6326 meters) the highest mountain in Azad Kashmir. Moreover like Kaghan Valley it is famous for fishing and angling activities in Neelum river and Jagran nullah which are stocked with trout fish.
A fair weather road opens the valley to tourists up to Kel, 155 kilometers from Muzaffarabad. Buses ply daily on this route and accommodation facilities are also available in the rest houses at places of tourist attraction.
SOME OF THE PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST:
a) Kundle Shahi:
It is 74 Kms from Muzaffarabad. Here, silvery stream Jagran nullah joins river Neelum, where trout fish is found abundantly.
b) KUTTON (JAGRAN VALLEY):
The bewitching beauty of Kutton permeated in the radius of 10 kilometers, makes Jagran Valley. The area is 16 kilometers from Kundal Shahi and is accessible by road. For the convenience of tourists, AJK tourism Department has constructed a rest house here. Whereas, accommodation is also available in adjacent residential complex managed by the Hydro Electric Board. From here 16 kilometers onward, Thunian, Ghansi and Jagran are located which are worth seeing spots for nature lovers and adventurists.
c) SALKHALA:
About 5 kilometers ahead of Kundal Shahi, Salkhala is another secluded spot of tourist interest located across river Neelum. Here a trout hatchery has been established. A Tourist Rest House and 3 huts are available here for accommodation.
d) ATHMAQAM:
Athmaqam is 10 kilometers from Kundal Shahi a height of 1371 meters. It is the sub-divisional headquarter of the areaand serves as a take-off point for tourists interested in hiking and exploring the inner valley. It is an attractive place known for its variety of fruit. All necessary facilities viz bazaar, post office, banks, hospital, telephone and PWD rest house are available here.
e) NEELUM (KAREN):
At a distance of about 9 Kms from Athmaqam, Neelum (Karen) is situated on the Right Bank of Neelum River at about 1524 meters above sea level. It has a fascinating scenery. A small bazaar and a tourist rest house situated on the bank of meandering river Neelum across from where one can have a glance at the Indian held Kashmir. The panoramic lush green valley, profound in wild fruit and wildlife, attracts the tourists from every nook & corner of the country. Owing to its tourist attraction, AJK Tourism Department has launched a project to convert it in to a tourist resort.
f) DOWARRIAN:
Dowarrian is situated about 13 Kms from Neelum at an altitude of about 1615 meters. It is surrounded by mountains full of full of Conifer trees. A mule track upto Ratti Gali Pass about 30 Kms towards west connects the Neelum & Kaghan Valleys. There is a Forest Rest House on the top of the hill and a tourist rest house is available for accommodation near main road.
g) SHARDA:
Located ar a distance of 30 kilometers from Dowarrian, it is a breath- taking green spot at an altitude of 1981 meters. Shardi & Nardi are the two mountain peaks over looking the valley, reputed named after legendary princesses Shaeda & Narda. It has a captivating landscape with numerous springs and hillsides covered with thick forest. Over the right bank, opposite to Sharda, the river Neelum is joined by the Surgan nullah along which a track leads to the Noori Nar Pass and through it to Kaghan Valley .
In Sharda, one also finds ruins of an old Buddhist Monastery and a fort which are of historical background. Facilities of a small bazaar, Post Office, health center and Public Call Office are available in Sharda. The AJK Tourism Department has established here a "Tourist Village" consisting of Tourist Rest Houses, Youth Hostels, Cafeteria and Games room to facilitate tourists.
In Sharda, one also finds ruins of an old Buddhist Monastery and a fort which are of historical background. Facilities of a small bazaar, Post Office, health center and Public Call Office are available in Sharda. The AJK Tourism Department has established here a "Tourist Village" consisting of Tourist Rest Houses, Youth Hostels, Cafeteria and Games room to facilitate tourists.
h) KEL:
19 kilometers journey from Sharda, upstream takes one to Kel. It is a small valley at the height of 2097 meters. This is another picturesque place in the Neelum Valley . The Shounter Nullah joins river Neelum at this place and leads to Gilgit Agency over the Shounter Pass (4,420 meter). Kel is also a base camp of mountaineering activities up to " Sarawaali Peak " 6326 meters above sea level and "Sarawaali Glacier" which are said to be the heighest peak and biggest glacier of Azad Kashmir.
Buses ply daily on this route. It is advisable to hire a jeep from Authmaqam for a trip in to the Valley. Horses and ponies can also be hired locally for travel to the interior of the Neelum Valley . Banks, Collage, Hospital, Bazaar, PCO and a Tourist Motel are available here.
Buses ply daily on this route. It is advisable to hire a jeep from Authmaqam for a trip in to the Valley. Horses and ponies can also be hired locally for travel to the interior of the Neelum Valley . Banks, Collage, Hospital, Bazaar, PCO and a Tourist Motel are available here.
i) HALMET:
The border village about 38 km ahead of Kel, is a fascination yet unexplored. Janawai, and Sardari are the most beautiful places around here. A tourist rest house has been constructed at Halmat to provide accommodation facilities to the visitors.
(Note): Some of the tourist places of Neelum Valley are situated in the range of Line of Control (LoC), therefore, sometimes it becomes difficult to visit these areas. So before visiting the valley, the visitors are required to get information from AJK Tourism Department.
(Note): Some of the tourist places of Neelum Valley are situated in the range of Line of Control (LoC), therefore, sometimes it becomes difficult to visit these areas. So before visiting the valley, the visitors are required to get information from AJK Tourism Department.
j) JHELUM VALLEY:
This is an ideal valley for both the domestic and international tourists. The curling river Jhelum passes through from East to West between the high green mountains of this valley and joins the river Neelum at Domel near Muzaffarabad city.
A 59 Km long metalled road runs along the river Jhelum from Muzaffarabad to Chokothi, which is located adjacent to line of control (LoC). Buses & wagons ply on this route regularly.
A 59 Km long metalled road runs along the river Jhelum from Muzaffarabad to Chokothi, which is located adjacent to line of control (LoC). Buses & wagons ply on this route regularly.
k) GHARI DOPATTA:
It is 24 kilometers from Muzaffarabad. The town surrounded by mountains is located on both sides of river Jhelum . Educational, medical, telephone, accommodation and shopping facilities are available here. AJK Government has established here an "Extension Services Management Academy (ESMA)", which provides training facilities of international level.
l) LEEPA VALLEY:
This is the most fascinating & loveliest valley in Azad Kashmir. A metalled road branches off for Leepa from Naily, 45 kilometers from Muzaffarabad, climbs over the Reshian Gali 3200 meters high and then descends to 1677 meters on the other side into the Leepa Valley. It spell bounds everyone who visits this valley.
The valley remains open for domestic tourists only from May to November. A few places of tourist interest in this valley are:
LEEPA:
Leepa is a small village about 60 kilometers from Naily and 38 kilometers from Reshian, at an altitude of 1921 meters. Its lush green rice fields in summer and typical wooden Kashmiri houses present a wonderful view to the people visiting the area. Walnut, Apple, Cherry and honey of Leepa are very popular and in great demand.
DAO - KHAN:
Dao - Khan is situated some 75 kilometers from Muzaffarabad. An unpaved but well maintained road branches off from Reshian to Dao- Khan (4 kilometers from Reshian), which is now well recognized due to its high altitude (2490 meters), calm & peaceful atmosphere, excellent scenic beauty and panoramic views. Accommodation facilities through Tourist Rest House and Forest Rest House are available. Owing to flow of visitors/ tourists in the summer season, AJK Tourism Dept. also provides tent service for accommodation.
LEEPA:
Leepa is a small village about 60 kilometers from Naily and 38 kilometers from Reshian, at an altitude of 1921 meters. Its lush green rice fields in summer and typical wooden Kashmiri houses present a wonderful view to the people visiting the area. Walnut, Apple, Cherry and honey of Leepa are very popular and in great demand.
DAO - KHAN:
Dao - Khan is situated some 75 kilometers from Muzaffarabad. An unpaved but well maintained road branches off from Reshian to Dao- Khan (4 kilometers from Reshian), which is now well recognized due to its high altitude (2490 meters), calm & peaceful atmosphere, excellent scenic beauty and panoramic views. Accommodation facilities through Tourist Rest House and Forest Rest House are available. Owing to flow of visitors/ tourists in the summer season, AJK Tourism Dept. also provides tent service for accommodation.
m) CHANANIAN:
Chananian, 62 kilometers from Naily & 36 kilometers from Reshian, is situated opposite to Leepa, near the Line of Control (LOC), at an altitude of 2226 meters. Surrounded by thick pine forests and nullah Qazi Naag flowing near by it, Chananian is also a worth seeing place in Leepa Valley .
From Reshian onwards, one has to hire jeeps for journey to Leepa and other places.
From Reshian onwards, one has to hire jeeps for journey to Leepa and other places.
SOURCE:http://www.ajk.gov.pk/
