Neelum Valley

Neelum Valley is situated at the North & North-East of Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir, running parallel to Kaghan Valley. The two valleys are only separated by snow-covered peaks, some over 4000m above sea level. Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views, towering hills on both sides of the noisy Neelum river, lush green forests, enchanting streams and attractive surroundings make the valley a dream come true.

Athmuqam - is situated at a height of 1371m, it is the sub-divisional headquarters of the area. It is an attractive place known for its variety of fruit. All necessary facilities via bazaars, post offices, banks, hospitals, and telephone exchanges are present.

Keran & Upper Neelum - at a distance of about 91 Km (3 Hours Drive) from Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir & 7 Hours Drive from Islamabad, Keran and Upper Neelum is situated on the right bank of the river Neelum at 1524m above sea level with fascinating scenery. The panoramic lush green valley is profound in fruit and wildlife. There is beautiful and comfortable luxurious motels called Keran Resort. Visit Neelum Valley for Keran Resort / Neelum Valley Hotels.

Sharda - a breath-taking green spot at an altitude of 1981m. Shardi and Nardi are two mountain peaks overlooking the valley, reputedly named after legendary princess Sharda. It has a captivating landscape with numerous springs and hill-sides covered with trees. On the right bank, opposite Sharda, the Neelum is joined by the Surgan Nallah along which a track leads to Nurinar Pass and through it to the Kaghan Valley. Ruins of an old Buddhist University can also be found in Sharda. Sharda is very historical place to visit. Visit Neelum Valley for Kashmir Tours & Travels.

Kel: - a small valley situated at a height of 2097m. This is another picturesque place in the Neelum Valley. The Shounter Nallah joins river Neelum at this place and leads to Gilgit Agency (Northern Areas) over the Shandur at 4420m.

Arang Kel: - is situated at the hill top near Kel, about 1500 feet ascend from River Neelam. It is also a village full of beautiful sceneries. Beyond this mountain, the next mountain is a part of Indian occupied Kashmir. It is a piece of utmost beauty, one can find in Kashmir. Visit Neelum Valley for Arang Kel.

Chita Khata Lake: - Chita Khata Lake - is located at an altitude of 3,800 meters. Chitta Katha Lake is only accessible in the months of July and August. Common route followed by the tourists is through kel. There is a road from Kel to Shounter Valley. It is better to reach the village UTLI DOMEL at night and stay there. You should proceed forward early in the morning. There is climbing of 5 to 6 hours to reach the lake. You can also make arrangements of horses for travelling from UTLI DOMEL.

Shounter valley: - lies in Upper Neelum valley. It can be accessed through a jeep track from Kel which only gets opened for a few months of the year. From Shounter valley, one can cross the Shounter Pass to enter into Astore valley at Rattoo. Shounter lake is a small but very beautiful lake in the Shounter Valley. From this point, one can go to Sarveli peak base camp, chitta katta lake or cross the Shounter pass into Astore. Shounter is very beautiful and worthseeing place.

Sardari: - A beautiful village comes while going from Kel to Taobut.

Halmat: - The border village about 49 kilometers ahead of Kel is a fascinating but unexplored sight. The area from Kel to Taobat is called the Halmat. Janawai, Sardari and Halmat are the most beautiful places of this area. The drive itself is slow as the road is a dirt track, crossing streams and waterfalls. It almost takes 3 hours to reach this place from Kel. You can also start seeing some glaciers melting into the Neelum River.

Tao Butt: - Tao butt is the last station and end point of Neelum valley. Tao Butt is an example of vegetation generosity of the liberal nature. The spot is donned with all delicacies and niceties. Nature flirts here with fantastic environment. It has a sever season and heavy snow in winter, and winter season continue  about 6 months strarting from October to April end. In summer it is a worth place for tourist to visit. Neelum river emerges from here in the valley and continue its journey till Domail. Taobut is very beautiful and worth seeing place to "Visit Neelum Valley".

Tao butt has few red roof huts comprise this town which when seen from a high ground remind you of the calendar pictures of Switzerland.

Gurase Valley: - in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir is the most captivating but remote and backward area of the Neelum valley situated in the north-east of the Muzaffarbad, the capital city of Azad Kashmir. This area is the heart of sustainable tourism in Azad Kashmir because of its lush green natural beauty.

Source / For more details: http://www.ajktourism.gov.pk/en/index.php/ajk/neelum