Pakistan · Asia

Azad Kashmir: the Neelum Valley and Alpine Lakes

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  • Code:JK
  • Type:administered area
  • Population:4.6M (2008)
  • Area:13,297 km²
  • Capital:Muzaffarabad

Introduction

Azad Kashmir is a mountainous region of forested ridges, terraced green valleys and alpine lakes, threaded by the upper reaches of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers. Wetter and more thickly wooded than the high deserts of the far north, it is a landscape of pine and walnut forest, rushing rivers and hillside villages, and it has become a much-loved summer escape for its cool air, its scenery and the accessibility of its valleys.

Overview

It is soft, green, well-watered mountain country — long river valleys, hillside villages, alpine lakes and pine-covered ridges — among the most photographed scenery in these mountains. More accessible and greener than the arid far north, it makes an easy introduction to the highlands.

Discover Azad Kashmir

The Neelum Valley is the region's showpiece — a long green river valley that runs northeast from Muzaffarabad, deepening from wooded lower slopes into high alpine country as it climbs. The road threads a chain of riverside villages, past waterfalls tumbling straight to the roadside and forests of pine and walnut, with each bend opening a new view up the valley. The riverside settlement of Keran, the village of Sharda with its weathered ancient ruins on a bluff above the water, and the higher hamlets toward Kel are the classic stops, and the valley is at its greenest and most inviting through the summer months. For most visitors, simply travelling slowly up the Neelum, stopping where the view demands it, is the whole experience.

Ways to Experience This Destination

The Neelum Valley

The region's green showpiece — a river valley of waterfalls, pine forest and villages climbing into alpine country.

Arang Kel and the Lakes

The meadow village above the valley reached by cable car, and the alpine trek to Ratti Gali Lake.

Rawalakot and Toli Pir

Gentler southern meadows and pine ridges — Banjosa Lake and the ridge-top views of Toli Pir.

Muzaffarabad and Pir Chinasi

The riverside capital, its old forts, and the high shrine and panorama of Pir Chinasi.

Frequently asked questions

The Neelum Valley is Azad Kashmir's showpiece — a long green river valley running northeast from Muzaffarabad through pine and walnut forest, past roadside waterfalls and hillside villages, deepening into alpine country as it climbs. Slow travel up the valley, stopping at villages like Keran and Sharda, is the classic experience, and it is greenest through the summer.

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