Introduction to the Wondrous Land

Pakistanis already have so many reasons to be proud of their country, and Neelum Valley is considered as one of the most beautiful sites in Azad Kashmir. The name is kept after the dazzling blue color river which represents snake-like curves. It’s also widely known as “Paradise of Kashmir.” Knowingly, there aroused a contradiction speaking of the valley being names after precious stone titled as Neelum. The Valley is situated to the North of Muzaffarabad in Kashmir region and runs parallel to Kaghan Valley. It consists of about 370 small and large villages. The valley mostly contains mountains and hill with sparkling valleys. Wondrously, the valley also has thick rivers, forest and streams. It’s dipped in the most spectacular beauty and grabs attention of many tourists from not only within Pakistan but also foreign countries. The charming valley has two points from where it can be reached. One is from Noori Top and the other from the famous Kaghan Valley. Besides these two points, it has various minor passes.

Description of the Meditating Place

Neelum Valley rests on equal sides of Neelum River. Interestingly, geographical features exaggerate the natural serenity of Neelum Valley. Its 2000 feet elevated and rises up till a height reaching 8000 feet. Both the sides contain high peaks and mountains. Almost all the forests of Azad Kashmir are found in this region of the State. Neelum Valley is created by Neelum River which flows in the Azad Kashmir. Basically, running through lesser Himalaya, Neelam River is Kashmir’s major attraction. The valley is accompanied by lush green grass filled hills with the catchy sparse tree covering up till Pateka. More stunningly, the valley is truly an exception. It’s stated as no such place in the entire world. It’s the valley of springs, waterfalls, fountains, flowering plants and trees. As the sketch says, it amazingly sounds like the most hospitable valley. Its snow-covered mountains, streams playing songs of happiness and the flowing river, all these characteristics makes it a natural wonderland. The area is ideal for not only sightseeing but also mountain tourism. Section of Nanga Parbat falls in the region which is highly dominated by the “Sarwaali Peak,” highest mountains located in Azad Kashmir.

Fruits That the Valley Bear

On numerous places, local population constructed rope crossings from over the river. It’s an extremely dangerous way of travelling and the thought of crossing the rope made bridge is horrible as well as thrilling. The wealth of the forest bounds in Neelum valley. Pine, strawberry, deodar, walnut, fir and also hosts of high sized trees and herbs are said to be the very treasure of Neelum valley. Although the valley is invaluable if viewed in economic terms but it has a buffet of natural growth offering captivating scenery.

Climate of the Wonderland

The prime time to travel is during May to October if one is coming from killing heat of the plains to high land of Neelum valley. This time would be not less than an escape from the fire of hell to cold and soothing breezes of Eden. The temperature stays somewhere in between 65 degree Celsius to 90 degree Celsius during summers. The upper section of this area is normally blessed with the first enjoyable snowfall in October and even in September sometimes. There are a number of places worth visiting in Neelum Valley. Let’s have a thorough look it.

Places to Visit

Apart from all the wonderful places in Pakistan you can visit, Neelum Valley has its own special places that will leave a spell on you.

Chelhana

This is the start of Neelum district which is around 46 km from city Muzaffarabad and comes right after crossing Nosairee Bridge connected with Neelum road. It’s largely popular for marble mines. From here, marble gets transported to Muzaffarabad as well as other cities. On opposite side of the Chelhana, tetwal is located which is under the Indian occupation. The most famous historical site near Tetwal is Kerna which is considered as the ancient Kashmir’s capital city by historians and folks. Important stations connecting way from the chelhana to Kundalshahi include chamber (Army Hospital), barian, Islampura, leswa, jura, mirpura and bandi. From Kundalshahi, around 18 km forward, connects the Leswa by-pass leading to top chugali also to other beautiful mountains.

Kundal Shahi

It’s a village situated in Neelum valley at an approximate elevation of 1350 meters above the sea level. This is at the point where Jagran Nullah (stream) meets Neelum River. The LOC (line of control) separating Indian administered region of Kashmir from Pakistani administered region runs close to Neelum Valley. At the Kundal Shahi, line of control is eliminated by some kilometers from bank of Neelum River. This unique segregation makes the place Kundal Shahi secure as far as the cross border bombardment is concerned. Due to this reason, tehsil headquarters, located 10 kilometers high up the valley are shifted to Kundal Shahi in the recent years. The station of Kundal Shahi occupies a rest house and saw mills seen at Western bank of Neelum River.

Jagran

From Kundal Shahi, the loveliest portion named Jagran of Neelum valley must be planned and visited. Jagran stream is vital and plays an important role in forming landscape which is the real charm and beauty of the stream revealing richness of this area. The peculiar characteristic lies in all time flowing green and gushing water of Jagran stream at side of appealing Tourists Resort. Surrounded by glittering beauty, the river is biting cold under shades of royal snow dressed mountains. Places worth seeing in Jagran are Pattlian Sar, Ghansee, Thunian and kutton. Excitingly, Jagran is absolutely ideal for takers and mountaineers. Here, the mountains range from about 4000 to 1400 feet above the seal level.

Bhateeka

The valley is easily approachable by metalled road up till the Kundal Shahi and wonderfully kept to Kel. At the Valley’s gateway resides a rambling town of Bhateeka. For the tourists, Bhateeka serves as the first break in their journey. The town owns a modest bazaar carrying daily routine activities. The bazaar and village are interlinked by a suspension bridge from which only jeeps can pass. Water falls, running streams and water channels across the Bhateeka offers one another breathtaking scene. Without exaggerating, it’s totally electrifying.

Athmuqam

It’s located at an altitude of 1371m and it’s the sub divisional headquarter. Athmuqam in geographical terms is cup-shaped valley along with the green hills on all four sides. There have been stories about this valley about being most advanced and then its decline in the pre historic times. It’s also told that people inhibited and migrated here from India after the downfall of Mughal Empire. The foremost captivation of tourists and people are the hiking tracks surrounding mountains.