Sharda Valley AJK

Named after a princess, this area is home to the magnificent peak of Shardi and Nardi, which generously add up to the beauty of this area. Being an ancient city, the city possesses many remnants and ruins of buildings and houses as well as a university (Sharda University) from many years ago.

Neelum Valley

History:

Often known as the ‘’princess’ of Azad Kashmir as well as ‘’Paradise of Kashmir,’ Neelum is one of the most breathtaking districts in all of the areas. The name Neelum itself has originated from the name of a river that has curvatures that resemble a python. The water of Neelum River has a dark bright blue color as well similar to a very precious and invaluable stone known as ‘The Neelum”. So the name “Neelum Valley” came into existence because of the river and Neelum stone.
Geography:

Positioned in the beautiful region of Kashmir with Muzaffarabad about 40 km to its south and south East and proceeding alongside the Valley of Kaghan. Cloud-bursting and snowy mountains higher than a height of 3500 meters (above ocean level) surround the breathtaking view of the valleys that lie in between. The area is chiefly comprised of dunes and mountain peaks hills accommodating more than 300 canyons. Chunky forestation, streams, and free-flowing rivers are extensively arranged. This beautiful art of nature can be approached majorly via the valley of Kaghan or via the Noori top however alternate accessory routes may also be used. Comprising all that beautiful geography, undoubtedly believed to be the most exciting and attractive tourist destination. 

Climate:

Touring Neelum from May to early October, a person finds themselves rescued from the blistering sun. Thus, the warm environment to the soft cold whiffs and gusts of a paradise-like climate and atmosphere of Neelum is highly attracting. The average temperature remains between 18°C to 25° C during the summer. Snowfall usually takes place by the end of October.

People:

Neelum valley consists of a population of 191,251. People of Neelum valley are warm-hearted, welcoming, hardworking, intelligent and very skillful. Neelum and its people withhold their own traditional and distinctive culture. Being close to the capital of Azad Kashmir, the majority of the people of Neelum are well educated, civilized, and enriched personalities, as compared to the other valleys that surround the area. Wearing elegant but straightforward dresses of shalwar and kameez, with an extra waistcoat worn by the men and burqa by the women is common. The common language is Urdu. The people of Neelum find their level of sophistication through education and tradition.

Ecology:

Inhabiting amazing and extraordinarily alluring and glimpses of wildlife, Neelum is famously known for being the longtime home of ‘Lutra Lutra’ (a common Otter), and also a habitat for other bewitching wildlife. However, exploration in this area has been inadequate due to many factors majorly including the cross-border firing between Pakistan and India which continues almost endlessly as well as due to the absence of means of transportation.

Economy:

Subsistence cultivating is the pillar of the majority of the 200,000 living in Neelum Valley, with men and women both tilling the ground. The soil is exceptionally ripe and wealthy in supplements; however the rugged landscape and eccentric climate make it hard to become excessively. In this manner, patio cultivating is normal to numerous pieces of the valley, helped by successive downpour.

Places:

Keran and Upper Neelum:

The expanse is enveloped with abundant large green trees, sweet and tasty fruits of high nutritive value. Moreover, the view, weather, and the exoticness of the area is just a splendid example of exquisiteness when it comes to natural beauty!

Kel:

Kel is not the last on the list of beautiful and breath-taking places when we talk about the places one should visit in Neelum valley. Additionally, the most exciting and fascinating things about this place in the long track that can be used to trek up to reach the point from where Nanga Parbat stands mysteriously and beautifully. What a dazzling sight it is and nevertheless, the main tourist and local attraction. 

Arrang Kel:

A high voted tourist destination and as well as a valley. It is located on the cliff peak close to Kel at an astounding altitude of 8,379 feet. Arrang Kel is reachable via a trek of a length of 2km further from Kel. Beyond the skirts of this mountain, unfortunately, Is the area which is currently a part of Indian occupied Kashmir. Undoubtedly, it is also one of the top tourist destinations in the area. 

Tao Butt:

Known for being the last station and the borderline at the end of Neelum Valley, it is more profoundly known by its generous beauty of nature. There is heavy winter snowfall for almost half of the year, being a host to an enjoyable summer season and the Neelum River, which flows towards and end at Domail. The little red roofs of huts that provide a sugary view to the eyes are just some of the reasons this has emerged as one of the most beautiful places in all of Kashmir. Land sliding, however, is an obstacle here that is often encountered, and recently, due to the dispute, this area falls under the LOC, and permission from the armed forces of Pakistan needs to be taken to visit this place.

Kutton Jagran Resort:

It is positioned around the lower segment of the Neelum Valley. The stream of Jagran Nullah acts as an essential and beautiful addition that provides the resort with its natural landscape and charisma. A mega hydroelectric project is engineered here that harvests a considerable amount of electricity to the state.  An endless sequence of the Himalayan peaks begins from here to Kaghan, Skardu, and Chillas.

Dhani Noseri Waterfall:

Who doesn’t love huge waterfalls? And not just that, this is THE highest waterfall that exists in all of Neelum Valley and most of Kashmir. An absolute admirable, flowing masterpiece of original art.

Ratti Gali Lake:

To gain access to this area, one must trek for about 12 miles from ‘Dowarian,’ which serves as the base camp area for Ratti Gali Lake. In the summer season the land of this popular and fascinating destination transforms with thriving green grasslands, colorful flowers, and shining plantations of Alpine while being almost completely covered with pure white snow in the winters.

Chitta Khatta Lake:

The name translates into a ‘white, water reservoir.’ Naturally engineered in the form of a deep bowl, it experiences snowfall for most of the year and is simply nature at its best. 

Hotels:

Not many hotels and rest houses were previously present, but since tourism has taken its toll, many new motels, hotels, resorts, and rest houses have opened in the area to facilitate every need of the tourists and provide a home-like atmosphere within this dazzling valley of beauty. Keran resort is a top of the listed resort, with a very comfortable and hospitable environment for locals and tourists.

Restaurants:

The Twin Hills, Neelum view restaurant, and Al Haraam restaurant are few of the many restaurants that serve highly delicious, mouthwatering cuisines of a wide variety to its customers.

Health:

Comprising of several private as well as state-based health care centers and hospitals have been established that provide health services to its patients. BHU's (Basic health unit) and RHC's (rural health center) are also present abundantly in surrounding areas as accidents are quite common in these areas. Emergency routes have also been established and specified for ambulances in case of an unpleasant traumatic situation.

Security:

Security is an issue in this area as the LOC is just around the corner, but the armed forces on either side are eager to improvise.

Shopping:

A lot of souvenirs, garments, and all kinds of gift items, as well as household items of general use and especially shawls are available to shop here in the busy grand market of Neelum valley as well as smaller bazaars.

Transport:

Transport services such as Careem and Uber are unfortunately not available in the area, but local taxis, buses and four-wheel-drive vehicles are abundantly available to travel and move around effortlessly.

Important Numbers:

Police Department District Neelum       +92-(0)-5821-930001

Hospital Neelum                                        +92-5821-920051

Exchange                                                   +92-(0)-5821-1217

National Red Cross                                  +92-(0)-5822-434240

Photography: Gulraiz Ghuri

https://www.enroutepakistan.com/profile/gulraiz

Souvenir shop: Photo Bank

https://www.enroutepakistan.com/shop/info/foto-bank