Neelum valley is a long narrow valley along river Neelum river. It is the northernmost district of Azad Kashmir. It runs parallel to Kaghan valley around 150km. Hills on both sides of the Neelum river are full of pine trees.
Neelum valley has many attractions for tourists. Though it remains open throughout the year. The only exception is Taobat which is the last village of the valley and it remains closed for couple of months during winters. This valley offers lots of trekking opportunities to outdoor enthusiasts.
Public transport goes from Muzaffarabad up to Taobat. Private cars can easily go to Sharda and with some careful driving one can go to Kel as well. But the road ahead of Kel is only suitable for 4×4 jeeps.
There are many beautiful lakes in this heavenly valley. Ratti Gali lake, Chitta Kath lake and Saral lake are some of the most beautiful and noteable lakes of Neelum valley. Chiita Katha lake itself is located in another sub-valley called Shounter valley and accessible via 4×4 jeeps from Kel.
Major tourist attractions of Neelum include:
- Kundal Shahi
- Kutton
- Athmuqam
- Keran
- Upper Neelum
- Dowarian (4×4 jeeps from here take you to Ratti Gali lake)
- Sharda
- Kel
- Arang Kel
- Halmet
- Taobat
- Shounter valley
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- Chitta Katha lake, Shounter valley, Azad Kashmir
