There are extremely exuberant sites in Neelum valley to visit which is soothing to the eyes. Even the glance of these places is going to bring all the peace in this world to you. People treat themselves by visiting such fascinating areas. Let us virtually experience the flavour of Neelum Valley.
Keran (Lower Neelum)
Keran is located around 9 kilometres from Athmuqam at sea level of 1524m. The panoramic green valley is exclusive in wildlife and fruit. Keran is a peaceful spot on the side of the river with a clean and neat wooden floor rest house. The lawns slope downwards to the western bank of this river. Keran also contains over a dozen shops along with telephone call and post office. Trucks carry commodities to this market from Athmaqam. The stay is comfortable and calm. The major attraction of Keran is that the view of India is transparent on the river’s other side. There is a tiny military bridge connecting two divisions, Indian and Pakistani soldiers patrolling.
Neelum Village (Upper Neelum village)
Neelum village is situated at a distance of 2.5 km from Keran. The valley can also be approached from By-pass starting from Athmuqam. This place is also greatly known for wildlife, fruits and grabs the attention of tourists from each and every corner of Pakistan. A park and zoo are under development. Another admirable feature of the area is that the view encompasses Kashmir from every angle. Owing to the tourist attraction of the area, AJK Tourism Department has planned a construction project converting Lower and Upper Neelum into a Resort. Special attention has been given to this area because it is largely valued by people coming from around the globe.
Nikron Valley, Neelum Valley
Nikron valley is a place worth visiting. This is due to the fact that commercial tourism doesn’t exist and it is comparatively secure from deforestation making it unique for the nature of love. It intense when comes to upper Neelum. There have been stories narrating a strange aspect about this place saying that not even a single human has ever walked on it. One transport that can easily get there is a local jeep.
Dowarian, Neelum Valley
Dowarian is located at about 13 km from the Neelum valley at an elevation of 1615 meters. It is accompanied by pine Trees Mountains. At a distance of 30 km, a track appears inside Rattigali Pass linking Kaghan and Neelum valley. A marvellous alpine lake of 4000m named Rattigali Lake exists in the pass. In order to reach there, one needs to hire mules or get tracks for their journey. The main admiration of this valley is a huge fresh and cold water lake nestling humbly in the lush mountains. Large plain is covered by the small yet bewitching lake as well as gushing water. There is a rest house on top of this hill and there is also an Anglers Hut.
Sharda, Neelum Valley
Sharda is an appealing scene at an altitude of about 1981m. It is situated at a distance of around 30 km from Dowarian. Nardi and Shardi are two peaks of a mountain overseeing Sharda in Valley, named after the legendary princess called Sharda. Opposite Sharda, on the right bank of the river, Neelum is linked by Surgan Nallah. The track connects with Nurinar Pass. Through this, one can reach Kaghan Valley. Sharda script was created in the 9th century. Sharda is among the most beautiful areas with lavish green planes, cold flowing river. The valley’s landscape comprises of numerous small streams, the green forest around the hillside and land which is cultivated around it. The tourism department has a simple and comfortable rest house. To approach Sharda, one needs to cross a large suspension bridge from above the Neelum River.
Kel, Neelum Valley
Kel, just like the name, is a tiny village located at a height of about 2097m. There is another entrancing place in Neelum Valley. Interestingly, Kel is a base camp as well for mountaineering activities. There are a few stunning alpine lakes which one should definitely visit. Buses ply every day on the route, especially in good weather. It is preferred to hire a jeep from the area Athmaqam for a trip into Neelum Valley. Ponies and horses can be hired for travelling locally into the interior of banks of Neelum Valley. Arang Kel is located at top of the hill near Kel which is around 1500 feet from Neelum River. It is also a village of complete beauteous sceneries. Beyond the mountain is one mountain which is a section of India occupying Kashmir. It is a piece of ultimate beauty that one can look forward to in Kashmir.
Helmat, Neelum Valley
This is a border village around 49kms ahead of the place Kel. It’s an inquisitive but undiscovered sight. The portion covering the distance between Kel and Taobat is known as Halmat. Sardari, Halmat and Janawai are the most captivating places in the region. Rest houses for tourist have been created as well at the Halmat. The road is not well developed so the drive to this place can’t be speedy. It takes at least 4 hours to get there from Kel. One can also enjoy the melting of glaciers into Neelum River.
Tao Butt, Neelum Valley
Its the endpoint and last station of Neelum River. The spot seems to be donned will every nicety and delicacy in the world. Literally, nature is seen flirting with the amorous environment. People residing in this place is extremely hard working and generous. Mostly, males of this region visit other areas in winters in order to earn a pocket full of money and migrate back to their home in summers for the cultivation of their crops. Tao Butt contains some huts with red roof. This characteristic, seen from an aerial view reminds one of Switzerland houses on the calendar. The area is located in the LOC zone which was constructed when the dispute between India and Pakistan was going on. To get in here, one needs to take permission from the Pakistan Army.
Gurase Valley, Neelum Valley
Grease Valley situated in Kashmir is the most attractive but backward and remote region of Neelum Valley placed in Muzaffarabad. Gurase Valley is the heart of tourism in Kashmir. The area contains breathtaking flora and fauna enriched with multiple natural resources such as minerals, forest, natural spring and rivers. There are several rare species seen in Gurase Valley that are now drawing last breaths due to habitat degradation, illegal hunting and deforestation.
The park harbour many endangered species such as Marmot, Himalayan Musk Deer, black beer and number of plants and birds species. The government of Kashmir as announced this valley as a national park for protecting and wisely using natural resources simply for income generation and conservation of the local communities. Communities living in the Park depend on agriculture for livelihood. Due to strong snow falling in winter, they are able to grow crops in summers only.