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We offer tour packages to Neelum Valley located in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, north of Muzaffarabad, following the Neelum River almost to the Line of Control. Compared to other scenic places in northern Pakistan, like Skardu and Hunza, it is not as time consuming and expensive to get there from Islamabad. Therefore, if you don’t have the time or money to go to Skardu or Hunza, Neelum Valley is a good alternative.
Although Neelum Valley is long and narrow, the landscape changes a lot along the way. The lower part of the valley is wooded. The middle part of the valley has wide open views and the remains of an ancient university. Kel is the upper part of the valley and the starting point for hiking to Ratti Gali Lake and other mountain peaks.
Neelum River adds to the scenic beauty of the valley. It flows very quickly and is noisy. The valley floors are quite narrow and the road often runs right next to the river. The high and steep walls of the valley are forested with various kinds of trees including conifers.
Neelum Valley's location gives it an advantage. While Skardu and Hunza require weekly commitment, Neelum can be done in just three to four days. Because of this, it is considered the best alternative for families during the summer vacations.
To reach Neelum Valley, you first have to reach Muzaffarabad. As the headquarters of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad is the starting point to different valleys of Kashmir. From Islamabad, Muzaffarabad is 140 miles away, and it usually takes three to four hours to reach there. If you are planning to go to Muzaffarabad during weekends, you should better leave early on weekdays to avoid the traffic. Traffic usually doesn't let you enjoy the scenic views on the Murree-Kashmir highway.
From Muzaffarabad, Neelum valley is just a few miles away. However, the main road of the valley (NH-40) is prone to landslides during monsoon.
Distances of major locations in the Neelum Valley from Muzaffarabad:
About 40-50 km from Muzaffarabad is Keran. Sharda is around 100 km from Muzaffarabad, and Kel around 145-150 km. Generally, tour itineraries do not cover any places beyond Kel.
From Kel, the valley road goes further north, but because of its bad condition, very few people go beyond it. The upper part of Kel, Arang Kel, is connected to Kel via a long and tricky hiking trail or by a cable car.
Neelum Valley has a LOC (Line of Control) running along it. Consequently, very few people are allowed to visit beyond Keran.
Keran is a good base camp for travelers planning to visit Neelum Valley in parts, as driving to Kel and back in a day is very exhausting.
B) Sharda
About 100 kilometers from Muzaffarabad, the middle valley's Sharda is an important historical site. Sharda University was once a major university of the subcontinent. It's known for its rich history of education and culture. The remains of the university are situated on a hillside, giving a panoramic view of the Neelum valley.
Sharda is also rich in culture and history and is an important stop along the Kashmir highway. It serves as an important base for travelers exploring the middle valley.
Most travelers en route to Kel stop at Sharda for a break from the long journey. Visitors also take a break at Sharda to enjoy the valley's scenic beauty and go hiking at the ruins.
C) Kel
About 145-150 km from Muzaffarabad is Kel, the most developed town in the upper Neelum valley. Kel is the last inhabited region of the Neelum valley. The area past Kel is dominated by dense forest and is the starting point of the Ratti Gali Lake trail.
The drive from Muzaffarabad to Kel takes about 5 to 6 hours. Tour operators break the long drive into two, and stay at Sharda for the night.
The number of guesthouses and small hotels owned by Kel has increased with the growing tourism industry in the valley. Accommodations have improved over the years with basic facilities. A cable car connects Kel to Arang Kel. However, the schedule is irregular, and you should not depend on it to complete your itinerary.
Ratti Gali Lake is located at approximately 3,700 meters above sea level and is considered one of the higher altitude lakes of Pakistan. It is situated above the main valley and is accessible by a 4 to 5 hour difficult hike from Dowarian.
Its distinct deep blue green colors and rocky slopes, with the added effect of snow along the ridge lines, give Kutton lake a different kind of beautiful remote wilderness. This stark contrast from the lower Neelum valley is quite beautiful and gives different perspectives of Neelum valley and why it is worth the hike up.
The trail to Ratti Gali lake is slow, steep and strenuous hike. It is recommended that hikers have previously experienced hiking guides. Hiker numbers increase on weekends and during the months of July and August. The trail head at Dowarian is the last main town before the hiking trail begins.
Leepa valley can also be accessed from Muzaffarabad and is also combined with tours of Neelum valley. To get to Leepa you must also travel over a high pass where the road offers great views of alpine meadows before descending into the valley. Once in Leepa you will see the distinctive architecture of Leepa as well as the many apple orchards.
Travel to Leepa valley is best coordinated with travel to Neelum valley as the high pass that provides access to both valleys is closed during the winter. The pass is typically open during the spring and summer.
Spring (April and May) and early summer (May and June) are lovely times to visit. The higher and lower sections of the valley begin to bloom with wild flowers. By May the upper valley and the access road to Kel open and by June the valley is fully accessible. The valley is not as crowded in spring and early summer as in July and August.
June and July bring the most visitors to Neelum Valley. The monsoon doesn't generally affect the valley in the summer and the mornings are clear with good views. From July to September the monsoon brings a lot of rain to Neelum Valley and the access roads. Landslides caused by monsoon rains can block the road between Muzaffarabad and Kel for days at a time.
If you visit Neelum Valley in July or August you should expect that the roads will be blocked at some point during your visit.
After the monsoon the valley is beautiful in September and October. The crowds have dissipated and the forests start to change to fall colors. The upper valley becomes inaccessible because of early season snow. The Ratti Gali Pass and the road beyond Sharda usually closes for the season.
November to March is snow season in the upper valley and Kel access becomes impassable. The lower valley, including Muzaffarabad and Keran, is accessible. The lower valley is not appealing without the beautiful upper valley.
Verify if the guide has a current guiding license issued by the AJK Tourism Department or the concerned authority. Ask for the license number. A duly licensed local guide is updated about the status of roads and land sections of the valley where landslides have occurred, if there are any restricted areas near the LOC, and which routes are open for traveling.
Confirm if the Cable Car service at Kel is operating during the visited date. The Cable Car service is closed during the off season. If the service is not operating, the hike to Arang Kel adds 2 to 3 hours to the trip.
Inquire about the monsoon risk assessment for the scheduled dates of travel.
Check the status of the Muzaffarabad to Kel road. The road is prone to landslides during monsoon.
Check the status of Ratti Gali track. The track is open to visitors after the snow cleared from the track and approach roads.
Important travel tips if your itinerary includes Leepa Valley. Peer Chinasi road is opened only in summers.
Travelling from Muzaffarabad to Kel on Thursdays and Fridays as this is when the majority of traffic from Islamabad and Rawalpindi heads to the valley, making the journey extremely slow and long.
Trying to see the entire Neelum Valley in one day from Islamabad. It takes a minimum of 2 days to see most of the valley. To see Kel and Ratti Gali, a 3 to 4 night stay is recommended.
Not planning alternative hikes if the cable car to Arang Kel is not operational. The hike from Kel to Arang Kel should be done only if the cable car is not operational.
B) Is a permit required to visit Neelum Valley?
No permit is required to visit Neelum Valley for Pakistani citizens. NOC is required by the AJK government for Foreign Nationals. It is recommended to acquire NOC well in advance of your planned trip.
C) What is Arang Kel?
Arang Kel is a high altitude meadow above Kel, accessible by cable car in roughly an hour, or by a moderately strenuous hike in around two hours. Above the tree line, Arang Kel offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Being one of the more popular tourist destinations of Neelum Valley, it is suggested to visit on weekdays.
D) When should I visit Neelum Valley?
The most pleasant months to visit are from April to May and from September to October. The monsoons are from July to August, and while this off season does have the added benefit of less people, the roads can close due to landslides. The upper valley closes due to snow in the winter. September is considered the best month as the monsoon ends, the valley is fully accessible, and less crowded.
E) Is it safe to use the Neelum Valley main road?
The main road through Neelum Valley is used by the local population and by visitors to the valley. The road can be blocked by landslides during the monsoon and other unpredictable times. It is advised to check the condition of the road during each stage of the journey during the monsoon. The condition of the road normally permits use by all types of vehicles during the non-monsoon period.
F) Can visitors from outside of Pakistan go to Neelum Valley?
Yes, if they have an NOC from the AJK government. HospitalityTours.com.pk, while organizing the entire tour package for the visitors that includes transport from Islamabad, accommodation and a guide during their stay in the valley, and their return transport, can help the visitors acquire the NOC from the AJK government.
G) How long does a tour to Neelum Valley take?
A complete tour of Keran, Sharda, Kel, Arang Kel, and Ratti Gali Lake takes 5 to 6 days from Islamabad. Shorter tours of 3 to 4 days cover Kel and Arang Kel. A 2-day tour covers the lower parts of Neelum Valley.
Let the professionals do the planning! With your desired travel dates and length of the tour, HospitalityTours.com.pk will provide a customized itinerary. They will take care of the NOC process for foreigners, verify and secure the status of the roads, and arrange the transportation and lodging for the duration of your tour. You will not be charged for the services until you have confirmed and satisfied with the itinerary.
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