Our guide takes you through all the best destinations in this exquisite region of Azad Kashmir to explore its beauty-fect landscapes in Neelum Valley, serene shores of Ratti Gali Lake and picturesque towns like Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and Bagh. Whichever your need is, be it adventure, a touch of cultural heritage, or some natural tranquility, Azad Kashmir is bound to fulfill those very needs for you. Visit the beautiful villages of Kel, Arang Kel, and Leepa. All these beautiful historical sites are surrounded by hiking and boating, including Pir Chinasi and Ramkot Fort. You will find the hidden paradise of Azad Kashmir with marvelous views of ancient forts and lakes. Start your journey to Pakistan’s “Blue Gem” and explore its beauty and cultural heritage.
Discover Azad Kashmir: A Traveler’s Guide to Best Places
Little-known at best, it is situated in the northern part of Pakistan and is known as “Free Kashmir.” Breathtaking landscapes, majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and a vibrant culture make this an earthly paradise, offering a perfect blend of nature, history, and adventure. Here’s a guide to some of the best places you shouldn’t miss when visiting Azad Kashmir.
Muzaffarabad
Muzaffarabad, the capital city of Azad Kashmir, is a starting point for many tourists visiting this region. The city where rivers Jhelum and Neelum meet is characterized with a historical past along with its natural beauty and cultural background.
Must Visit Places:
• Pir Chinasi: Pir Chinasi is a remarkably beautiful hill top and the location is at an altitude of approximately 30 kilometers from Muzaffarabad. Traveling to the summit is an adventure in itself – winding through the scenic mountain roads. View from Pir Chinasi, esp during sunset, is nothing less than magic.
• Red Fort (Chak Fort): A historical site that provides panoramic views of Muzaffarabad, this fort has history and must be visited for history enthusiasts.
• Jhelum River : The river has a wonderful prospect of boating and river photography along with its sceneries in the region.
Neelum Valley – The Jewel of Azad Kashmir
Also called the “Blue Gem” of Azad Kashmir, Neelum Valley has gained considerable popularity. Being one of the most beautifully sighted valleys, it abounds with lush green landscapes, white-caped mountains, and colorful meadows. Neelum Valley, indeed, is a must-visit for any nature lover and adventure seeker as it brings together great natural beauty and deep culture.
Must Visit Places:
• Keran: A quite village situated along the bank of the River Neelum, Keran is known for having a quiet and peaceful environment surrounded by dense green forests and crystal clear water. It is a very good place for fishing and having picnics besides rivers.
• Sharda: An archaeological town having Sharda as an ancient Buddhist monastery ruins. Still, it is a good place for trekking to explore the surrounding views.
• Kel & Arang Kel: These beautiful villages are some of the top destinations for visitors to the Neelum Valley. Kel is a beautiful place with towering mountains behind it, while Arang Kel is accessible either by short hike or by chairlift through which one could have panoramic views of the valley below.
• Ratti Gali Lake: This one is surely one of the most appealing alpine lakes in Pakistan, located at an elevation of 12,130 feet. However, it can be reached only through a grueling trek, which further makes it ideal for adventure enthusiasts in the shape of trekkers.
Rawalakot – The Pearl Valley
Rawalakot is called the “Pearl Valley” because its climate is extremely cool, and this place offers luscious forests as well as landscapes that are just a picture in themselves. Rawalakot is actually suitable for those people who want to live a peaceful life cut-off from the turbulence of the world.
Must Visit Places:
• Toli Pir: Located about 16 km from Rawalakot, Toli Pir is one hill top, offering a panoramic view of the surroundings valleys and mountains. The winding mountain roads make the drive to Toli Pir quite an adventure.
• Banjosa Lake: This artificial lake is surrounded with dense pine forests. Banjosa Lake is the perfect spot for boating, fishing, and picnics. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a favorite place for families and nature lovers alike.
• Toli Pir Wildlife Sanctuary: This is a place of abundant wildlife, leopards, bears, and several species of birds. It is a good place to trek and have good wildlife photography.
Bagh – An Enchanting Destination
District located in the southwestern part of Azad Kashmir, Bagh is flanked by hills, rivers, and dense forests. The area is abounding in culture and beauty of nature and is full of opportunities for tourism and other outdoor activities.
Must Visit Places:
• Ramkot Fort: Well, if pictures speak much about history then do visit the seemingly-built-over scenic Mangla Dam, this is Ramkot Fort, one of the most picturesque destinations for this region. Its architecture speaks volume for its history and perfect backgrounds for hiking or photography.
• Toli Pir Hill Station: Besides Rawalakot, Bagh also possesses the Toli Pir hill station. Here, cool temperatures and scenic views of the surrounding valleys are offered. A good location for hiking and photography.
• Access to Neelum Valley: Bagh is just few kilometers away from the famous valley of Neelum Valley, thus this is a most desirable destination as an entry point for someone who wishes to explore the valley in a peaceful, quiet, not too touristic landscape.
Leepa Valley – The Hidden Paradise
Leepa Valley is the remotest yet the most serene place in Azad Kashmir with such untouched natural beauty and virgin surroundings. Also on the northern side of the region, it is well-known for villages and mountain scenery.
Must Visit Places:
• Leepa Top: It is the highest point of the valley. From here, visitors have gorgeous views of snow white peaks and dense lush green meadows. Traditional old wooden houses also dot the face of the valley.
• Leepa Village: It is an old village of wooden houses and has its own rich cultural heritage. It is a great place to have a feel of locals’ lifestyle. But for adventure lovers, this Leepa trek is somewhat strenuous but rewarded in its wonderful ways.
Risalpur – A Peaceful Retreat
Risalpur is a small village in Azad Kashmir. The climate, scenery, and calmness make it the perfect destination for those seeking relief from chaotic city life.
Must Visit Places:
• Risalpur Lake: The lake is surrounded by mountains and is quite an ideal location for relaxation and photography. The area around the lake is very much suitable for picnics and short treks.
• Sharda Temple: Sharda Temple is one of the historic places that dates back to centuries as it is located next to Risalpur. The handsome Sharda Temple has an interesting architecture, which attracts a lot of history enthusiasts.
Jhelum Valley – The Cultural Hub
This is Jhelum Valley, an important region of Azad Kashmir, named after the flowing river that belongs to the valley – the Jhelum River. As the region boasts incredible landscapes and presents enormous culture with a charm of traditional life at many small towns and villages, the whole region receives its importance.
Must Visit Places:
• Chakar Fort: Chakar is indeed a very ancient fort, one of the most important places in the Jhelum Valley. Its location has great views, and for people who are interested in history and antiquity, this is just an excellent place.
• Chilhana Village: Chilhana is a small village, a peaceful abode in the scenic beauty of Azad Kashmir.
• Bala Kot: This small town boasts of apple orchards and terraced fields. Being an epitome of Kashmiri culture, traditional Kashmiri houses, and a peaceful environment, it becomes enjoyable to spend time here.
Ratti Gali Lake – The Unexplored Beauty
Ratti Gali Lake is located at an altitude of 12,130 feet above sea level in the Neelum Valley. It is one of the highest alpine lakes in the world in Pakistan. The lake is remarkably famous for its turquoise blue waters and has a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, which perfectly complements the beauty of this scenery in Azad Kashmir.
Must Visit Places:
• Trek to Ratti Gali Lake: The trek to Ratti Gali Lake is a trek, in itself. While it’s an arduous journey, the end reward comes off as beautifully worth the pain and put. The lake is an untouched paradise set amidst mountains and meadows.
• Camp near the Lake: And for all those who would like to spend the night at starry nights, then camping near the lake is an experience not to be missed.
Conclusion
From breath-taking landscapes to cultural extravagance and historical evidences, there is something for every kind of tourist in Azad Kashmir. As an enthusiastic nature lover, a historical pedestrian, or an adventurous spirit, Azad Kashmir will keep you shell-bound as every place-from serene villages of Neelum Valley to the beauty of Leepa Valley-is more attractive than the previous one. So pack your bags and get set for this once in a lifetime journey to the handsome land
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