PakistanTravelGuide

The two valleys are located on parallel position to each other and separated by snow-covered peaks, some over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level. Both the Valleys have equally beautiful landscape, Lakes, Glaciers, and high Mountain Peaks. Nature bestowed them with generous hands; we would remain undecided, which Valley to visit first. Here we make a comparison of both the Valleys below:

Kaghan Valley:
Kaghan Valley stretches in the lower Himalayan Mountains Range. The Kaghan Valley is famous for its splendor and natural beauty, and one of the most fabulous Resorts of Hazara Division, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is located at the distance of 64 kilometres from Balakot, it is surrounded by magnificent mountains, mighty glaciers, mesmerizing waterfalls and crystal clear lakes in abundance with of flora and fauna. The valley is spread over a 155 kilometres area and rising from an elevation of 2, 134 feet (650 metres), with its highest point, 13,700 feet (4, 176 metres) at Babusar Top, above sea level.
Shogran:
Shogran is at a distance of 34 kilometres from Balakot. It is a plateau, reachable by metalled road via Kawai. It is surrounded by green mountains with cool climate.
Jared:
Jared is a small hamlet, located at 40 kilometres from Balakot and beyond Shinu. This small place serves you with a large variety of locally manufactured products
Naran:
Naran is a medium sized town, located at the height of 2498 m (8, 196 feet) above sea level. It is 119 kilometres (74 miles) away from Mansehra.
Lake Saiful Muluk:
It is located at an elevation of 3, 224 metres (10, 578 feet) above sea level. This bowl-like famous Lake and it is 10 kilometres away from Naran. It can be visited during the whole summer season.
Lake Dudipatsar:
This beautiful Lake is located at an elevation of 12, 467 feet (3800 metres) above sea level and famous for trout fish. It can be reached from Basel after 8 hours trekking.
After the middle of June when the weather is more pleasant is the best time for visiting the lake.
Lake Lulusar:
Lake Lulusar is the biggest natural lake in the Hazara Region, and located at the height of 3, 410 metres (11, 188 feet). It is main source of Kunhar River.
Babusar Pass:
Beautiful Babusar Pass (Top) is at a distance of 80 kilometres from Naran/Kaghan Valley. From the Babusar Top tourists can view Nanga Parbat (8, 126 metres).

Neelum Valley:
Neelum Valley spreads over 144 kilometres area in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is named after the River Neelum, which flows through the Valley.
The Valley is situated in the North-East of Muzaffarabad, and it is connected from Muzaffarabad by Neelum road, which leads up to Kel. The road condition from Muzaffarabad to Athmuqam is very good and suitable for any kind of transport.
Rest houses and lodges of AJK Tourism and Archeology Department are available in Keran, Kutton, Dawarrian, Sharda, Kel and Taobat. There are some private hotels, rest/guest houses etc. as well.

Places to Visit:

Kundal Shahi:
The village is located at 74 kilometers (46 miles) from Muzaffarabad, on the bank of River Neelum.

Jura:
Jura is densely populated area in District Neelum, which is famous for its beautiful places and highest mountains.
Athmuqam:
This main town of valley is situated about 84 kilometres from Muzaffarabad. It is the headquarters of Neelum District.
Kutton:
Kutton/Jagran Valley is a village and also a tourist resort. It is situated 82 kilometers (51 miles) from Muzaffarabad and 8 kilometers (5.0 miles) away from Kundal Shahi on the bank of Jagran stream.

Keran:
It is at the distance of 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from Athmuqam. Keran is tourist resort and located on the bank of River Neelum, at an altitude of 1, 524 meters (5, 000 feet)

Dowarian:
It is located at a distance of 106 kilometers (66 miles) from Muzaffarabad and 22 kilometers (14 miles) from Athmuqam. Its altitude is 1, 615 metres (5, 299 feet). It is the base camp to Ratti Gali Lake.
Dudhnial:
It is a very famous and beautiful town of Neelum Valley.
Sharda:
One of the beautiful areas of Neelum Valley located at an altitude of 1, 981 metres (6, 499 feet). It is 136 kilometres (85 miles) away from Muzaffarabad.
Tehjian:
Tehjian is small beautiful Village of Neelum Valley and its total population of Tehjian is nearly 5000.

Kel:
It is situated at a distance of 19 kilometres (12 miles) from Sharda, at the altitude of 6, 879 feet (2, 097 metres).
Arrang Kel:
A small tourist spot located on the hill top near Kel at an altitude of 8, 379 feet (2, 554 metres) feet.
Taobat:
This is last destination of the Neelum Valley. It is 200 kilometres (120 miles) away from Muzaffarabad and 39 kilometers (24 mi) away from Kel.
Chitta Katha Lake:
It is located in Shounter Valley, at an altitude of 13, 500 feet (4, 115 metres). The lake is 20 kilometers (12 miles) away from Kel through Jeep track.
Shounter Lake:
It is a small lake located in Shounter valley at an altitude of 10, 200 feet (3, 109 metres). It is accessible from Kel by a jeep track.

Ratti Gali Lake:
Ratti Gali is located in Neelum Valley at an altitude of 12, 130 feet (3, 697 metres).

Saral Lake:
Saral Lake is located at an altitude of 13, 600 feet (4,145 metres). Sharda is the base camp to this Lake.

 

Author: Fehmeeda Farid Khan