The Valley:
Kashmir is called the Paradise on Earth and Neelum Valley is the jewel of the heaven. It is one of the most beautiful places in Azad Kashmir. Neelum Valley is located in the North and North Eastern side of Muzaffarabad because of its bow-like shape and it lies parallel to the LOC. It is connected to Kaghan Valley from the other side. It is a high-altitude valley and its elevation is over 4000 metres (13,123 feet) above sea level. It consists of 370 villages in total. The valley comprises of thick forest, clear water streams, rivers, treasure of gem-stones and minerals.
District Neelum is situated 43 kilometres away from Muzaffarabad and the area is famous for its minerals & gem-stone treasures, fertile land, fruits like Apples, Apricots, Cherry, Walnuts and Plums are famous for their different taste and aroma.
The Sarwali Peak (elevation: 6,326 metres/20,755 feet) is considered the highest mountain-peak in Azad Kashmir. Some of the famous places of the Valley are; Shounter Pass, Chitta Katha Lake, Ratti Gali Lake, Baboon, Nuri-Top, Sharda, Kutton-Jagran, Kundal Shahi, Athmuqam, Kel, Arrang Kel, Surgan, Tao Butt etc.
The Plan:
The basic purpose of itinerary plan for visiting any place is to enjoy the trip with a relaxed mind; healthful and soulful journeying around. There are three basic rules for an excellent end-to-end pleasant tour;
- Discover
- Plan
- Enjoy
Once you have discovered your destination, it’s time for making arrangements for the finances and a well-organized packing plan of some specific duration (3/4/5/6/7 Day packages are available). Let me try to sort out each and every detail for your trip to the picturesque and breathtaking Neelum Valley.
Suppose it is a three-day visit to the valley that would be full of adventures, trekking, hiking, fishing, hunting, spontaneous events and exploration. The schedule must be over-viewed with all the possibilities to keep in mind. In the tourist season, there must be a scarcity of accommodation availability but there should be a Plan-B under your belt, that is camping and you need to address it with extra-preparedness.
Ample research is also mandatory before your journey has started. Check out the detailed information of climate of the valley (usually it remains cool even in the summers). Search out the weather forecasts/updates and put the clothing accordingly, road condition of the valley. It is better to consult a tour-planner, who will arrange the the tour with best of his expertise and amenities.
The Budget:
A three-day tour to Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir might include;
- Total Expenditure: (in PKR/per package)
- Hotel Expenses: (Prior booking of Three-Nights)
- Transportation Fares
- Eating Out Charges
- Sight-Seeing Ticketing Charges
- Camping Apparatus Expenditure
- Miscellaneous Expenses
The Luggage:
(for camping & trekking)
- A large Rucksack: (to carry all the trekking apparatus)
- Sleeping Bag: (for the protection, in harsh weather)
- A folding mattress
- Shoes: (for trekking, with durable rubber sole)
- Sandals: (for walking during camping)
- Water Proof Jacket & Trousers
- Pairs of Trousers & full Sleeves Shirts
- Pairs of Socks: (Woolen Stuff)
- Sun Hat & Woollen Cap
- Pair of Gloves: (Woolen & water-proof)
- Walking Stick
- Water Bottles
- Emergency Light
- Pocket Knife
Other Items (optional):
- A light-weight water-proof Tent
- Small Stove with Fuel
- Plastic Cane of Water
- Cooking Utensils
- Food Stuff: (per-head menu/trip duration)
- Match Box
- Map and Compass
- Binoculars
- Camera
Some Extra Suggestions:
- Luggage Bags: Back-packs are ideal. Do not carry fancy bags (these are inappropriate for the hilly areas).
- Clothing/Shoes: Hiking-shoes and sneakers are strongly recommended.
- Umbrella: the weather of these areas is always unpredictable.
- Sun Glasses: (the sun is often glittery).
- Sweaters, Cardigans and Jackets: (the weather gets harsh).
- Medicines: tourists are advised to bring all the necessary medicines because these could seldom available there.
- Miscellaneous: all toiletries especially the sun-block cream.
Medication:
- Allergy Medicine
- Eye Drops
- Aspirin & Pain-Killers
- Band-Aids
- Sickness Medicines
- Tranquillizers
The Plan:
Some of the places of the Valley are really worth-mentioning to visit to, such as Shounter Pass, Chitta Katha Lake, Ratti Gali Lake, Baboon, Nuri-Top, Sharda, Kutton, Jagran, Kundal Shahi, Athmuqam, Kel, Surgan, Tao Butt etc.
Itinerary Packages for Neelum Valley Trip
Day 1
Journey starts at Islamabad, in a vehicle of the company from the Airport/Hotel/Home on the given time.
Sightseeing: Murree, Kohala, Kashmir Waterfall and finally Pearl Continental Hotel, Muzaffarabad.
Day 2
Beginning of a joyous journey to Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir, from PC Hotel Muzaffarabad.
Sightseeing: Patika, Neelum-Jhelum Hydro-electric Project, Titwal, Kundal Shahi, Kutton/Jagran.
Stay: Kutton/Jagran Resort, Neelum Valley.
Day 3
Keran Tourist Resort and pack-up to go back to Islamabad via Muzaffarabad.
Stay: Muzaffarabad
Note: Food is not included in the Packages.
Author: Fehmeeda Farid Khan