Neelum Valley is one of the beautiful places in Azad Kashmir and it is called the “PARADISE OF KASHMIR”. Neelum Valley is located in the North and North East of Muzaffarabad and it lies parallel to the Kaghan Valley. Its snow-covered mountains are located on 4000 metres above sea level. It consists of 370 villages. It is hilly and mountainous valley. The valley comprises of thick forest, clear water streams and rivers. The valley can be approached from two different points; i.e., one from Kaghan Valley and the other is from Noori Top. Besides these two routes, it has been reached through many other minor passes as well.
The district of Neelum is situated 43 kilometres away from Muzaffarabad and the area is famous for its minerals. Local fruits like Apples, Apricots, Walnuts and Plums are famous for their unique taste.
The Sarwali peak (6,326 metres) is the highest mountain peak in Azad Kashmir. Some famous places of Neelum Valley are Shounter Pass, Chita Khata Lake, Ratti Gali Lake, Baboon, Noori Top, Sharda, Kutton, Jagran, Kundal Shahi, Athmuqam, Kel, Surgan, Tao Butt etc.
Some Important Areas of Neelum Valley:
Kutton/Jagran:
It is situated in the lower part of Neelum valley, Jagran Nullah (stream) adds charm to its landscape and beauty. A mega hydro-electric project is constructed here. Himalayan mountain range starts from here and stretches to Kaghan Valley, Skardu and Chilas.
Athmuqam:
Athmuqam is the town with its unique beauty, as LoC starts from here. It is given the name Athmuqam, because it was 8th station from Muzaffarabad to Upper Valley. Typical Kashmiri pattern houses are built here with wooden logs and mostly double-storey. Hiking tracks to adjacent mountains are traced by the tourists.
Sharda:
Sharda is another beautiful place with its lush green plains, smooth flowing river. This is a major tourist attraction and there found remains of Buddha (Sharda) University.
Kel:
It is another tourist attraction of the Neelum Valley. A long track goes towards Nanga Parbat from here. A beautiful resort of Arrang Kel is located on a distance of two and a half hour hiking from Kel.
Dresses:
Shalwar-Kameez is common dressing code of both men and women. The men usually wear a coats, sweaters and jackets. Women mostly wear a Burka or cover themselves with dopatta.
Language:
The official language is English but Urdu is widely understood language. Local people speak Kashmiri, Pahari and Hindko. A few people can speak Punjabi and Pashto as well.
Handicrafts:
Carpet, Namda, Gubba, Silken & Woolen shawls, Wood Carving, Rugs and Papier Mashe, etc. are famous handicrafts.
Local Cuisine:
The popular dishes are Gushtaba, Tabak Maaz, Hareesa, Risstey, Kofta, Yakhni, Kebabs etc.
[author_bio name=”yes” name_link=”yes”]