The Neelum Valley follows the river of the same name for more than 200 km north of Muzaffarabad. It is greener and wilder than the better-known northern valleys, and the road is slow.
The route
Drive to Muzaffarabad, usually staying the night, then follow the Neelum Valley road through Athmuqam to Keran, Sharda and Kel. The road is paved to around Sharda; beyond it, conditions vary.
What to see
- Keran — the river runs right beside the Line of Control here.
- Sharda — the old university ruins and the river bend.
- Arang Kel — a meadow village above Kel, reached by cable car and a walk.
- Ratti Gali Lake — a high-altitude lake by jeep in summer.
Which car
Take an SUV. The valley road is narrow and broken in places, and you will want the clearance. For Ratti Gali or other jeep tracks, local jeeps are arranged on the spot.
The Neelum Valley lies along the Line of Control. Foreign nationals need permission to visit parts of it, and access can be restricted at short notice. Check with us before planning.
