Wadi Neelam (Wadi-e-Neelum) is Called Neelum Valley among tourists, located at the banks of the river Neelum near Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir, famous for its scenic greenery, high trees, healthy atmosphere, cold and clear water of rivers, waterfalls, and orchards.
Wadi Neelam, Tourist's Paradise
The valley is named after its Neelum River, which flows through the glacial region of Gilgit and meets various tributaries such as Kail, Kiran, and Vani Kali. The water in all these tributaries is icy which makes the water of the Neelum river clear and transparent as well as very cold.
Why Neelum valley is famous?
The beautiful scenery of Azad Kashmir's valley Neelam provides an interesting connection to domestic and foreign tourists. Nature has generously endowed this valley with beautiful meadows, beautiful lakes, melodious streams, velvet floors of grass, evergreen flowers, snow-capped peaks, and serene landscapes.
The entire Neelum Valley is rich in deodar, pine, and fir trees. Undoubtedly, the Neelum Valley is the center of attraction for tourists in this country due to its scenic beauty and charm. The Neelum River in this valley was formerly known as the Kishan Ganga River.
The river was later named after the blue waters of the river and one of the villages on the banks, Neelam. The Neelum Valley and its environs are full of beautiful, scenic landscapes that attract tourists. And because of these landscapes, Neelum Valley is famous all over the world.
Where is Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir?
Neelam district is the largest district of Azad Kashmir in terms of area and the smallest in terms of population. Athmuqam is the district headquarters located at a distance of 84 km from Muzaffarabad. The Neelam Valley stretches for 240 km from Domil to Taobatt Village on both sides of the Neelam River northeast of Muzaffarabad.
On one side are dense forests of pine, pine, and walnut evergreens, as well as snow-capped mountains. There are natural springs of clear cold water, waterfalls, streams, and rivers full of charming waves, to provide your mood full of joy and serenity.
See also:
Hiking trek to Arang Kel from Kel in Neelum valley
Kutton Valley, Kundal Shahi Waterfall
Occupied Kashmir is on the other side of the Neelum River in some places. The valley runs parallel to the Kagan Valley and is bounded by high, snow-capped mountains between the two valleys. This area is considered to be the best for trekking. Of course, the view of Neelum Valley is a paradise.
Disastrous Earthquakes
The irony of nature is that the people here did not forget the earthquake of 2005 that another earthquake in 2019 has made the people here suffer.
However, it is the safest and most easily accessible area in Kashmir for all tourists. People here are not only very humble, and down to earth but you will witness their keen hospitability as well.
History of Wadi Neelam
Before the formation of Pakistan, Muzaffarabad was an insignificant district of Kashmir and had a large Muslim population. Located on the banks of the Neelum River at an altitude of two and a half thousand feet, this city was settled by Muzaffar Khan.
Muzaffarabad has been under revolution for a long time since then. The Mughal emperor Akbar defeated the last ruler of the Chak dynasty and annexed Muzaffarabad to the Mughal Empire.
The region was then occupied by several rulers, even after Gulab Singh Dogar, on the occasion of the formation of Pakistan, the city became the center of the Kashmir Independence Movement and gained international fame.
Before the formation of Pakistan, there was a road from Muzaffarabad to Srinagar which was opened for traffic on snowy days but now this road is closed. Today, Muzaffarabad is the capital of Azad Kashmir.
The historic fort of Muzaffarabad is worth visiting in the valley, which is surrounded on three sides by the river. There are innumerable sights to be seen in the vicinity of Muzaffarabad. This area of Neelum Valley is a major tourist attraction.
Famous Places in Wadi Neelam
The spring of natural flowers, cool and sweet springs, pleasant weather, and pleasant winds have made this valley a paradise, and groups of domestic and foreign tourists roam the valley to see its scenic beauty.
The government has set up rest houses for the tourists where there are ample facilities available to the tourists which can be further improved.
Ath Maqam / Athmuqam
The capital of Neelum Valley is a beautiful town called 'Aath Maqam' which has hospitals and high schools as well as other offices. There is also a rest house for tourists here under the auspices of the Forest Department.
Sharda
Another wonderful and healthy place of Neelum Valley is Sharda which is a historical and cultural example. The aspects of ancient Hindu civilization are prominent in the history of Sharda.
Ratti Gali
Rati Gali is a place from where tourists commute to the Kagan Valley. Nearby, 'Dowariyan' is a lofty, lush mountain peak, where a beautiful rest house is set up for tourists to stay and eat.
Climb twelve miles along Rati Gali to reach Lake Dowariyan, which is at an altitude of 12,000 feet. This area is in the middle of Neelum Valley and is worth seeing due to its natural scenery.
Garhi Dupatta
On the road from Muzaffarabad to Chinari, the famous town of Garhi Dupatta is 13 miles away. In this thirteen-mile journey, the Jhelum River serves as a tourist companion.
The sweet noise of the waterfalls in this whole area keeps making your journey a memorable journey. And the trees on both sides of the road add to the charm.
Chinari
Thirty miles from Muzaffarabad and six miles from Neelum Valley is the historic site of Chinari. At this place, there was a historic battle between the Mughals and the Chak forces in which the Mughals were victorious.
The battles between the Sikhs and the Bumba kings also took place at this place. And in 1947-1948, the Mujahideen had decisively defeated the Dogra Indian forces at the same place.
Pando Peak, Qazi Nag
There is also a famous peak of Pando near the location called 'Qazi Nag' on six miles distance on the height of nine thousand feet in the east of Chenari. This peak of 'Qazi Nag' is always covered with ice. There are many types of batsmen in the area of dense forests, even the looks of waterfalls also give soul feelings. The fruits here are sold in Pakistan's markets.
There are also beautiful and comfortable restrooms to facilitate tourists in Chennai, which are the most beautiful in Azad Kashmir. Located around Chenari, Gadin, Surglah, Khotyan, and Ganga Peak's healthy places are very attractive to tourists.
