Chilehana village, Azad Kashmir
Chilehana is the first and smallest village in the beautiful Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is also known as the LOC crossing point that connects Teetwal village, Kupwara district of IOK. Not only this, whole Pakistan is full of beautiful landscapes.
This village has been divided into two parts, remained Chilehana village in Azad Kashmir, and the Teetwal village or sector in Indian occupied Kashmir. There are two admirable face resemblance peaks in Azad Kashmir to amaze tourists as well.
Chilehana village location
This village is located a short distance from Neelam Jhelum Dam on the way to the beautiful Neelam Valley from Muzaffarabad. In other words, this is the first tourist destination in the Neelam Valley from where you can see the first glimpse of the beauty of Azad Kashmir.
The scenic journey starts
The journey from Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir to Chilehana village is about 60 km which a traveler needs about 2 hours to cover.
The reason for covering the distance of only 60 km in two hours, the bad condition of the road is not at all. The condition of the road is very good and this is a paved road. The main reason for this delay is the captivating scenery that captivates the tourists with its beauty.
Dhani waterfall
See also:
Neelum or Kishanganga river Azad Kashmir
Patlian Lake Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir
Neelum Jehlum dam
And another major reason for this delay is the Neelum-Jhelum hydro project coming up during the journey. Filled with clear and blue water in these lush green mountains, this dam is the center of attraction for tourists. The dam is the first to welcome tourists with its beauty visiting the Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir.
As soon as you enter the Neelam Valley, the Neelam River becomes your companion. Among the mountains laden with walnut trees, this river sometimes to your right and sometimes to your left makes your journey colorful with the noise of its waves.
Chilehana crossing point at Line of Control
After a two-hour drive from Muzaffarabad, when you reach Chilehana village, you get to see more fascinating sights. Teetwal village on the other side of the river becomes a tourist attraction where Indian flags are also displayed.
It is sad to see how people living in the same area who have a deep connection with each other feel so far away because of just one border. The village is also known as Teetwal-Chilehana Crossing Point which was fully operational from 2003 to 2019 for the convenience of Kashmiri people.
There is a small bridge over the Neelum River to connect Azad Kashmir and Indian-occupied Kashmir, from where people used to come and go to visit their relatives through visa permits.
Why did this crossing point get closed?
But in the dark of night on February 26, 2019, as a result of Indian air strikes in Balakot, Pakistani territory, in response to Pakistan launched Operation Swift Retort in the lights of the day of February 27, 2019.
And Pakistani forces captured Indian air raider Abhi Nandan from Pakistani territory. Because Abhinandan's MiG-21 was shot down by Pakistan Air Force pilot Noman Ali with the help of JF-17.
And due to self-imposed measures taken by India on August 6 2019 known as article 370, which is also a complete violation of UN resolutions, the bridge was closed in protest that caused suffering people here the most and they cant meet their relatives now of both sides.
In all this drama at LOC known as Palwama drama done by India, the most enjoyable moment for the world was when they saw an Indian pilot named Abhinandan enjoying a cup of hot tea sip by sip, with a swollen face at a cost of Mig-21 Jet. It was the most expensive tea ever for Indian Air Force.
An iron board has been hung by the Azad Kashmir government at this crossing point and a paved road has also been constructed through which people used to cross the bridge to meet their loved ones.
At this place, many tourists can be seen taking pictures of Titwal villages on the other side of the river, which is located at the foot of a high and green mountain.
Not only can you enjoy the scenery from Chilehana village but you can also buy hot fritters, eggs, and other food items from this place. Your next destination should be the beautiful Baboon valley/top, in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.
