Keran, Neelum Valley
Keran village is a beautiful valley in the Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir and is located at an altitude of 1525 m (5000 ft) from sea level. Administratively It is located in Tehsil Athmuqam, of District Neelum, which is the largest district in Azad Kashmir by its area.
It is a famous tourist hub due to its location as it is in the middle of the Neelum Valley, and about the whole valley is easily accessible from Keran village, so people can easily visit places in Neelum valley.
Keran is located on the banks of the river Neelum of Azad Kashmir on both sides, Indian Occupied Kashmir and Azad Kashmir.
The speedy waves of the Neelum river play a natural role as LOC between the valleys of Keran between both countries, as it is known as the Keran valley in Indian Occupied Kashmir too.
Why Keran is famous?
Keran is famous for not only its beautiful and stunning views that are spread all around in the village, but the availability of tourist facilities make it the first choice to stay and must-visit place among tourists.
This is the place where tourists can find a large number of hotels, lodges, resorts for their accommodation and four-by-four Jeeps for their transportation means. This is the place where the Neelum river widens up and offers a gigantic view to its viewers.
Keran is one of the most beautiful and lush green places in the Neelum Valley where you can visit surrounding tourist destinations by a walk, like Kundal Shahi waterfall, Neelum river, and the Keran Bazar.
Some beautiful tourist places nearing the Keran village are Chilehana village which is known as the LOC crossing point, Jagran tourist resorts, and the historical Sharda valley.
Is Keran worth visiting?
Once you enter the Keran village, you will witness beautiful views that will be converting to immense beautiful landscapes. Keran village situated at the foot of the lush green hills which is a house of dense forest, makes you feel like a real paradise in the Kashmir valley where on one side the cool waters of the river Neelum amaze you, and on the other side other springs falling into this river soothe your soul.
This is the place you can find a large number of springs and Nallah here as compared to other places in the Neelum Valley. You can see a large number of tourists throughout the year having fun with their mates and families.
It is still an under-developing tourist destination, and the local government is constructing paved roads to improve tourism here, and some private companies and firms also constructing more hotels for tourist's facilitation.
See also:
Face resemblance rock in Azad Kashmir
Why visit Keran valley?
You should visit this village for its easy accessibility, location, facilities, and most importantly its stunning and admirable scenic views. This is the place where you can see all the natural blessings of nature given to Kashmir, and you will rightly get to know why Kashmir is called a paradise on the earth.
This is the place where you can see the noisy Neelum river at its peak with all its speedy waves and views. This is the place where the Neelum river shows all its beauty to the viewers and you can feel its flow by its noise, even from your hotel's room.
High lush green mountains loaded with tall trees, and bluish water of the Neelum river at the feet of these mountains will surely spell a word of its beauty on you.
Keran Valley location
Keran valley is located on the Neelum-Muzaffarabad Rd which is also known as the Neelum Valley Rd and is easily accessible throughout the year.
It is located at a distance of about 270 km from Islamabad via Muzaffarabad, And Muzaffarabad to Keran, Neelum Valley distance is about 125 km. It may take 8 to 10 hours, and 3 to 4 hours to reach here, respectively.
Things to do at Keran Village
By visiting Keran Village you must hire (prefer) a hotel that is located at the banks of the river or the Nallah (Springs), so you can enjoy a lot more.
You should have a cup of tea/coffee at the banks of the river, that will be your most memorable cup in your whole life at such a great and peaceful location.
You should arrange a bonfire/barbeque to make your journey more joyful and enjoyable at the same location as well. You can fishing here as well.
Facilities at Keran valley
It is famous for its tourist facilities and services as I mentioned above, details are as follows,
Accommodation
You can rent a resort/hotel here at the rate of PKR 2500 (15 USD) for a day or if you want to stay in a Tent or camp, you can rent it at the rate of PKR 1500 (7 USD).
Government rest houses
There You can also find some rest houses that belong to AJK Tourism Department and others, at a cost of about PKR 3000 to 4000 (20-25 USD) that include two rooms with a kitchen and bath.
Cellular Networks
With the unavailability of other cellular networks in Azad Kashmir, you have to purchase a SCOM sim to get connected to the world.
Food
Local food is available at most of the restaurants, I would say at all restaurants here, but you can have continental or Chinese meals as well from the mess of your hotels.
Road Condition
The road conditions in the Neelum Valley are good but Keran Valley from Muzaffarabad, are at their best. (subjected to un-fortunate landslide).
Transportation
You can hire any kind of transportation mean to travel in or out of the Neelum Valley, 24/7 at minimal prices.
Tips
Or if you have your own vehicle so please don't forget to take a look at its overall situation, because beyond this area in the Neelum Valley you may be stuck or helpless if your vehicle gets any mechanical problem.
And don't forget to bring your valid CNIC/Passport along with you during visiting the Neelum valley and other locations in Azad Kashmir.
Keran valley weather
The weather here in Keran remains very pleasant and peaceful throughout the year, especially in the summer season. And it receives snowfall in the winter season that attracts tourists a lot.
Keran in summer
Although, it is a very peaceful place to stay in the Neelum Valley, but on some odd days its temperature may go high to 40 Celsius. It remains between 25 Celsius to 35 Celsius throughout the summer season in Keran.
Keran in Winter
It becomes very cool here in the winter season and some times temperature here falls down to -2 Celsius and receives snowfall. But Roads and transportation means remain available and open for tourism all along the winter season.
Keran photo gallery
Conclusion
Keran Valley (village) of Azad Kashmir is one the most peaceful place to stay and visit in the Neelum Valley for its pleasant atmosphere, and its facilities for tourists throughout the year and in all seasons.