Neelum is a beautiful valley containing about 370 small and large villages and near about two hundred thousand population. It starts from Chelhana and goes till Taobut 250 km long. It is named Neelum due to its river, curving like the snake with transparent sky colored water. Like any other population of the subcontinent it has the most heterogeneous population with variety of rituals, customs and traditions.
The
whole valley is full of beautiful and fascinating sceneries. Neelum Valley is
dipped in beauty, this valley about 252 km long and 3620 sq km curvature shaped
with majestic pine, fir and deodar trees, lies north-south of Muzaffarabad.
This ninety-mile long kingdom of vegetation is ripped apart by the indigo blue
Neelum River which flows serpentine down hills to merge itself into the river
Jhelum at Domail. Domail, the confluence of two mighty rivers, presents highly
fascinating scene of youthful embrace. This heart-warning spectacle is most
soothing to the eye. Neelum Valley is situated to the north & north east of
Muzaffarabad and running parallel to the Kaghan Valley.
It is separated from it by snow covered peaks, some over 4000 meters above sea level. Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic view, towering hills on both sides of the noisy Neelum River, lush green forests, enchanting streams, high altitude lakes and attractive surroundings make the valley a dream come true.
The
swaying lush green forests, snowcapped mountains, streams singing songs of joy and
fast flowing river Neelum, all go together to make it naturalist’s wonderland.
The area is also ideal for mountain tourism. A part of Nanga Parbat gigantic
falls in this area which is dominated by “Sarwaali Peak” (6326 meters) the
highest mountain. Moreover like Kaghan Valley it is famous for fishing and
angling activities in Neelum River and Jagran stream which are stocked with
trout fish.
Its
sole tourist attraction is a seventeen (17) century fort built by the town’s
founder, a chief of the Chak tribe named Muzaffar Khan, to ward off the Mughal
armies of Emperor Akbar. Neelum valley is an attractive place for tourists due
to its famous lush greenery, springs, streams, lakes and hilly or sloppy
mountains.
There
are two approaches to the valley. One from the Kaghan Valley which is linked
with it at two points, the Noori Top (Pass) and the Ratti Gali, from Dawarrian
it takes two days for hiking or riding and night stay at Dharian at 12,000
feet. The second approach is so easy from Muzaffarabad.
The
Neelum meets the Jhelum river at Domali (meeting of the two) on the outskirts
of Muzaffarabad city. From Paticka forest one reaches Nosari, 24 miles ahead of
Muzaffarabad. Next come Chelhana (height 3,200 feet), Qazi Nag, Barian,
Salkhala, Jura, Kundalshahi, Authmuqam on this road. Some of its famous places
like Shounter Pass, Chita Khata, Ratti Gali, Baboon, Noori Top, Sharda, Kel,
Surgon and many more.
Traveling
during May to October from the scorching heat of plains to the high land basin
of Neelum Valley is indeed an escape from hell inferno to the cold breezes of
paradise. The temperature remains in between 65°F to 90°F during the summer.
The upper portion of the area normally receives first snow fall in the month of
October and at sometimes even during September.
The
valley, starting from Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, is about 150
miles long. The first district of Neelum is Chelhana about 43 km from
Muzaffarabad just after crossing the Nosari Bridge by the route of Neelum road.
It lies on both sides of the river Neelum.
The
geographical features enhance the natural beauty of the Valley. Its elevation,
a mere 2,000 feet at the start, gradually rises till it attains a respectable
height of 8,000 feet. On both sides there are high mountains and peaks. Nearly
all the forest wealth of Azad Kashmir is to be found in this part of the State.
