Azad Kashmir Beautiful Places
Azad Kashmir or Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) compromises the western part of the beautiful Kashmir region, which is blessed with stunning landmarks created by Mother Nature. The Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provinces share the border with Azad Kashmir on the southern and eastern sides, respectively.
It features pristine rivers that carve through the enhancing landscape, beautiful mirror-like lakes that reflect blue skies, snow-capped towering mountains that promise adventure, and lush green valleys that induce a sense of calm and tranquility.
In addition, it is home to 224 glaciers, mainly in the Neelum Valley district. Azad Kashmir stands out for its highest mountain elevation, which contributes to its distinctive charm and makes it an unmissable place to visit in Pakistan.
It is also one of the most sought-after honeymoon places in Pakistan, thanks to its heavenly natural beauty, local culture, and serene atmosphere. Summer months are considered the best time to visit Azad Kashmir.
If you are planning your trip to Azad Kashmir, check out these Kashmir beautiful places in Pakistan that you should not miss on your trip.
Neelum Valley is regarded as the blue gem of Pakistan, which is located at a distance of 83 km from Muzaffarabad in the northern part of Azad Kashmir. This bow-shaped valley spreads over a 200 Km area and is known for its lush mountainous beauty that has inspired many travelers.
Neelum Valley is situated between towering mountain peaks that soar 13,000 feet into the sky, surrounded by emerald-green forests.
Unlike the desert mountain landscape of Skardu and Hunza, its mountains are covered in lush green fields and vibrant wildflowers. Its towering mountains, clear-water lakes, and exquisite panoramic views make it an ideal place for hikers.
Neelum Valley is not only one of the most popular tourist attractions in Azad Kashmir but is also included in the list of the most beautiful places to see in Pakistan. Arang Kel viewpoints, Rati Gali Lake, Banjosa Lake, Dhani Waterfall, Kel, Taobat, Kutton Valley, Kutton Jagran, and Baboon Valley are some of the most famous tourist spots in Neelum valley.
Staying at some of the best hotels in Neelum Valley provides easy access to these places and offers beautiful views of the magnificent mountain tops. Summer months are the best time to visit this valley when its scenic beauty is at its peak.
| North & North-East of Azad Kashmir | It takes more than two and half an hour by road to get there from Muzaffarabad. | Towering peaks on both sides of the Neelum River, Dhani Waterfall, camping in Sharda, rafting in Neelum River, and hiking at Arang Kel. |
In our list of Azad Kashmir beautiful places, the next one is Leepa Valley, which is located at a distance of 52 miles to the southeast of the capital city of Azad Kashmir. This valley is known for its terrace fields adorned with blooming flowers, wooden houses, and orchards, which add to its charms and enhance the visual appeal of this off-beat tourist attraction of Azad Kashmir.
Leepa Valley is the Azad Kashmir’s last valley and close to the borderline between Pakistan and India. It can be accessed via a scenic road drive from Muzaffarabad, offering mesmerizing views of stunning mountain landscape with pine forest along the way.
There are many villages in Leepa Valley, and each one contributes to its unique charm. One hilltop village is Reshian Gali, which is considered the gateway to Leepa Valley.
Tourists can climb up by jeeps and then descend on the other side of the hill to reach Leepa Valley. Some other notable villages include Dao Khan, Chananian, and Leepa, which attract visitors with its picturesque landscape.
The locals are quite hospitable, and visiting the villages of Leepa Valley offers you a look into the local Kashmiri culture. This area’s cultural richness is evident in its handicrafts, local festivals, and architecture.
This arable valley is a serene destination with its tall pine trees and towering mountains, perfect for those seeking a tranquil retreat amidst natural serenity. The best time to visit this scenic valley is from May to November.
Bangas Valley, Karnah Valley, Chananian, Dao Khan, Shams Bari range Hills, Sad Pura, and Nokot are famous tourist spots in Leepa Valley.
| Hattian Bala District of Azad Kashmir | It is 83 kilometers from Muzaffarabad and can be accessed by road. | Villages of Reshian Gali & Dao Khan, scenic road drive from Muzaffarabad to Leepa Valley, Close to Line of control, and rice terrace fields of Leepa Valley. |
Jehlum Valley is a captivating region in Azad and Jammu Kashmir, which is named after the River Jhelum that flows from east to west through Jehlum Valley to join the Neelum River. This river adds to the beauty of the mountainous landscape of this place, which creates a picturesque setting for tourists. It features pine-covered slopes, hillsides adorned with wildflowers, crystal-clear waterfalls, and lush green valleys.
This valley is just 40km away from Muzaffarabad and can be accessed by Muzaffarabad-Chakothi Road along the River Jhelum. This road winds through the Jehlum Valley and provides stunning views of valleys and mountains.
Hattian Bala is the headquarters of Jehlum Valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery. This valley is dotted with villages that are steeped in Kashmiri culture.
The famous town of Gharhi Dopatta is located in this valley along the banks of the Jehlum River. This town hosts a large number of tourists each year and has all the modern facilities for tourists.
Some other famous tourist spots of Jhelum Valley include Doon Bangla, Chakothi, Dungian, Chikkar, and Chinari. Summer months are the best time to visit this beautiful valley. At this time, walnut trees, cherry trees, and rice fields dot the landscape of Jhelum Valley.
Avid hikers can explore this valley through hiking trails and immerse themselves in the natural beauty that defines Jehlum Valley.
| Hattian Bala District, Azad Kashmir | More than 1 hour drive time from Muzaffarabad. | Town of Gharhi Dopatta, Jehlum River, Danni, and Dungian Villages, exploring the natural beauty of Chikar, and visiting orchards in Chinaari. |
No list of Kashmir beautiful places in Pakistan is completed without Arang Kel, which is a serene hilltop village in the upper part of Neelum Valley. Arang Kel is the best place to visit in Kashmir for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is known for its wooden houses, enchanting landscape, and tranquil environment.
Located on the banks of the River Kel, this village is situated at an elevation of 2554m. It is one of the most beautiful places in Neelum Valley, which is a slice of heaven and offers stunning views of the Neelum River and surrounding mountains. That’s why it is often regarded as the “pearl of Neelum Valley.”
It can be easily accessed from a trek from Kel. This trek is an adventure in itself and takes visitors through the lush green forests, making it a great tourist destination for avid trekkers. Once you reach Arang Kel, you will witness breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, which is a sight to behold.
The locals are so kind, and their hospitality offers an unforgettable experience. There is also a highway from Kel up to the mighty Nanga Parbat, which offers awe-inspiring views of Nanga Parbat.
From April to September, the verdant meadows fill with summer vegetation, birds with enchanting melodies, and horses. This uphill village turns into a winter fairyland during colder months as it gets a heavy blanket of snow in winter.
| Upper Neelum Valley | Accessible via a chairlift from Kel and then a one-hour hike from the base or 3 hours of trekking from Kel. | Picturesque forests and rivers, thrilling chairlift ride, mountain hiking through dense forest, camping and skiing at Arang Kel, horseback riding through the lush green meadows, and enjoying bonfires under a starry sky. |
Banjosa Lake is one of the most sought-after Azad Kashmir tourist places. It is located in the Pooch District of Azad Kashmir at an elevation of 1981 meters above sea level and it is just 18km away from Rawalakot.
This lake is easily accessible from Rawalakot by road. Banjosa Lake is just a 3 to 4-hour drive away from Islamabad, making it a perfect weekend getaway and idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is an artificial Lake surrounded by mountains and dense pine trees.
This man-made lake came into existence after the construction of the Banjosa dam on the Jhelum River. Trout fish and other aquatic species are also found in this lake. The optimal time to visit this lake is summer when the temperature is up to 25°C.
However, winter months provide a more thrilling experience as it freezes in winter and becomes an ice rink to walk and skate on. On the other hand, the autumn months provide an ideal environment to explore nature, unwind, and admire its natural beauty.
Autumn turns the green leaves of surrounding trees into reddish-brown and gold that create gleaming reflections on the lake’s water. It features a diverse range of flora and fauna and is home to many migratory and indigenous birds. Boating, camping, and bird-watching are some of the best things to do at Banjosa Lake.
| Pooch District, Azad Kashmir | It takes around 35 minutes by road from Rawalakot | Boating, camping, bird watching at Banjosa Lake |
Toli Peer is a picturesque hilltop area in the Poonch District of Azad Kashmir, which stands tall at an elevation of 8,418 feet above sea level. It offers a refreshing escape with stunning vistas and can be accessed via a scenic jeep ride or adventurous trek.
This thrilling journey takes over 1 hour from Rawalakot via Toli Peer Road and is as rewarding as this hilltop destination. Tourists are treated to the breathtaking beauty of the famous Banjosa Lake along the way.
The road leading to Toli Peer has bends and blind corners, so it is recommended to hire a local driver. Once you reach the Toli Peer viewpoint after trekking through the dense pine forest, the expansive landscape of this area unfolds before your eyes.
The sight of flying clouds over mountains creates a surreal atmosphere, making it a great place for trekking spending time in nature, and relishing delicious food amidst nature’s embrace. This place promises an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Toli Peer also serves as a base point for various tourist destinations, including Pir Chanasi, Haji Peer Pass, Lasdana, Pir Kanthi, Sharu Dhara, Ganga Choti, and Sarwali Peak.
Hiking to Ganga Choti, boating at Banjosa Lake, visiting the National Park of Toli Peer, and camping near the Poonch River are some of the best things to do in Toli Peer. The best time to visit Toli Peer is from May to September.
It is recommended not to visit it during the winter months due to the heavy snowfall in this area.
| Poonch District, Azad Kashmir | 1-hour drive from Rawalakot via Toli Peer Road. | The sight of clouds surrounding Toli Peer hilltop, hiking to Ganga Choti, boating at Banjosa Lake, visiting the National Park of Toli Peer, and camping at Toli Peer and near the Poonch River. |
Pir Chansi is a beautiful and religious site near Muzaffarad, which is known for the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Hussain Bukhari. It is included in the list of best places to visit in Muzaffarabad and is located at a distance of nearly 30 miles from the capital city of Azad Kashmir.
This shrine is situated at the hill station of Pir Chinasi, which stands tall at the height of 2,900 meters. It provides spectacular sights of the town below and panoramic views of the surrounding waterfalls.
It takes around 1.5 hours to get to the top of Pir Chanasi from Muzaffarabad. It is surrounded by lush green pine and oak trees that are covered with a blanket of snow during winter months.
Visitors can indulge in camping trips to Pir Chinasi to explore the natural beauty of this area. The hilltop provides stunning views of Muzaffarabad City and the surrounding villages. Adventure seekers love to experience paragliding off this mountain top with a view of Pir Chinasi Valley. In addition, the snow cross jeep rallies draw the attention of the tourists and offer unlimited fun.
This Azad Kashmir tourist spot also offers plenty of trekking opportunities to explore this area, and Pir Chanasi is included in the list of best hiking trails in Pakistan. This trail not only offers scenic views along the trek, but its wide spaces serve as picnic spots and let the hikers have a break and relax in nature’s lap.
| 30 miles away from Muzaffarabad City | 1.5 hour drive time from Muzaffarabad | Pir Chanasi to Mekra peak hike, shrine of Hazrat Shah Hussain, views of Muzaffarabad City from the top of Pir Chanasi, paragliding, and snow cross jeep rallies. |
With so many natural wonders, Azad Kashmir is also home to some archaeological sites that intrigue history buffs. One such place is Ramkot Fort, which is a medieval fort in the city of Mirpur near Mangla Dam.
This 16th-century marvel is positioned on the confluence of two Rivers, Jhelum and Poonch, and surrounded by waters of the vast Mangla Lake. It is perched atop a vertical cliff looking over the glistening blue waters of Mangla Lake.
It is bounded by the River Jehlum on all sides and can be accessed via boat, which adds an element of adventure and offers a delightful experience. To get to this centuries-old fort, tourists have to take a boat ride from the Mangla Dam’s water sports club.
It takes around 10 minutes to reach the northern edge of the reservoir, and tourists are treated to stunning views of the river bank and lush green hills along the way. A short and steep climb uphill takes you to one of the best historical sites of Azad Kashmir.
The vantage point offers a panoramic view of Mangla Dam Reservoir, surrounding hills, and expansive views of the River Jhelum. This fort features 440 stairs leading to the main gate, arched doorways, a large water tank, and watchtowers.
Spring and autumn months are the optimal time to visit Ramkot Fort when the weather is more suitable for trekking.
| Mirpur, Azad Kashmir | 10-minute ride from the Mangla Dam’s water sports club. | Expansive views of the River Jhelum and Mangla Dam Reservoir, Mangla Lake, Boat riding in Mangla Dam Lake, and steep uphill climb to Ramkot Fort. |
The natural beauty of Azad Kashmir is beyond its lush green meadows, pristine rivers, and snow-covered mountains. It is also home to many crystal-clear waterfalls that remain relatively unknown to many tourists. One such waterfall is Cham Waterfall, which is located in the village of Chinari in the Jehlum Valley District of Azad Kashmir and close to the Pakistan-India border.
This village is situated on the banks of the Jehlum River and is easily accessible from the city of Muzaffarabad via the Muzaffarabad-Chakothi road. It is known as a milky waterfall due to the white color of its water.
This scenic waterfall is fed by the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas. The best time to visit this beautiful place is during spring months when the surrounding Chinar trees and green meadows are covered in snow, and the flowers bloom in vibrant colors.
The views from the top are truly mesmerizing. If you are looking for the best picnic spot in Azad Kashmir to relax and spend time in nature, you must visit Cham Waterfall. It is recommended that you visit it during the daytime and return before sunset due to the narrow and rocky mountain roads in this area.
| Chinari, Jehlum Valley District | 1 hour and 49 minute drive from Muzaffrabad | Close to Line of Control between India and Pakistan border, and 300-meter high waterfall. |
In addition to meadows and towering mountains, Azad Kashmir features many lakes, and one of them is Chitta Katha Lake, which means” white stream.” It is one of the most popular frozen lakes in Pakistan, as it turns into solid ice during winter and remains frozen for most part of the year.
Chitta Katha Lake is located in the Shounter Valley of Azad Kashmir and sits at an elevation of 13,500 feet above sea level. Hoz serves as the base camp for this lake. This alpine lake is accessible from Upper Domel, which is a remote village in Shounter Valley. It takes around 4 to 5 hours to travel by jeep from the Neelum Valley’s village of Kel.
The trail is not marked, so you will need to hire a local guide to climb uphill to Chitta Katha Lake after reaching Upper Domel. It takes around 4 to 8 hours of strenuous hike to reach this lake from Upper Domel. Tourists can only access it between June and August when it is not frozen.
Chitta Katha Lake is completely frozen for the rest of the year and becomes part of the glaciers that surround this beautiful lake. Once you reach there after a long, strenuous hike, you will be rewarded with the majestic view of Nanga Parbat and this shining alpine lake.
| Shounter Valley, Azad Kashmir | 4-5 hours jeep ride from Kel and then 4 to 8 hours from Upper Domel hiking trek. | View of Nanga Parbat, bumpy jeep ride, one of the world’s highest alpine lakes, strenuous hike, flora and fauna, Hoz base camp, Dak 1 (hike down to valley) and Dak 2 campsite, and Shounter Waterfall. |
Azad Kashmir offers unparalleled scenic views with snow-covered mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and valleys that are beyond picturesque and offer adventurous experiences that are not replicated anywhere else. From camping to paragliding, and skiing to hiking, there are plenty of things to do in Azad Kashmir that keep the tourists busy during their visit to AJ&K.
It is also home to one of the famous frozen lakes in Pakistan like Chitta Katha Lake, lush green valley close to Pakistan-India borders like Leepa Valley, and 16th-century archeological site like Ramkot Fort that offers the tourists an unforgettable experience.
So whether you want to visit the mighty Himalayas or green meadows with dancing flowers, there is no other place in Pakistan like Azad Kashmir.
This concludes our guide on Kashmir’s beautiful places in Pakistan, but if you are eager to head up north, you can visit Hunza or Skardu Valley, which are among the most beautiful places in Pakistan.
Have you ever visited any of the tourist destinations in Azad Kashmir listed above? If so, let us know about your experience in the comment box!
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About Author:
Sondus Ubin
Sondus Ubin is a freelance lifestyle writer specializing in travel and food. With nearly 10 years of experience in lifestyle content creation, her toes are dipped in the exciting world of travel and food. In her time working as a travel writer, she has had the opportunity to interact with frequent travelers and travel photographers. All that knowledge she gains and her passion for travel make it possible for her to bring you informative yet fun travel content. Trust her words to help you plan your dream trip. She lives in Lahore, where she explores the city’s most intriguing, interesting, and unusual places and captures the beauty and essence of every place through her lens. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her giving her eyes a much-needed break from screens with a good book, painting landscapes, or trying out new recipes.
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