Azad Kashmir has split into two parts, one occupies Jammu and Kashmir while the other is an independent entity administered by the government of Pakistan. The area under the Pakistani Government is known as Azad Kashmir.
Here are the Top 16 Places to Visit in Azad Kashmir.
1. Neelum Valley
Neelum Valley is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. It is in the heart of Azad Kashmir that fills with the land of fantasies where you cannot take your eyes off this beautiful place! Neelum Valley looks like a land of fairies; a lush green valley gives heavenly look. Neelum Valley locates in the North and Northeast of Muzaffarabad and consists of a bow-shaped region that spreads across 144km long through the clear water of Neelum River. With the attractive scenery, Neelum Valley means blue gems due to the lush green mountains and clear blue water.
The valley was once called Kishanganga before partition and renamed the village Neelam Valley. Neelum valley is a place where you will discover numerous suburbs and small villages, lakes, hiking tracks, mountain passes, and other great attractions. The greatest part about Neelum Valley is that the place is accessible where you can access these areas for great trekking and capturing the best shots of the valley. To visit Neelum Valley, it takes 100km to reach Muzaffarabad. To visit this iconic and beautiful place, be sure not to miss the fairytale Neelum Valley!
2. Arang Kel
Arang Kel is a velvety green village located in Azad Kashmir’s Neelum Valley and right above Kel near the hilltop. Arrang Kel is 8,379 feet (2554m) higher than the sea level. Arang Kel looks like a piece of heaven on the earth and hence called the “Pearl of Neelum Valley.” The meadows are full of vegetation in which in summers, they are full of horses, goats, and birds enchanting songs in the background. In winter, the place covers with a heavy blanket of snow, which turns the entire village into a white palace that appears more beautiful. This makes a great place to visit in different seasons.
For ease of accessibility, there is a long track from Kel that head over to Nanga Parbat. From there you will enjoy the spectacular view of the Nanga Parbat Mountain which marks a fantastic sight to visit. It takes 3 hours from Arang Kel through the track with nearby music. This marks one of the peaceful places to visit in Azad Kashmir, to plan for trekking and enjoy the fantastic view, be sure not to forget to visit the heavenly Arang Kel!
3. Patheka
Patheka is one of the Kashmir beautiful places, which is the entrance point of the Neelum Valley. It has known for the business district of Neelum Valley where the traveller finds all the things that can utilize for daily schedule or day-to-day routine. Many hotels in the Neelum Valley are ready to accommodate a large number of tourists.
Patheka is full of huge mountains, lovely weather, and rich green knolls consider the main tourists attractions. The road to Patheka will give you the amazement of the tall trees to enjoy the view of the city. This marks the top famous places to visit in Azad Kashmir. To explore the entrance point of the Neelum Valley, be sure not to miss the business district of Patheka! You will enjoy the rich green environment and pleasant weather at Patheka!
4. Shounter Lake
The Shounter Lake is such a beautiful natural area that should visit around May to August when the weather is pleasant. Shounter Lake locates in Shounter Valley, which is a sub valley of Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir. The lake has an elevation of 3100 meters (10,200 feet) which is small but quite a deep lake surrounded by nature.
Shounter Lake surrounds by glacial waters, green grass vegetation, mountains and specimens of various plants dispersed around the lake. In winters, the lake becomes frozen and the surrounding hills covered in thick snow, which makes the whole scenery white, and beautiful. Due to heavy snowfall and blizzard, visiting Shounter Lake is dangerous due to warning landslides that makes it tough to travel by jeep.
You can reach the lake through a jeep from Kel and Neelum Valley. It is a perfect place for those who love camping, photography and hiking. To find a place to go camping, you will enjoy the small and stunning scenery of Shounter Lake and take the best shots of the nearby scenery! This marks one of the most scenic places to visit in Azad Kashmir.
5. Muzaffarabad
Muzaffarabad is the political and cultural centre of the territorial region and is the capital city of Azad Kashmir. The capital marks the largest city in Azad Kashmir where the city is also located near the west of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and north of Neelum District. The capital city fills with glory, nature and peace that offer a basecamp for locals and international visitors. Muzaffarabad fills with leisure spots that make you want to explore the city. This includes the Sathra, Lohar Gali, and the meeting point of Neelum and Jhelum River to enjoy the breathtaking view.
Muzaffarabad was named after Sultan Muzaffar Khan, the chief of Bomba Tribe. He ruled Kashmir and constructed the Red Fort to protect the Mughal Empire from harm. Red Fort is a historical place in the city that leaves an unfolding story about Muzaffarabad. To visit the beautiful and cultural hub of the capital city, you will enjoy the breathtaking glory of Muzaffarabad! Be sure not to forget to visit the capital city!
6. Ratti Gali Lake
The Ratti Gali Lake is one of the best known places in the Neelum Valley. The icy lake locates in Neelum Valley and has an altitude of 12,130 feet (3700 meters). The lake supplies the glacier water from the mountains that leave fresh and cool water that melts from the mountains. With the natural beauty, Ratti Gali Lake surrounds by mountains blanketed with green meadows with beautiful flowers for an exotic spring and summer season.
In winters, the lake becomes frozen and the mountains covered in snow that makes the whole scenery white. At times, the glacier floats in the lake during the winter adding a scenic view in the freezing weather. As the Ratti Gali Lake is accessible through Dowarian, you can enjoy trekking and photography to enjoy the tranquil picturesque to reach the most astonishing spot in Neelum Valley. This marks one of Kashmir beautiful places that give a reflective sight to enjoy trekking and photography! To visit a spectacular location in the Neelum valley, you will enjoy the astounding place of the Ratti Gali Lake!
7. Leepa Valley
Azad Kashmir tourist places are undoubtedly prominent locations in Pakistan. Leepa Valley is one of the beautiful places to visit in Azad Kashmir where you will enjoy the surrounding pine trees and arable valley to present the countryside look. Leepa Valley situates 83 kilometres from Muzaffarabad and divides it into five sectors. They are Nowkot, Kasirkot, Dao Khan, Leepa and Chananian sectors. The weather in Leepa Valley is pleasant and the best time to visit this place is from May to November as the climate is bearable and welcoming to visit this stunning valley.
Leepa leaves a little history where the place was part of the Kupwara District in Jammu and Kashmir, which is now part of Jhelum Valley in Azad Kashmir. There are local jeeps available that can take you to Leepa Valley when you cross Reshian. The region is accessible from Muzaffarabad where you can visit the Dao Khan, Leepa and Chananian that are worth seeing. To visit the most captivating places in Kashmir, you will enjoy the breathtaking view of the Leepa Valley!
8. Banjosa Lake
Banjosa Lake is full of greenery that gives a calm and peaceful view to enjoy the reflection of the lake and surrounds dense pine trees and houses. Banjosa Lake locates 18km from Rawalakot in the Poonch District of Azad Kashmir. The artificial lake gives a pleasant colour of green, red and blue, which gives the gleaming water to enjoy the peaceful view. You cannot take your eyes off this lovely lake! Banjosa Lake has a surface elevation of 1981 meters. This marks one of Kashmir tourist places that reflect the beautiful lake of trees and houses.
The best time to visit Banjosa Lake is during the summer season as the temperature exceeds around 25°C, which the weather is very pleasant. In winters, snowfall occurs that drops the temperature rapidly. This leaves a romantic touch that marks a perfect destination for honeymoon couples. With the brisk leaves of brown and red leaves in autumn, the lake gives a combination of gold and reddish-brown trees adding with the gleaming reflection. To visit this romantic lake in Azad Kashmir, you will enjoy the peacefulness at Banjosa Lake! Be sure not to forget boating and photography!
9. Ramkort Fort
Azad Kashmir leaves a history behind in which the region has historical places to explore the unravelling story about the archaeological site. To visit a historical site in Azad Kashmir, you will love this beautiful attraction of Ramkot Fort! Ramkot Fort locates next to Mangla Dam and was constructed in 1342 during the Delhi Sultanate reign. The fort has surrounded by the Jhelum River, which is accessible by boat 13 kilometres away from Dina and 79 kilometres by road from Mirpur. The place is also accessible
Ramkot Fort represents the construction design of modern Muslim military structures. The fort dates back around the 5th and 9th centuries. During the 17th century, the Muslim leaders discovered and removed the fort by destroying the area leaving the remnants behind. This is a perfect destination for those who want to explore historic locations in Azad Kashmir. To visit an archaeological site in the region, you will enjoy exploring the wondrous structure of the Ramkot Fort!
10. Kutton Upper Neelum
Kutton and Upper Neelum consider the most popular places to visit in Azad Kashmir. You cannot complete your vacation without visiting the upper part of the Neelum Valley! Because of the panoramic view and the whirling streams alongside the village, it is one of the lists for explorers and nature lovers. Kutton and Upper Neelum are nearly 82km from Muzaffarabad and 2km from Keran.
The Kutton and Upper Neelum have an elevation of 1530 feet above sea level and leave the calming sound of the water and the swirling streams down the village. Once you visit this place, you will enjoy the calm atmosphere and the tranquil sound downstream. Azad Kashmir Tourism Department has built a rest house to accommodate tourists and visit the adjacent places. To visit the calming waters and the panoramic view of Neelum Valley, be sure not to miss the Kutton and Upper Neelum!
11. Toli Pir
Toli Pir marks the most beautiful places in the region where the hilltop has a heavenly view with stunning sceneries that you cannot take your eyes off the site! Toli Pir locates in Poonch District and has an elevation of 8800 feet above sea level. It is amongst the famous places in Kashmir Pakistan. The famous peak situates on the way to Rawalakot. Once you reach the peak of Toli Pir, you will see three main rivers including Abbaspur, Bagh and Poonch! It feels like you can see everything at the peak of Toli Pir!
It is accessible to get there by car that takes 1 hour 45 minutes drive and has a distance of 30km from Rawalakot. The weather in the winter months is extremely cold temperatures in which the hilltop covers in snow. Due to the high altitude, it is difficult to reach Toli Pir as there are heavy snowfall and blockage of roads. To visit this place peacefully, it is advisable to visit from April to early October due to pleasant weather. To visit the popular places to visit in Kashmir Pakistan, be sure not to miss the Toli Pir!
12. Rawalakot
Rawalakot is the main headquarter of Poonch District and marks the most famous town in Azad Kashmir. The valley locates 80km from Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Since it is just 80 kilometres, you can certainly visit the region quickly and easily due to the ease of accessibility. You can reach this place through the Goyain Nala and Tain Road. Rawalakot has an elevation of 1638 meters (5374 feet) and the city situates 76km from Kahuta and 120km from Rawalpindi.
Rawalakot is also known for Pearl Valley due to the wide range of almond blossoms, which gives the illusion of dispersed pearls when observed high up on the mountain. When you reach this place, you will find blossoming flowers and green hills to enjoy the fun spring and summer scenic views. As the winter season is tough for everyone, it is best to go to this place for an exploring trip in the summer. The intriguing beauty of Rawalakot is shown in summer. You must visit Tatta Pani, Sudhngalli, and Toli Pir, which are popular tourist places as you go around the area. To visit the famous town in Azad Kashmir, you must head over to Rawalakot!
13. Sharda
Sharda is one of the must-see sites in Azad Kashmir when you intend to visit Neelum Valley. Sharda marks Kashmir tourist places where the area has attractive sceneries and several huts on the flat land. The place locates 136km from Muzaffarabad. Despite the small city at the base of Neelum Valley, Sharda leaves the beauty and the enchanting history of the small Tehsil. The small city locates on the banks of Neelum Valley at an altitude of 1981 meters (6499 feet) and makes a great place to visit the lavish green glades.
Sharda was named after the remnants temple of the Hindu Goddess Sharada Perth in which the pilgrimage was dedicated to the goddess Sharada. The light shines over the river water in the morning, transforming the entire landscape into a lovely location. In winters, the small village is covered in thick snow, which turns into a white area that makes it attractive to look at. Sharda has several guesthouses and hotels to relax and enjoy trekking and sightseeing. To visit a beautiful small city in the region, be sure you head over to Sharda!
14. Pir Chinasi
Pir Chinasi marks an astonishing spot to explore in Azad Kashmir. The region has shrines and religious spots, which Pir Chinasi is a great example of the shrine. Pir Chinsai locates on the east of Muzaffarabad, which is a bit tricky to travel, as there are twists and turns when visiting this shrine. To visit this place requires safety and security when moving around during the visit to this area. The shrine has an altitude of 2900 meters where it marks tourists’ favourite place in Kashmir.
The Pir Chinasi is one of the Kashmir famous places that take you to all snowy peaks in winters and the blooming trees in summer. To talk about the shrine, Pir Chinasi has the history behind Hazrat Shah Hussain who was a Saint of Greater Kashmir situated in this area. The place surrounds by dense greenery and nearby mountains that add to the beauty of the shrine. The beauty of each corner of Pir Chinasi makes it worth a visit. To explore the religious place in Azad Kashmir, you will enjoy the exotic location of Pir Chinasi!
15. Jehlum Valley
The Jhelum Valley recognizes as the hospitality region for local and foreign travellers. The main attraction for tourists is the curling rivers from east to west between huge mountains. Jhelum Valley locates 50km across the Jhelum River, which surrounds by lush green mountains. The main city in Jhelum Valley is Hattian Bala.
The valley covers with ripened rice fields with wooden houses that leave an unimaginable view. They have sweet cherries and walnuts that you have never tasted before. You will only find these two foods in Jhelum Valley! Near Jhelum Valley comes the Leepa Valley, which marks the most popular site to visit due to dense fields and greenery. To visit the curling rivers in the huge mountains, you must not miss the Jhelum Valley! This considers the most peaceful places to visit in Azad Kashmir.
16. Red Fort
The Red Fort is also known as Muzaffarabad Fort as the site locates in the capital city. The Red Fort was built by the Chak dynasty of Kashmir to anticipate a threat from the Mughals. The construction of the fort began in 1559 and was completed in 1646 under the reign of Sultan Muzaffar Khan of the Bomba Dynasty. For archaeologists, this fort is a fantastic place to investigate the history of this region. This place is a famous heritage site in Azad Kashmir, which many foreign visitors have welcomed. To plan a visit to the historical site in the region, you must visit this lovely Red Fort!
Wrap Up
Azad Kashmir comprises countless scenic places and beautiful locations that have preserved the natural beauty of the territorial region. With the calm and relaxing atmosphere of the region, these places to visit in Azad Kashmir are worth visiting each location to enjoy the spectacular view. From panoramic views to physical features, Azad Kashmir will never bore you once you enter this lovely territorial region in Pakistan! Be sure not to miss these beautiful and famous places!