Neelum Valley Kashmir – A Heaven on Earth

Tourists around the world usually consider that travelling to Pakistan is only limited to Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. International tourists mostly travel to leading cities, reside in flats for rent in Islamabad, Karachi or Lahore, visit nearby recreational spots, later pack their bags and go back to their native countries. Pakistan offers much to see beyond the main cities and included in this list prime list of naturally pretty places is theNeelum Valley – Kashmir.

NeelumValley is a beautiful valley comprising of about 370 small and large villages and has a population of about two hundred thousand. It starts from Chelhana and spreadsTaobutwith an area of almost 250 kilometres. Each and every corner of Neelum Valley is dipped in beauty and offers amazing vistas. The valley is ripped apart by the indigo blue Neelum River which flows serpentine down hills and falls into river Jehlum near Domail point. This panoramic view is amazingly soothing to the eyes. Let’s find out few other popular attractions of Neelum Valley.

Popular Attractions

The starting point of district Neelum, just after crossing the Nosari Bridge from Neelum Road, is a famous place for its marble mines, from where marble is transported to almost every city of Pakistan. From Chelhana to Kundalshahi, there are numerous villages on both sides of Neelum River and almost 18 kilometres ahead t is a link road called Leswa bypass that leads to the top of Chugali and other worth-watching peaks. Other important points from Chelhana to Kundalshahi are Barian, Jura, Leswa, Slampura and Bandi.

Kundalshahi

Kundalshahi is a small commercial centre in Neelum valley, where almost all basic necessities of life are available. Being a commercial centre, the place always remains crowded with locals and tourists. Another attraction of Kundalshahi is Jagran stream which joins the Neelum River. This stream has transparent water and is thus the most suitable habitation for trout fish. From Kundalshahi, a road leads to Kutton, Jagran and other nearby tops that offer worth-watching scenes.

Salkhala

Hardly 3 kilometres away from Kundashahi across the river Neelum is a beautiful place named Salkhala that is also famous for its trout fish. A Trout Hatchery has been established over there along with reasonable accommodation facility, for tourists to spend night.

Authmuqam

Authmuqam is a station at 10 kilometres away from Kundalshahi that serves as Sub Divisional Headquarter of the region. Several civic facilities including hospital, post office, bank, telephone exchange and small markets are available there. Apart from the fact that Neelum valley is known for its sublime scenic beauty, it also holds a significance value as it marks the beginning of line of control with Indian Held Kashmir in Neelum. Authmuqam in its geographical structure is a cup like valley with lush green hills on the four sides. Numerous hiking tracks to surrounding mountains are traced by local people and tourists.

Neelum Valley is surely a treat for eyes and a must-visit place when it comes to exploring northern side of Pakistan.

Author’s Bio:

This post has been written by Haadiya Ali. She is a prolific writer on Pakistan real estate industry and Travel destinations of the country.