Neelam Valley

Introducing Neelam Valley

Running through the Lesser Himalaya, the 200km Neelam River valley (called the Kishanganga before Partition) is AJ&K’s main attraction – or would be if there was no Line of Control, which in places is just a few kilometres away. Like the Kaghan Valley that runs parallel to it, it’s famous for trekking, fishing and enjoying nature. The river and a side valley, the Jagran Nala, are stocked with trout. Trails cross several 4000m passes into the Kaghan Valley.

A paved road runs halfway up the valley, and a 4WD track continues for much of the rest. Buses go from Muzaffarabad at least to Athmaqam, and passenger 4WDs go as far as Kel. In the past the valley has been open up to Kel, but at the time of research foreigners could go no further than Patikha (Pataka), 17km northeast of Muzaffarabad. The following information may be useful when/if travel restrictions for foreigners ease.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009