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Neelum Valley is dipped in beauty.
The swaying lush green forests, snow capped mountains, streams singing
songs of joy, and fast flowing river Neelum, all go together to make it
naturalist’s wonderland.
Location
Neelum Valley about 200
kilometers in length to the north and northeast of Muzaffarabad along
the river Neelum, runs parallel to the Khaghan Valley.
Altitude
800-600 meters above sea
level.
Climate
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 some times even during September. Tourist
season is May – October.
The Valley
It is a valley of fountains, springs, waterfalls, flowering trees and
plants. Geographically too, it is a hospitable valley. The Neelum Valley, 90 miles long bow-shaped
with majestic pine, fir and deodar trees, lies north-south of
Muzaffarabad (capital). This ninety-mile long kingdom of vegetation is
ripped apart by the indigoblue Neelum river which flows serpentinely
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.
The valley, starting from Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, is
about 150 miles long. 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.
There are two approaches to the valley. One from the Kaghan Valley which is linked with it
at two points, the Nuri Nari Hali (Pass) and the Ratti Gali and many
minor Passes. From Dawarian it takes two days for hiking or riding and
night stay at Dharian at 12,000 feet. The second approach is from
Muzaffarabad. It is a distance of 55 miles which is jeepable in fair
weather. 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 Chaliana
(height 3,200 feet), Qazi Nag, Barian, Salkhela, Kundal Shahi, Athmaqam
on this road. On a number of places, the local population has built rope
crossings on the river. It is a very dangerous device and the very
thought of crossing these points is horrible but thrilling.
Tao Butt is an example of vegetational generosity of the liberal nature.
The spot is donned with all delicacies and niceties. Nature flirts here
with fantastic environment. The forest wealth abounds in the Neelum
Valley. Deodar, pine, fir, wild walnut, strawberry and hosts of other
high statured trees and other types of wild growth and herbs are the
treasure of the valley. Besides being invaluable in economic terms, the
variety of natural growth offers a captivating scenery. Shunder Hill
tops are covered with green forests and the fields are lush green with
crops
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