Pakistan - Muzaffarabad Kashmir
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Muzaffarabad is the capital of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan. It is located on the
banks of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers. It is bounded by North-West
Frontier Province in the west, by the Kupwara and Baramulla districts of on the
Indian side of the Line of Control in the east, and the Neelum District of Azad
Kashmir in the north.
Muzafarrabad was the epicenter of the October 2005 earthquake that killed over
75,000 people. The city was devastated and has been rebuilt
Once can visit Muzaffarabad from Islamabad by road it is about 4 Hours drive via
Murree or 4 & half hour drive via Abbottabad.
Muzaffarabad offer breathtaking views of the Tarai mountains the foothills of
Himalaya. There is a 5 star hotel run by the local chain Pearl Continental
Hotels.
Places to See.
Muzaffarabad Forts
There are two historical forts on opposite sides of the Neelum
River. Red Fort and Black Fort The construction of the Red Fort was finally
completed in 1646 by Sultan Muzaffar Khan, the founder of Muzaffarabad city.
After the Mughals took over Kashmir, the fort lost its importance. The Mughals
were more interested in Kabul, Bukhara, and Badakshan. During the period of
Durrani rule, however, the fort again once again assumed its importance.
Maharaja Gulab Singh and Rambir Singh, the Dogra rulers, reconstructed and
extended the fort for their political and military operations.
Towards the
middle of 1947, the Dogra forces left, leaving the fort abandoned. The
architecture of the fort shows that great experts in design and structure
participated in its construction. It is surrounded on three sides by theNeelum
River formally known as the Kishenganga River. The northern part of the fort had
terraces with steps leading to the bank of the river. The eastern side was very
well protected from the hazards of flood waters, but some parts on the north
side have suffered damage. There used to be an inn at the entrance to the fort,
but only traces of that structure remain now.
Pir Chinassi
located
in east of Muzaffarabad. Due to its scenic beauty,
velvet green plateaus and wonderful climate, it is visited by many local
tourists. The view of the summit of the mountain peaks spell bounds a tourist.
It is also the shrine of Saint Shah Hussain Bukhari where Devotees take
pilgrimage to rejuvenate. The adjacent Pirchinassi, phawna da Danna and the areas in the
bottom of Pirchinassi are also worth seen and ideal for hiking, trekking and
camping activities. Kashmir Tourism Department has also constructed a tourist lodge at
Saran.
Shaheed Gali
Situated at the height of 1640 meters above sea level at a
distance of about 16 kilometers westward from Muzaffarabad. From Shaheed Gali a
trek of 4 Kms leads towards a spot namely "Sri Kot". A tourist is bound to be
fascinated by the serenity for the backdrop of the area. A tourist Rest House is
available for accommodation at Shaheed Gali.
Patikka
Located at a distance of 19 Km from Muzaffarabad, is a gateway to
Neelum valley. There is also A mini zoo and a fish hatchery. Tourism Department
has constructed a Tourist Rest House here, which is very popular among tourists.
Chehla Bridge
Subri (Langarpura) Lake
Kundle Shahi is 74 Kms from Muzaffarabad. Here, silvery stream joins river
Neelum, where trout fish is found abundantly.
Chikkar is a beautiful summer station at a distance of 46 Kms from Muzaffarabad
on top of the mountain. The outstanding features of this beautiful place are its
climate and sceneries. 10 Kms from Chikkar is another worth seen hill station in
the middle of dense green pine forests and is linked by a fair weather road.
Muzaffarabad can be visited for different activities like hiking, trekking and camping at the
foothills regions of the Pir Chinassi, Saran, Sun Bun, Muskhi, Sakki and Jarran.
Try kashmiri Pink Tea. You can take Kashmiri Kulcha as snack. Kashmiri Kulcha is
different from Kulcha sold in Lahore or Gujranwala.
If you have time try typical Kashmri Dishes like Goshtawa etc but its
hard to find real one.
Muzaffarabad Hotels
Pearl Continental Hotel Muzaffarabad
Excursions from Muzaffarabad
Neelum Valley
Neelam Valley is a picturesque valley of Kashmil it is 200 Km long
and situated at the North & North-East of Muzaffarabad. Neelam valley runs
parallel to Kaghan Valley only separated by snow-covered peaks, some of the
peaks are over 4000m above sea-level. Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views,
towering hills on both sides make this an excellent excursion from Muzaffarabad.
Athmuqam
Situated at a height of 1371m, it is the sub-divisional headquarters of the
area. An attractive place known for its variety of fruit. All necessary
facilities viz bazaar, post office, banks, hospital, telephone exchange are
present.
Neelum - at a distance of about 9 Km from Athmuqam, Neelum is situated on the
right bank of the river Neelum at 1524m above sea-level with facinating
scenery.The panaromic lush green valley is profound in fruit and wildlife.
Sharda - a breath-taking green spot at an altitude of 1981m. Shardi and Nardi
are two mountain peaks overlooking the valley, reputedly named after legendary
princess Sharda. It has a captivating landscape with numerous springs and
hill-sides covered with trees. On the right bank, opposite Sharda, the Neelum is
joined by the Surgan Nallah along which a track leads to Nurinar Pass and
through it to the Kaghan Valley. Ruins of an old Buddhist University can also be
found in Sharda.
Kel - a small valley situated at a height of 2097m. This is an another
picturesque place in the Neelum Valley. The Shounter Nallah joins river Neelum
at this place and leads to Gilgit Agency (Northern Areas) over the Shandur Pass
at 4420m.
Jhelum Valley
The curling Jehlum river passes through from East to West between the high
green mountains joining river Neelum at Domel in Muzaffarabad. An artifical lake
at Subri was created due to a cloud burst over the sorrounding hill during 1975.
Further along the road, 24 Km from Muzaffarabad is located the small town of
Ghari Dupata. A further 35Km, lies the famous town of Chakothi. This place sees
a large concentration of troops because of the proximity of the Cease-Fire-Line
and the constant aggression by Indian forces. Other notable places of interst in
the valley are Chikar, Loonbagla, Lungian and Danna, all known for their scenic
beauty and healthy climate.
Leepa Valley
This is the most fascinating valley in Azad Kashmir. A fair-weather road
branches off for Leepa from Naile 45 Km from Muzaffarabad, climbs over Reshian
Gali at 3200m high and then descends into the Leepa Valley. It spell-bounds
everyone who visists this valley. Dao Khan is well recognized for its natural
beauty and renowned for its calm and peaceful atomsphere. Deep in the heart of
the valley lies Leepa village at 1921m above sea-level. Its lush green river
fields in summer and typical wooden Kashmiri houses present a wonderful view.
Walnut, apples, cherries and honey of Leepa are very popular.
Note: Leepa valley is not open to foreigners as it is the subject of random
firing and shelling by Indian troops from across the Cease-Fire-Line. Some
villages in this valley cannot even cultivate their land because of
indiscriminate firing.
Peerchanassi vally guest house is also in area of peer Chanassi which give a
beautiful seen to tourst, buttlian peerchanassi, ☎ 03009101743.
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