After exploring Northern areas (KPK and Gilgit Baltistan) of Pakistan on my motorbike in 2020, i decided to explore South of Pakistan in 2021. This Travel series was shoot during my Travel from Lahore to Gwadar (up to Iran border) on Bike from 12-Feb-2021 to 5-March-2021.
ROUTE OF THE TOUR:
Below are the cities and route that i visited during my Journey.
Jahaz banda is a beautiful meadows in upper DIR district of KPK province in Pakistan. It remains covered with snow from October end till May. So the best time to visit Jahaz Banda is between JUNE to SEPTEMBER.
However before leaving, always take weather, route and distance updates from from Accuweather.com and Google maps
This is subjective. Every family should take decision according to the age group of their members. You can see the trekking paths in my videos (below) and should take decision accordingly. I have seen many families trekking these valleys from age group of 12 years to 60 years but not everyone can do this.
You should ask following questions from your family, friends (and yourself too) before coming to this place:
Have you done hikings and trekkings before?
Do you have stamina for this?
Can you hike for 6 to 10 hrs in a single day without having proper meals?
Can you bear wild places and sleeping in a camp on an un-even surface?
Can you use uncleaned and smelly toilets with no soap and small amount of water?
Can you eat un-hygienic and not a proper cooked food?
Do you have some members who always have complaining nature and have high demands of having facilities?
Do you have members whose habit is to always curse the Government on not providing facilities in every remote location of Pakistan?
The main purpose of visiting this place should be to enjoy the Wild nature away from hustle and bustle of populated city life. Your focus should not be on getting facilities but to enjoy few nights in a forest/valley
TRANSPORT
There are 4 ways to reach Jahaz Banda
Join a group tour on facebook (around 12,000 Rs per person for 3 Nights trip)
Drive your car upto THAL and then hire a jeep to reach Takki Banda
Take public transport to reach THAL and then reach Takki Banda on jeep
Drive your motor bike and you can even take it up to TAKKI BANDA (and there is proper parking area for bikers at tuckshop)
I traveled to Kumrat Valley and Jahaz Banda on Public Transport. Although my route was:
Lahore > Dir > Thal > Takki Banda > Jahaz Banda
but i recommend to travel through other route because its a hassle to get a public transport from Dir > Thal. So i recommend the below route:
Lahore > Mardan > Thal > Takki Banda > Jahaz Banda
There is another route recently being used by tourist:
CONTACT NUMBERS TO BOOK A SEAT IN PUBLIC BUS/ VAN:
SADAAT BUS: Lahore to Dir or Mardan : 0300-5697625 or 0306-4066634
VAN from Mardan to Thal (and vice versa): 0347-3075783
They have fix timings of departure so better take all timings from them by calling and then plan your journey accordingly.
ACCOMMODATION FACILITY IN JAHAZ BANDA
You should always keep this thing in mind that you are going on an adventure journey and going to stay in a remote area where no facilities are present. These places are for only those who love hiking, trekking and want to spend some time in wild nature. You should never expect good facilities and hospitality like Naran, Shogran, Murree and Nathiagali which are proper developed places for more than 50 years.
I visited first time Jahaz Banda in July 2019. At that time there were only camping facility available by locals. A 2-person tent is given at 500~1000 Rs and a four person camp is given at 1000 ~ 2000 Rs.
The rates are depending upon the number of tourist visiting this place. However i visited Jahaz Banda again in July 2020 and now 5 to 6 proper wooden hotels have been built with attach bathroom. They charge 1500 ~ 2000 Rs for a room which can accommodate 3 to 4 people.
FOOD AVAILABILITY
Although there are local tuck shops and kitchen huts available but you should keep this thing in mind that Jahaz Banda (or Kumrat) is a place of adventure and camping so you should not expect high quality facilities and food options at this place. Locals try their best to serve you chicken, daal, rice etc and you should thank them instead of complaining them for taste and hygiene conditions.
I always suggest people not to eat Roti, Naan and bread during your trekking trips because you have to do Katora Lake trekking next day which will take around 9 hrs (both ways) and there will be no bathroom in the way. So better eat some snacks or take along Noodles, Dry fruits and snacks with you.
ELECTRICITY AND CHARGING FACILITY
There is no proper electricity at Jahaz Banda top. People have installed Solar panels at their huts which are only sufficient for LED bulbs for lighting however do not expect that you would be able to charge your mobiles or Drone batteries. So better take Power banks and extra batteries with you.
MOBILE SIGNALS AT JAHAZ BANDA AND KATORA LAKE
As of now, there are currently Telenor and Jazz mobile signals available at Jahaz Banda top. You would hardly able to use internet but can easily make calls.
There are no mobile signals at Katora Lake (and also not at KUMRAT VALLEY)
SAFETY/ SECURITY/ LAW AND ORDER
The upper DIR region is very hospitable and i have found no issue of security during my 2 separate visits of Kumrat valley and Jahaz Banda. You can see my video of Katora Lake trekking where i left my big Backpack in my tent at Jahaz Banda and nothing was stolen. People are genuinely helping and offer you free things as a good gesture.
From camping point of view, there are no wild animals in this area. So you can sleep without worry.
⛔JEEP DRIVERS SCAM⛔
I am writing these lines with heavy heart and It is very unfortunate that Jeep owners at THAL are very unprofessional and not reliable. The are new in this tourism industry and thus lack professional ethics. Be very cautious while dealing with them and i highly recommend to record your conversation on mobile while you are finalizing the Jeep fare and the drop-off point or any other terms and conditions. For example; You guys negotiated with jeep owner that in 2500 Rs he will drop you at Takki banda. So what they do, either they will drop you 2 km before Takki banda point OR if they drop you at exact point, they will demand some other price (say 4000 Rs which they asked you initially while negotiations)
It has happened to me 3 times and i have heard many such scam stories from my friends and tour operator companies. I personally reported these scams to local police and also hope that local people will learn professional business ethics with the passage of time.
Average jeep fare are:
Thal to Takki Banda: 2500 ~ 4000 Rs (one way)
Thal to Kumrat Valley: 2500 ~ 3500 Rs (one way)
Kumrat to Takki Banda (vice versa): 3500 ~ 4500 Rs
Take phone number of 5 to 6 separate Jeep owners with you so that you can call them when you want to return from Takki Banda/Jahaz Banda to Thal.
PREPARATION FOR LEAVING ON CAMPING/ TREKKING TRIP TO KUMRAT
In order to see how to pack your bags, read my separate blog on Preparation Checklist
RESOURCES TO BUY TREKKING/ CAMPING EQUIPMENT IN PAKISTAN
Since many of you have asked to share resources where one can purchase camping/trekking gears so here is the list:
OLX.pk (Pick from the seller directly and save the shipping fees)
EXPENSES AND JOURNEY DETAILS OF MY PERSONAL VISIT TO JAHAZ BANDA
Jahaz banda is getting much popularity these days and it is always filled with lot of group tours and tourists from all over Pakistan. So in order to avoid heavy rush, i decided to travel this place just 5 days before Eid-ul-adha. This is the time when no one travels to north and every one is busy at their home in buying Goat and cows for the sacrifice. So here is chronological details of my journey:
DAY-1 | 26-JULY-2020
– Took Sadaat Bus from Lorry Adda Lahore @ 1400 Rs
DAY-2 | 27-JULY-2020 | TREKKING TO JAHAZ BANDA
– Left from Lahore @ 06:00 PM and Reached DIR bus stop at 0400 hrs
– Left from DIR in Jeep at 500 Rs @ 0730 hrs
– Reched THAL bazar @ 1030 hrs
– Hired a personal jeep @ 1500 Rs from THAL to Drop me till Takki Banda
NOTE: In normal days, average one-way jeep fare is 2500 ~ 4000 Rs depending upon season. Since i went there just 4 days before Eid-Ul-Adha so there was not a single tourist in Thal. Thats why i got a good price of 1500 Rs
– Left from THAL @ 1100 hrs and Reached at TAKKI TOP at 1230 hrs
– Trekking from Takki top to Jahaz Banda normally takes 3 ~ 4 hrs (depending upon your fitness and number of stops you take during the trip)
– I was shooting my videos with different angles and flying drone so it took my around 7 hours to reach at my camping site.
– Although lot of huts and camps are available at Jahaz Banda (between 500 to 1000 Rs per nite) but i setup my own tent. Had a rest and slept early at 9:00 PM
DAY-3 | 28-JUL-2020 | TREKKING TO KATORA LAKE
Trekking time from Jahaz Banda to Katora Lake one-way is 3 ~ 4 hrs . I woke up at Fajar time and left at 0600 hrs. Since i was alone and took the wrong path so i took around 7 hours to reach Katora Lake. However, on return i took the right path and reached back to Jahaz Banda in 3 hours only. Below are the details of trekking from Jahaz Banda to Katora Lake path:
It is highly recommended that if you are visiting first time then either travel with a group of people or hire a local tour guide for this track.
TREKKING TO KUND BANDA AND JAHAZ BANDA WATERFALL
– After coming back from Katora Lake at 1700 hrs, i took some rest and then packed my tent from Jahaz Banda and left for trekking towards Kund Banda which starts at backside of TAJ DIN HUT. This trekking is 45 min down hill and very steep. This place is one of peaceful spot and my favorite place in this region. I setup my tent and slept alone in that valley as there was not a single tourist there.
Locals have also setup tents and huts to offer you a sleeping place at 500Rs per person. If you do not have your own tent, then you cn easily get space there along with mattress, pillow and blanket.
Watch details of Kund Banda trekking in below video:
DAY-4 | 29-JUL-2020 | KUND BANDA TO THAL
– Woke up early morning and left from Kund Banda towards Takki Banda at 0700 hrs
– Reached at Takki Banda at 1200 hrs
– Had a long wait at Takki Banda to get some jeep because no tourist was coming from THAL (because of upcoming Eid) and hence no jeep was available which could take me to THAL
– Finally after a wait of around 3.5 hrs, there were few people going back on their personal HILUX, i took a lift from them @ 03:30 PM and they dropped at THAL at 04:30 PM
– From THAL, took a local van seat @ 700 Rs for Mardan. The van started at 08:30 PM from Thal
DAY-5 | 30-Jul-2020 | MARDAN TO LAHORE
– Van dropped me at Mardan Bus stop at 0400 hrs
– From Bus stop, went to Malakand Chowk (on rickshaw) which is around 1km and Booked a seat for Rawalpindi at 300 Rs on HIACE van
– Van started at 0515 hrs from Mardan and Dropped me at Pindi Peshawar mor at 0645 hrs
– From Pindi, took a YUTONG bus @ 800 Rs at the spot at 0800 hrs and reached Lahore at 1200 hrs
– 31-Jul-2020: Had a full time rest and got our Goats for Qurbani
– 1st-Aug-2020: Celebrated Bakra Eid and started editing of videos 🙂
I have developed below checklist before departing on my Motorbike trip to Northern mountains of Pakistan. The checklist is further divided into sub-categories, I hope this will help you as a starting point to get yourself prepared before hitting the road.
All my motorbike gadgets and gears are sponsored by WALIMALL.PK
MODIFICATIONS REQUIRED ON NEW BIKE
Install metal Leg guard
Air deflector shield on head light
Extra LED lights for night driving
Saddle side boxes
Tail box
Mobile holder
Mobile charger
2nd keys of Bike + Wirelock, Saddle boxes or any other locks
VISIT KUMRAT VALLEY AND JAHAZ BANDA | KOHISTAN | KPK | PAKISTAN
First thing first, Kumrat Valley is not a Family Vacation spot (currently in 2020). Its an adventurer place where there are small camp-style-hotels with basic necessities only. Its a place for camping and trekking and requires lot of pre-planning.
Since the place has starting getting popularity after Imran Khan visit in 2017, so after seeing lot of people’s interest, KPK Govt has launched Tourism police there and now going to start road construction in early 2020.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KUMRAT VALLEY
Kumrat Valley is not accessible for full year. Because of heavy snow, you can not visit this place in winters. The snow starts melting in April till end may when it becomes accessible for locals however after June, the greenery start appearing in the valley and finally the valley gets started to welcome the visitors.
Hence the best time to visit Kumrat Valley is from Mid of June to Mid of October.
The videos you are seeing in this blog were made in 1st week of July 2019
CAMPING SITES
There are several camping sites along the river of Kumrat and locals have provided wooden huts and tents for tourists. If you want to put your own tent then it is allowed however locals will ask you to pay 500 Rs per nite if you peg your tent near Waterfall area. If you go further in a little no-mans land, then you can camp free-of-cost. You can get a camp of 2, 3 persons from locals at 500 ~ 1000 Rs per nite (as per availability)
ELECTRICITY AND CHARGING FACILITY
There is no proper electricity at in Kumrat Valley. People have installed Solar panels at their huts which are only sufficient for LED bulbs for lighting however do not expect that you would be able to charge your mobiles or Drone batteries. So better take Power banks and extra batteries with you.
MOBILE SIGNALS AT JAHAZ BANDA AND KATORA LAKE
As of now, there are currently mobile signas at THAL bazar only. There are no mobile signals at Kumrat Valley camping site. I had to make some emergency calls and for that i hired a motorbike who braught me to Thal bazar so that i could call at home and then i went back to camping site
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR PACKING
1. Always pack your bags light
2. Prefer foldable things, to utilize maximum space
3. Prepare for the emergency, not for leisure
4. Never rely on your friend, bring your own things
PREPARATION FOR LEAVING ON CAMPING/ TREKKING TRIP TO KUMRAT
In order to see how to pack your bags, watch the below video. Also you can see the
OLX.pk (Pick from the seller directly and save the shipping fees)
TRANSPORT
There are 3 ways to reach Kumrat Valley
Join a group tour on facebook (around 12,000 Rs per person for 3 Nights trip)
Drive your car upto THAL and then hire a jeep to reach Kumrat Valley
Take public transport to reach THAL and then reach Kumrat Valley on jeep
I traveled to Kumrat Valley on Public Transport. Although my route was:
Lahore > Dir > Thal > Kumrat Valley
but i recommend to travel through other route because its a hassle to get a public transport from Dir to Thal. So i recommend the below route:
Lahore > Mardan > Thal > Kumrat Valley
EXPENSES AND JOURNEY DETAILS OF VISITING AND STAYING IN KUMRAT VALLEY
=============== 1. LAHORE TO DIR (KPK):
===============
– Take bus from LAHORE-to-DIR at Larri Adda near Minar-e-Pakistan ( Bus Fare = 1400 Rs)
– You can book your seat by calling SADAAT BUS SERVICE at 0306-4066634 or 0313-5747238
– Bus leaves from Lahore at 1800 hrs and drops at DIR early morning 0430 hrs
============= 2. DIR TO THALL
=============
– From DIR bus terminal, you can either take a seat in local van to KUMRAT or THALL but they start operation at 0830 hrs. (Fare = 500 ~ 600 Rs/person)
– So if you are 5~6 people, you can hire a personal car that will drop you at THAL BAZAR in 3 hours.
– Private Car fare: 2000 ~ 2300 Rs (for all 5~6 persons)
=================
3. THALL TO KUMRAT
=================
– If you are solo and have small bag, you can hire a local motor bike who will drop you at Kumrat Valley within 1.5 hr in 500 ~ 700 Rs
– Or you can hire a 4×4 Jeep in 2500 Rs (can take upto 7 persons) that will drop you at Kumrat Valley in 2 ~ 2.5 hrs
– You should do camping near Waterfall point (Kumrat Aabshaar)
– A 3 to 4 person camp can be rented out at 500 ~ 1000 Rs depending upon the season
====================
3a. FIRST DAY CAMPING IN KUMRAT
====================
================================== 4. KUMRAT TO KALA (PATHAR) CHASHMA
==================================
– Trekking time = 1 hour (if starting from Kumrat Waterfall point)
– Path is very wide and worthy for 4×4 Jeeps and Motorbikes
– There are few camping facilities (4 to 5 camps only) at Kala Chashma point.
– You should stay a night there only if you want further trekking to Shahzor Lake or Kundal Lake
– There is one Tuck Shop and restaurant at Kala Chashma who can serve Pakora, Daal, Chicken Karahi, Cold drinks etc.
– Camp of 4 to 5 people @ 500 Rs/nite
============================ 5. KALA CHASHMA TO SHAHZOR LAKE (15 hours trekking)
============================
– Trekking from Kala Chashma to DOJAGGA is almost straight path and takes around 3 hours (with breaks)
– From DOJAGGA (also called DOJANGA in Kohistani language) to Shahzor Lake, the trekking path is slightly UP-HILL and takes around 6 hours (with multiple breaks for rest and re-energize)
– On return, it takes only 03 hours from Shahzor lake to DoJagga point, however from Do-Jagga to Kala Chashma, trekking time is same i.e 03 hours.
– So total time of Uphill (towards Shahzor Lake) = 9 hrs and Down-hill (towards Kala chashma) = 6 hrs
(We started our trekking at 0800 hrs and came back 2300 hrs. Dont forget to take food and Head-lamps with you)
======================== 6. THALL TO JAHAZ BANDA
========================
– Jeep track is steep, it takes you from Thal and drops at Takki Top (Taki Banda)
– Jeep fare = 3000 Rs
– Time from Thal to Takki Top = 2 ~ 2.5 hrs
– You can not take Jeep or Bikes further from Takki Top
– Trekking time from Takki Top to Jahaz Banda = 03 hours
– Camping facility at Jahaz Banda = 500 rs per camp (for 2 or 3 people)
==================== 7. JAHAZ BANDA WATER FALL
====================
– Just 15 min down-hill trekking from camping point, you will witness beautiful waterfall and lush blue zig-zag water flowing between lush green ground.
– You can also do camping at this so-peaceful place.
========================= 8. KATORA LAKE TREKKING
=========================
– Must start your trekking at 0600 hrs from Jahaz Banda
– Trekking time one-side = 03 hrs approx
– Must take rain coats with you as you will witness rain on the way 2 or 3 times and even heavy hail storm.
I COULD NOT UPLOAD REMAINING 04 EPISODES OF KUMRAT VALLEY TRIP BECAUSE I LOST MY ALL DATA WHEN I WAS TOURING IN USA AND SOMEONE STOLE MY LAPTOP AND ALL HARD DRIVES BY BREAKING INTO MY CAR.
Anyways, i went again Jahaz Banda in 2020 and filmed separate Vlog series
This is my personal packing list for camping and trekking. You may find few things extra and can use this list to take help for your packing. You can watch the whole video about my packing at the end of this blog.
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR BACKPACKING TRIP
1. Always pack light things
2. Prefer fold-able things, to utilize maximum space of your bag
3. Prepare for the emergency, not for leisure
4. Never rely on your partner, bring your own things
RESOURCES TO BUY TREKKING/ CAMPING EQUIPMENT IN PAKISTAN
Since many of you have asked to share resources where one can purchase camping/trekking gears so here is the list:
Neelam valley is situated in Pakistan’s part of Kashmir. I had a chance to visit this valley first time in May 2017 with a group tour company “Trekkers Club” Pakistan.
ABOUT KASHMIR
Kashmir is a disputed region between Pakistan and India. After India-Pakistan partition in 1947, half of the Kashmir was held by India and half of the Kashmir was held by Pakistan.
Whether it is Indian side or Pakistani, the land of Kashmir is called the “Paradise on Earth”. The Neelam River stream acts as a border between India and Pakistan and no one is allowed to cross the river with proper visa. In the below Blog “Kashmir” will be meaning as “Pakistani Kashmir”.
GOVERNMENT OF KASHMIR:
Kashmir has their independent Governance system. It is not controlled under Federal Law of Pakistan. They have their own National Assembly, Prime Minister and Laws. However its security is controlled by Pakistani Army.
ABOUT KASHMIRI PEOPLE:
People living in Pakistan’s part of Kashmir have their relatives in Indian side of Kashmir. One of local Kashmiri Khawaja Shabir (which later became my friend) told that if they have to visit their relatives in Indian side of Kashmir, they submit their papers to Indian Army and it takes normally 12 months for verification and then are allowed to cross the River.
A Local Kashmiri Guy cutting wood
PRE-PLANNING A TOUR TO NEELAM VALLEY – KASHMIR
Safety First! Before you are planning to visit Neelam Valley, make sure that border security situation is normal as round the year there have happened many firing incidents from Indian side to Pakistan side depending upon the political situation between the two countries. You don’t need this info for security purpose only but also because road to many beautiful parts of Kashmir gets closed during this tense period.
ROADS IN KASHMIR
While driving towards Neelam Valley some of the roads are in very good shape. However after passing 3 hours from Muzaffarabad many roads are single track having a giant mountain at your one side and Neelam River on the other side. If you will be driving in a sunny weather, make sure to install a uv protection in your car’s windows.
Kashmiri Girls taking woods to their home – Road in Neelam valley
At some places these roads are bumpy and rough with stones while at some places it has clean carpet road with sharp hair pin turns.
Road to KEL – Neelam Valley
SHOULD YOU GO BY DRIVING YOUR OWN CAR?
Well ! Its a trade off between independence and risk of your car degradation. If you have Sedan shape cars (Like Toyota Corolla, Honda City etc) then you would end up with loss of shocks performance at the end of your trip, plus as these cars are meant to be driven on straight carpeted roads, so you should expect hitting of lot of stones at the bottom of your car.
Coasters on their way – Neelam Valley
The recommended drive is through Hiace Van, Coasters (through group tour companies) or SUVs (Vigo, Land Cruiser, Pajero, Fortuner etc) which have good road clearance and great shocks absorption capacity.
IS KASHMIR SUITABLE FOR FAMILY TRIP PLACE?
Lot of people takes Kashmir similar to other Northern Areas of Pakistan like Murree, Nathia Galli, Naran, Swat etc but traveling to Kashmir is little different. There are no such good facilities of Hotels, Food etc as found in other places. There is no such central Place in Neelam Valley like Mall Road in Murree, Bazaar in Naran and Swat valley. Locals have identified beautiful spots at different parts of Neelam Valley and have built accommodations on their own. So where ever you will stay it will be you and few other travelers and tourists with limited resources of food around you. The reason of these limited resources is probably because no Pakistani is allowed to buy a land in Kashmir. You have to be a local Kashmiri to invest in Kashmir. If Pakistanis are allowed to invest directly in Kashmir regions then situation could be better.
Balcony of a local Guest House in Kutton – Neelam Valley kashmir
So there is lot of hectic traveling involved to visit all places in Neelam Valley and if you are traveling with family having kids and elders then visiting this valley can put you in trouble. The journey includes restless travel, bumpy and single roads with sharp turns. And even when you reach any point then it will always involve little hiking (ascending or descending) on a rough track. Also there will be no Bazaar and shopping areas where ladies could spend there time. It will be only You and the Landscape. In short, “Kashmir is not a Family Picnic Spot”
A breakfast point at the bank of River Neelam
WHAT TYPE OF PEOPLE SHOULD TRAVEL TO NEELAM VALLEY – KASHMIR
Adventure Lovers ! Explorers ! Nature Lovers !
Yes, Kashmir is a place for those who love adventure. Who love to spend restless hours and hours to see a Landscape with a flowing stream of Neelam River, mountains around you just like you are sitting in bowl and experiencing a sunrise at the backside of the mountain. Kashmir is a place for Individuals, friends group, adventurous Honeymoon couples and adventure loving families.
Crossing Waterfall stream – Arang Kel Neelam Valley
I am referring the word “Adventure” again and again because you never know when there could be land sliding in the middle of the road and you have to wait hours to get the road clear. You never know that upon arrival, all accommodations are already full and you have to spend a night in a camp.
A tree fell on Hiking Trail to Arang Kel – Neelam Valley
It should be kept in mind that you are not visiting Kashmir to relax and chill, you are visiting Kashmir to explore the Nature and during exploration, there could be any unforeseen situation. Although I would not recommend newlywed couples to travel Kashmir for honeymoon but if you both are adventurous then its a must-to-go. You should spend at least 7 to 8 “effective days” excluding travel days.
COMMUNICATION IN KASHMIR
You must be knowing that Kashmir is not a Pakistan’s Province and hence due to security reasons no Pakistani mobile company works beyond Muzaffarabad. They have their own mobile network named SCOM which is controlled by Pakistan Army. You have to buy SCOM 4G-SIM from the only one franchise in Muzaffarbad city.
Franchise of SCOM – 4G SIM | Muzaffarabad
Now you can also buy SCOM sim in Lahore. There is a Kashmir PCO in Lohari gate. Below mentioned his contact detail to get SCOM sim before departing for Kashmir Trip
Contact # of Rizwan – Kashmir PCO: 0355-7115003
SECURITY IN KASHMIR
All security in Kashmir is under Pakistan Army and there are multiple Check Posts where you have to show ID cards of your travel members. It takes a lot of time to stop the car, collect the ID cards and submit them to Army, who then write details of each traveler on a register. In order to avoid time wastage, it is recommended to write below details of all your travel members on a single page and take atleast 20 photocopies with you.
Name
National ID Card Number
Address mentioned on ID Card
Mobile number
You will have to submit this page at all the security checkposts and the process will be much quicker.
PLACES TO VISIT IN KASHMIR
A View of Sharda | Neelam Valley Kashmir
Neelam Valley has scattered destination points where you can find “Hotels with a View”. You can spend minimum 3 days to visit famous Places however if you want to get a thorough experience of Kashmir Valley then you should plan atleast 7 days.
1. MUZAFFARABAD CITY
Muzaffarabad is the Capitol City of Kashmir. It is 120 Km from Islamabad which will take around 4.5 hrs of travel on car. You can find normal grocery shops, hotels, and everything you need take along further in your travel. In setting up these enterprises, blogs such as the zenbusiness review could have been quite helpful.
Neelam Bridge | Muzaffarabad City
Moreover don’t forget to buy the SCOM 4G-SIM from Muzafarabad because you mobile network will not work beyond here.
2. DHANI WATERFALL
While going towards Kuttan, this is a beautiful stopover which is almost 1.5 hrs from Muzafarabad. I would suggest to take a long break here instead of Muzafarabad.
Just in front of the waterfall, there is a Tuckshop, Tea bar and Toilet Facility aswel. And yes don’t forget to Enjoy Fresh mouthwatering Pakoray while sitting on Chaarpai (Traditional Bed) and benches with your feet dipped in flowing water stream
Traditional Sitting at Dhani Waterfall stream
3. KUTTON WATERFALL
After 1.5 hrs straight travel from Dhani Water fall, you will reach a point called KUNDAL SHAI. From this point, you would take left road which will take you towards Kuttan. On the way you will pass through Kutton Waterfall which is also called Mini Niagra Fall.
Kutton Waterfall | Neelam Valley
Source
4. KUTTON VALLEY
Kutton valley 20 min from Kundal Shai and almost 2 hours from Dhani Water Fall. The best place to stay in Kuttan with family is Jagran Resort or Trekker Valley. On the other hand if you want to stay in a budget hotel then you can find cheaper options at a walking distance after crossing the metal bridge. You can stay 1 or 2 nites here.
4. KERAN
Keran is 1 hour from Kutton and have beautiful sights with 4 to 5 good accommodation facilities around. Keran is a place where Indian occupied Kashmir is just in front of you and there is only a river stream between Pakistan and India
5. SHARDA
Sharda is one of the best point in Neelam Valley. It is 2.5 hrs further from KERAN. Although there are number of hotels in Sharda but you must select the one which is adjacent to the river.
Sharda | Neelam Valley
Sharda has a small Bazaar and a 9th century Hindu temple called SHARDA TEMPLE or SHARDA UNIVERSITY.
6. KEL
1.5 hour long drive on Sharda to Kel is rough, bumpy and adventurous. It is recommended to hire a jeep from Sharda and visit Kel. Although mostly people come to Kel to visit Arang Kel but this is a peaceful valley and you can consider one night stay in Kel.
KEL | Neelam Valley
7. ARANG KEL
Arang Kel is a beautiful plateau where you can go by hiking. At the top there are tuck shops, few accommodations and camping options. There are two options to reach Arang Kel from Kel:
Arang Kel | Neelam Valley
OPTION-1: 10 min Hike + Electrical Lift + 30 min hike (one side)
If you are not a good hiker then you should choose this option however you have to stand in a long queue of Electrical lift because it has only one mini Gandola (called Dolly) which can take 5 persons only at time. This option is not hectic but on the other hand you will miss beautiful views and spots which will come in Option-2
OPTION-2: Full time hike from Kel to Arang Kel :
It will take around 2.5 hours (one side) without using lift to reach at the top of Arang Kel. The hike is very hectic and you must come fully prepared for it. On the way you will pass through a beautiful bridge and two water falls
Things to take along on hike:
A Day Backpack
2 water bottles
Hiking Joggers (must not be flast because surface is quite slippery)
Hiking Stick
Chewing Gum/ Choclate Bars (for energy boostup)
And obviously a Camera
8. TAOBUT and RATI GALLI
Taobut is almost last point in the valley where people usually go and stay in Kashmir. Rati gali is a 6 hours hike from Dawarian. Due to my short 3 days trip, i could not cover these places in my first visit, however i went again next year to explore Rati Gali and Tao Butt on Public transport. Read beow its separate blog:
FOOD AND TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
