Leepa Valley

Leepa Valley

Posted by Akbar Ali on October 20, 2017 in Asia, Azad Kashmir, mountain village, mountains, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan,

Leepa Valley is located 45 kilometres (28 miles) from Muzaffarabad. A fair-weather road leads towards Leepa from Nail [about 45 kilometres (28 miles) from Muzaffarabad] which inclines over Reshian Gali 10500 feet (3200 meters) high and then it descends to 5500 feet (1677 meters) into the Leepa Valley. The valley has many wonderful touristic scenes. Leepa is the most fascinating and charming place for tourists in Azad Kashmir. The one who visits this valley cannot easily come out from the magical stance of the beauty of this valley. The green mountains of the valley are full of pine trees and present a charming and picturesque view to visitors. In the whole season of winter the Leepa Valley stays covered within a blanket of snow. This valley remains open for the domestic tourists only between May and November. People from all over the country; come to this valley during summer to enjoy the marvellous weather. The charming Leepa Valley consists of many villages; the most famous among them are Leepa, Reshian, Dao Khan, and Chananian. All these villages equally contribute to a wonderful mosaic of patterns Mother Nature has so ornately and intricately woven here in this part of Azad Kashmir.

Leepa Village at 1921 meters (6302 ft) high from sea level lies in the center of Leep Valley. This is one of the most fascinating & loveliest places of the valley. It is nearly 38 kilometres from Reshian and almost 60 kilometres from Nail. It’s grooming fields of rice, classic wooden houses of Kashmiri style and trees of apple, walnut and cherry trees present a marvellous view to the tourists during summer. Apple is grown in the valley in its different varieties, most popular being Golden, Delicious and Kala Kullo King. Leepa is also very famous for its fruits and honey.



Reshian is a hamlet with unparalleled picturesque beauty and situated 67 kilometers Westward of Muzaffarabad. It is also the entry point to the valley of Leepa. It is 1674 meters (5492 ft) above sea level. The vibrant waves of River Jhelum accompany tourists, up to Hattian Bala.

75 kilometres from Muzaffarabad, Dao khan is well known for its amazing natural beauty. The road from Rushian to Dao Khan is unpaved yet well maintained to travel is well known for its high altitude (2490 meters). Dao Khan is recognized for its peaceful and calm atmosphere, calm and cool environment, outstanding scenic beauty and panoramic views. Like Chananian accommodation facilities through tourist rest house and forest rest house is available. Due to the flow of tourists in the summer season, the AJK Tourism Department also provides tent service for accommodation.

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Kel Valley

Kel Valley

Posted by Akbar Ali on October 20, 2017 in Asia, Azad Kashmir, hill station, mountain village, Neelum, Pakistan, Sharda,

Kel Valley is situated 19 kilometres (11.8 miles) from Sharda and 90 (55.9 miles) from Authmuqam in District Neelum of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. It is a small valley at a height of 2097 meters (6880 feet) above sea level. It is one of the most charming and picturesque places of Neelum. The Shounter Nallah joins River Neelam at this place and leads to Gilgit Agency over the Shandur Pass which is at a height of 4420 meters (14502 feet) above sea level. Kel is a base camp of mountaineering activities up to “Sarawaali Peak” which is 6326 meters (20755 feet) high, and glacier (about 25 kilometres long) which are said to be the highest peak and longest glaciers of Azad Kashmir.

Buses ply daily on this route. It is advisable to hire a jeep from Authmuqam for a trip into the valley. Horses and ponies can be hired locally for travel to the interior of the valley. Banks, college, bazar, PCO and tourist motels are also available here. The border village about 38 kilometres ahead of Kel, is a fascination yet unexplored. Halmat, Tao Butt, Jamwari, and Sardari are famous for their marvellous beauty. From Kel, a long track goes towards Nanga Parbat over the Shounter Gali which is 4420 meters (14502 feet) above sea level. The beautiful plateau of Arang Kel can be reached after 2 hours of the hike from Kel, about 460 meters (1500 feet) decline from River Neelam, is a worth visiting place.

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