About 240 km long bow-shaped deeply forested picturesque Neelum Valley dipped in beauty is situated at North and North-East of Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, running parallel to Kaghan Valley. These two valleys are only separated by snow-covered peaks, some over 4000m above sea level. Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views, towering hills on both sides of the noisy Neelum river, lush green forests, enchanting streams and attractive surroundings make the valley a dream come true.
Neelum Valley 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.
The Kundal Shahi is a village which is located at a distance of 74 kilometers from Muzaffarabad on the banks of the River Neelum. The most renowned and populated regions in this district is Jura which is popular for its bazar and the beauty of the surrounding areas. It comprises of different colleges along with private and government schools as well as hospitals. Athmuqam is the principal town of the valley which is located at a distance of 84 kilometers from Muzaffarabad which offers all the basic necessities needed by its inhabitants. It is also known to be the headquarters of the district with the presence of different facilities which include hotels, markets, banks, hospitals and rest houses.
Kutton is a village which is located at a distance of 82 kilometers from Muzaffarabad and is also called the Jagran Valley. Private guest houses and hotels for tourism are available here along with the rest houses of the AJK Tourism Department and WAPDA. Keran on the other hand, is also located within the Neelum District and is a resort which is located on the banks of the River Neelum, 11 kilometers away from Athmuqam. Sharda is also located on the banks of the Neelum River and is approximately 136 kilometers away from Muzaffarabad. Dowarian is located on the banks of the Neelum River as well and it is at a distance of 106 kilometers from Muzaffarabad and 22 kilometers from Athmuqan. It serves as a base camp for the Ratti Gali Lake and also contains a rest house for tourism belonging to the AJK Tourism Department.
Dudhnial is a well-known town of the Neelum District and offers a government college, high school for girls as well as a hospital and other government offices. Privately owned rest houses, shops and restaurants are also available here.
With a total population exceeding 5000 individuals, Tehjian is a beautiful village located in this region. Even though it is densely populated, the village does not provide any postal service and possesses only a few basic health units and private hospitals along with a tourist hotel by the AJK Tourism Department. Kel is another village which is 19 kilometers away from Sharda and offers similar facilities to those of Tehjian, adding a college, markets and a bank to the facilities as well.
Arang Kel is a tourist spot and village which is located at a distance of 2 kilometers from Kel. The last station of the valley is Taobat and it is located at a distance of 200 kilometers from Muzaffarabad, containing a private hotel for tourists.
