Tag: Saral Lake

Situated in Azad Kasmir, the Neelum Valley is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful areas in Northern Pakistan. Blessed with endless forests, sloping hills, spectacular waterfalls, lush green valleys, snow covered mountains and gushing rivers, this bow-shaped valley hosts hundreds of tourists every year.

The best time to visit the valley is between April and October and here are some of the things you can do there.

1. Sightseeing

The Neelum Valley boasts some of the most unbelievably scenic locations in the country. The Dahni Waterfall, Athmuqam, Kutton, Taobat, Sharda, Upper Neelum, Lower Neelum, Kel, Arang Kel and Halmat are must-see spots in this area.

The Dhani Waterfall is the highest waterfall in the valley while Kutton (also known as Jagran Valley) is a popular tourist resort. Athmuqam is a cup-shaped valley and provides all sorts of facilities including banks, markets, post offices and hospitals. Sharda (pictured below) is a beautiful green area with a majestic river flowing through it (now who wouldn’t want to see that).

Don’t forget to visit Taobat (Picture By AliRaza9441 [ CC BY-SA 4.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons), Halmat and the Shounter Valley all of which will leave you mesmerized with their boundless natural beauty.

2. Accommodation

Accommodation is easily available in all major towns of the valley. This includes government facilities and private rest houses. The local people also offer their homes to visitors at reasonable rates. Hotel rooms usually range from Rs.500 to Rs.6000 per night and it’s always a good idea to bargain for a deal.

Ratti Gali Lake has a tent village where you can stay for less than Rs.1000 per night. If you’re looking for something more unique, why not book an igloo in Sharda which costs around Rs.2500 to Rs.3000 per night.

3. Food

Aside from the usual chicken and rice dishes, the Neelum Valley offers a magnificent variety of food. Athmuqam, lower Neelum and Upper Neelum are famous for the various fruits grown there. You can also find delicious curd, cheese, bread, rice and chutney in Athmuqam.

Be sure to try the local Saag’s which are a virtual treat for foodies. There are several different types served with Lassi, Karri Pakora and Makai ki Roti. You can also find bottled water in all major towns and markets.

4. White Water Rafting

The Neelum and Jehlum rivers are ideal for white water rafting in the summer. Watersport experts started holding rafting events in the valley in 2017. They guide thrill-seekers over several kilometers and provide packages for beginners as well as experienced individuals. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, why not sign up for this activity with your friends and family.

5. Hiking and Trekking

The Neelum Valley is a hiker’s paradise. Many people visit the district just so that they can trek across its innumerable hills, valleys and lakes. The Ratti Gali Lake (Picture By Faisalir [CC BY-SA 4.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons). The Ratti Gali Lake is one such spot and it’s not difficult to see why it attracts numerous visitors every year.

The Chitta Katha Lake (located in the Shounter Valley) is another famous hiking spot. Tent villages are available in Shounter which acts as a base camp for trekking to the lake.

Situated in Gumut National Park, the Saral Lake (shown below) is another popular destination for trekkers. The lake is carved out of the mountain by the water from the melting snow and is surrounded by lush greenery during the summer.

6. Boating and Camping

Travelers have numerous opportunities for camping in several locations including Sharda, Keran, Arang Kel, Taobat, Upper Neelum and Ratti Gali Lake. Many tour operators, including Visitpk.com, offer guided camping excursions to these areas and many other places across Pakistan. Guides are also more than happy to arrange leisurely boating trips on the various lakes in the valley which makes your trip all the more memorable.

So what are you waiting for? Call us on 0345 1520702 and book your fun-filled trip to the Neelum Valley today.