Why Neelum valley is worth traveling?

The shining horizon and the glowing breeze

Neelum is bestowed with endowing peace

The picturesque valley is situated about 240 kilometers to the North and North East of Muzaffarabad; a capital of Kashmir. The revitalizing scenic beauty and the panoramic view of the towering hills of both sides of the gushing Neelum River with milky water. The flourishing green forest, falling streams from high altitude splashing against the rocks which make the valley a dream come true.

This is an ideal destination for people who admire beauty. The part of Nanga Parbat massif falls dominated by the Sarwaali peak of 632 meters are the highest mountains of the valley. Athmuqam is the capital of the Neelum valley. It has been administratively divided into tow sub-districts: Athmuqam and Sharda. From muzarafarabad, a tarred road comfortably leads to travel on the rocky and curvy jeep track, which can take you to the region of beauty far to describe. The valleys name comes from the color of the river Sapphire. Over 350 villages are established along its banks. Some of them are; Kundal, Shahi, Kutton, Jadran, Shalkhala, Kutha, Peran, Dodnial, Kel, Helmet and the last situated Taobat. There is simplicity to life in the valley.

There is greenery till the reach of an eye punctuated with pomegranate trees that lined up the road and proudly held out their red petals. Against their green backdrop, the red petals seemed more than seductive. One can’t resist to steal them from the trees but the very moment, Jon Elia intrudes by saying

Dekh lo Phool, Phool torro mat.

The flowers continue to dance around as one travels around the valley. And amuses them to notice how contentedly the river flows serving the natural border between India and Pakistan oblivion to their animosity. The blue waters and scenic beauty of the lake gravitate tourists with such a pull that they would battle mountains, rivers and the hardships of trekking of arriving at this spot. The site of flowing waters is worth all the troubles. Eyes just stray to see the reflection of God.

The houses are built on the steep mountain slopes in a way that the roof is partly stuck into the mountain. It allows animals to walk easily on the rooftop.  The hotel provided to tourist are adding more glaze to the ever-growing beauty. They could sit in the balcony t watch the hustle and bustle of the valley as the sunset. The fields enclosed with wooden planks having a large number of dandelions blossoming. The rays from the setting sun fired up the edges of the dandelions. The smoke rising the chimneys painted red. The scene makes the soul fly up to the sky to reach its real designer.

With tourism to the Neelum valley, comes new wealth, new opportunities and new sources of income. In the last two years, the boost in tourism is the living manifestation to the thought.  Everyone wants is peace and the words of Walt Whiteman best describes it;

‘’Give me odorous at sunrise and a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed’’.