Neelum Valley
It is a valley of fountains, springs, waterfalls, flowering trees and
plants. Geographically too, it is a hospitable valley. The Neelum
Valley, 90 miles long bow-shaped with majestic pine, fir and deodar
trees, lies north-south of Muzaffarabad (capital). This ninety-mile long
kingdom of vegetation is ripped apart by the indigoblue Neelum river
which flows serpentinely down hills to merge itself into the river
Jhelum at Domail. Domai
l, the confluence of
two mighty rivers, presents highly fascinating scene of youthful
embrace. This heart-warning spectacle is most soothing to the eye. The
valley, starting from Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, is
about 150 miles long. It 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. There are two approaches to the
valley. One from the Kaghan Valley which is linked with it at two
points, the Nuri Nari Hali (Pass) and the Ratti Gali and many minor
Passes. From Dawarian it takes two days for hiking or riding and night
stay at Dharian at 12,000 feet. The second approach is from
Muzaffarabad. It is a distance of 55 miles which is jeepable in fair
weather. The Neelum meets the Jhelum river at Domali (meeting of the
two) on the outskirts of Muzaffarabad city. From Paticka forest one
reaches Nosari, 24 miles ahead of Muzaffarabad. Next come Chaliana
(height 3,200 feet), Qazi Nag, Barian, Salkhela, Kundal Shahi, Athmaqam
on this road. On a number of places, the local population has built rope
crossings on the river. It is a very dangerous device and the very
thought of crossing these points is horrible but thrilling. Tao Butt is
an example of vegetational generosity of the liberal nature. The spot is
donned with all delicacies and niceties. Nature flirts here with
fantastic environment. The forest wealth abounds in the Neelum Valley.
Deodar, pine, fir, wild walnut, strawberry and hosts of other high
statured trees and other types of wild growth and herbs are the treasure
of the valley. Besides being invaluable in economic terms, the variety
of natural growth offers a captivating scenery. Shunder Hill tops are
covered with green forests and the fields are lush green with crops.