Things to do in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Q: Is this the same area as Gilgit-Baltistan?

No. Gilgit-Baltistan , home to Hunza and K2, is a separate territory to the north, reached by different roads. Azad Jammu and Kashmir is lower and more forested, with the Neelum valley as its main route into the mountains. The two make quite different trips, so it's worth choosing one for a short visit.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir is the Pakistan-administered part of Kashmir, and the wider region is disputed between India and Pakistan. It's a narrow, mountainous territory of pine and deodar forest, terraced fields and wooden villages above fast rivers. Muzaffarabad, the capital, sits where the Neelum river meets the Jhelum. North of the city, the Neelum valley runs for well over a hundred kilometres towards the high mountains. It's a popular summer escape for families from across Pakistan, so July and August weekends get busy.

Valleys and walks

Most trips follow the Neelum valley road north from Muzaffarabad, with nights in riverside guesthouses and days on hiking trails up to meadows and viewpoints. The upper valley has the longer walks, including treks to glacial lakes above 3,500 metres, where the snow lingers into early summer. In the south, the Poonch hills are lower and gentler, with pine forest and small lakes that suit a short break from Islamabad. The villages and lakes of Azad Jammu and Kashmir are spread along a few long roads, so it helps to plan the trip as a journey up one valley and back.

Getting there and where to stay

Muzaffarabad is about three to four hours' drive from Islamabad, via Murree and the bridge over the Jhelum at Kohala. From there, the upper Neelum is a long day on a road that narrows and roughens as it climbs, and local jeeps take over for the side valleys. Allow five days to a week for the Neelum. The upper valley and its lakes are usually reachable from about June or July to September. Parts of the Neelum road run close to the Line of Control and conditions can change, so check current official travel advice before you plan and travel with a local operator. Combine the trip with a night or two in Islamabad on the way in or out.

Booking on adventuro

Some trips meet in Islamabad and others in Muzaffarabad, so check the starting point when you pick dates. Use the Book here tab to see live dates and prices from local centres.

Valleys and walks

Getting there and where to stay

Booking on adventuro

Some trips meet in Islamabad and others in Muzaffarabad, so check the starting point when you pick dates. Use the Book here tab to see live dates and prices from local centres.

May to October is the main season. The lower valley is green and warm from May, while the high lakes and passes of the upper Neelum usually clear of snow from about June or July to September. Autumn brings clear skies and golden walnut and poplar trees. Winter snow and landslides can close the upper road for weeks.

Five days to a week lets you drive to the upper valley, spend a couple of nights there and walk to a lake or meadow. Three days is enough for the lower valley from Muzaffarabad. Heavy rain can bring landslides that close the road for a day or two, so a spare day is worth building in.

No. Gilgit-Baltistan, home to Hunza and K2, is a separate territory to the north, reached by different roads. Azad Jammu and Kashmir is lower and more forested, with the Neelum valley as its main route into the mountains. The two make quite different trips, so it's worth choosing one for a short visit.

The main road is paved for much of the way, but it narrows and gets rougher in the upper valley, and heavy rain can bring down landslides. Side tracks to meadows and high lakes are for local jeeps, and on the highest routes only licensed drivers in roadworthy vehicles are allowed. Travel in daylight and allow time for slow sections.