AZAD KASHMIR TRAVEL GUIDE
About Azad Kashmir
The Valleys, Lakes and Hill Towns of Azad Kashmir
Azad Kashmir is one of the most beautiful regions of Pakistan — green valleys, snow-capped mountains, clear rivers and lakes, and welcoming people. It is less commercial than many tourist areas, so its valleys still feel natural and peaceful.
Whether you are planning a family holiday, a honeymoon or a budget-friendly trip, Azad Kashmir has something for every traveller: riverside stays in Neelum Valley, quiet wooden villages in Leepa, lakes and pine forests around Rawalakot, and the hilltop views of Pir Chinasi above Muzaffarabad.
Things to Do in Azad Kashmir
- Hike to meadows and viewpoints such as Arang Kel and Toli Pir
- Camp beside rivers and lakes in summer
- Try trout fishing in Neelum Valley
- Go boating on Banjosa Lake near Rawalakot
- Photograph waterfalls, wooden villages and snow-capped peaks
Getting There
Most trips start in Islamabad. The road climbs through Murree and enters Azad Kashmir at Kohala, reaching Muzaffarabad in about 3 to 4 hours. From the capital, roads lead north into Neelum Valley, east along the Jhelum River towards Leepa Valley, and south to Bagh and Rawalakot.
Is Azad Kashmir Safe to Visit?
Yes. Azad Kashmir is generally safe for tourists, and the local people are welcoming. The main risk is the weather: heavy monsoon rain between July and September can block roads with landslides, so check the forecast before heading into the mountains.
Plan Your Trip
See our Azad Kashmir tour packages — private trips with transport, hotels and an experienced driver — or rent a car with driver in Muzaffarabad. For more on the region, read our Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad and Pir Chinasi guides.
Top Attractions
Places to See in Azad Kashmir
Muzaffarabad
The capital, where the Neelum and Jhelum rivers meet — the Red Fort, riverside views and Pir Chinasi above the city.
Pir Chinasi
A hilltop shrine with sweeping views over Muzaffarabad. An easy day trip, and snowy in winter.
Neelum Valley
The “Blue Gem” of Kashmir, stretching over 240 km — Kutton, Keran, Sharda, Kel, Arang Kel and Taobat.
Leepa Valley
Wooden houses, apple orchards and terraced fields around Leepa village, Reshian and Dao Khan.
Chikar
A green hill valley a short drive from Muzaffarabad, with Zilzaal Lake reflecting the surrounding mountains.
Rawalakot and Banjosa
Banjosa Lake, Toli Pir and the Poonch River — boating, hiking and picnics among pine forests.
Travel Planning
Best Time to Visit Azad Kashmir
Spring greenery and flowers in the lower valleys. Higher spots like Leepa and upper Neelum may still have snow.
Green valleys, full rivers and waterfalls — the main season for family trips. Check the weather, as heavy monsoon rain can block roads.
Clear skies, cooler days and fewer crowds once the monsoon ends.
Snow in Leepa, Pir Chinasi and Neelum Valley — the time for snow lovers, though some high roads close.
Available Packages
Azad Kashmir Tour Packages
3 Days Budget Neelum Valley Honeymoon Package
Islamabad → Muzaffarabad → Keran → Sharda → Kel → Kutton → Islamabad
2 Nights 3 Days Neelum Valley Family Tour Package
Islamabad → Muzaffarabad → Kutton → Keran → Upper Neelum → Dulai → Islamabad
3 Days Keran and Upper Neelum Tour Package
Islamabad → Murree → Kohala → Muzaffarabad → Keran → Upper Neelum → Kutton → Islamabad
3 Days Neelum Valley Tour Package
Islamabad → Murree → Kohala → Muzaffarabad → Kutton → Keran → Sharda → Islamabad
3 Days Muzaffarabad and Keran Tour from Islamabad
Islamabad → Murree → Kohala → Muzaffarabad → Keran → Muzaffarabad → Pir Chinasi → Islamabad
4 Days Ratti Gali Lake Tour Package
Islamabad → Murree → Kohala → Muzaffarabad → Keran → Ratti Gali Lake → Keran → Muzaffarabad → Islamabad
4 Days Baboon Valley and Kel Tour Package
Islamabad → Muzaffarabad → Keran → Baboon Valley → Keran → Sharda → Kel → Kutton → Islamabad
4 Days Ratti Gali Honeymoon Package
Islamabad → Kohala → Muzaffarabad → Keran → Ratti Gali Lake → Keran → Kutton → Muzaffarabad → Islamabad