MUZAFFARABAD TRAVEL GUIDE
About Muzaffarabad
Muzaffarabad, the Capital and Gateway of Azad Kashmir
Muzaffarabad is the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir — a city where natural beauty meets history. It sits where the Neelum and Jhelum rivers meet, surrounded by green mountains, with the Red Fort in the city and the hilltop views of Pir Chinasi above it.
It is also the gateway to the rest of Azad Kashmir. Almost every trip to Neelum Valley, Jhelum Valley or Leepa Valley passes through Muzaffarabad, so it makes a good base for a few days of sightseeing and day trips.
Getting There
Muzaffarabad is about 140 km from Islamabad — 3 to 4 hours by road through Murree, entering Azad Kashmir at Kohala — and 73 km from Abbottabad. On the way, Kohala and the roadside waterfalls make good photo stops.
Things to Do in Muzaffarabad
- See the meeting of the Neelum and Jhelum rivers
- Visit the Red Fort, the city’s best-known landmark
- Drive up to Pir Chinasi for the mountain views, and come back after sunset to see the city lights
- Try paragliding from Pir Chinasi, landing near the city
- Taste Kashmiri food — Noon Chai (pink tea), Yakhni and Kashmiri Pulao
- Take a day trip to Kutton and Keran in Neelum Valley, or along the Jhelum Valley
Where to Stay in Muzaffarabad
Muzaffarabad has good hotels and guest houses for every budget, from luxury hotels such as the Pearl Continental and Neelum View Hotel to budget-friendly options like Sangam Hotel, Royal Continental and Mir Continental. Our tour packages include your hotel stays, chosen to suit your budget.
Travel Tips
- Keep your CNIC with you throughout the trip.
- Most networks work in Muzaffarabad, but in the hills and valleys only SCOM is reliable.
- Avoid mountain roads in heavy rain, when landslides are more likely.
Plan Your Trip
Our head office is on Neelum Road in Muzaffarabad. See our Azad Kashmir tour packages — private trips with transport, hotels and an experienced driver — or rent a car with driver in Muzaffarabad for city travel, Islamabad transfers and day trips. For more on the region, read our Pir Chinasi, Neelum Valley and Azad Kashmir guides.
Top Attractions
Places to See in Muzaffarabad
Neelum and Jhelum Confluence
The two rivers meet right in the city — one of Muzaffarabad’s best-known views.
Red Fort
The city’s best-known historic landmark, on the bank of the Neelum River.
Pir Chinasi
About 30 km east and 1 hour by road, at around 2,900 m — a hilltop shrine, mountain views and paragliding.
Neelum Valley
Kutton and Keran make an easy day trip. Sharda, Kel and Arang Kel need at least one night.
Jhelum Valley
Green meadows and the river road towards Chakothi — an easy day trip from the city.
Leepa Valley
Quiet villages of wooden houses and terraced fields, best visited as an overnight trip.
Photo Gallery
Muzaffarabad in Pictures
Travel Planning
Best Time to Visit Muzaffarabad
Mild days and green hills — a good time for sightseeing in the city and at Pir Chinasi.
Hot in the city, so head up to Pir Chinasi or Neelum Valley for cooler air. Heavy monsoon rain can block mountain roads.
Clear skies and pleasant days once the monsoon ends.
Cool in the city, with snow at Pir Chinasi and in the higher valleys.
Available Packages
Muzaffarabad Tour Packages
5 Days Muzaffarabad Tour Package
Islamabad → Murree → Kohala → Muzaffarabad → Pir Chinasi → Neelum Valley → Muzaffarabad → Dhirkot → Islamabad
3 Days Muzaffarabad Corporate Tour Package
Islamabad → Murree → Kohala → Muzaffarabad → Pir Chinasi → Neelum Valley → Muzaffarabad → Islamabad