Have you ever wanted to sit quietly under a tree, with your friends around, making tea on a small stove while looking at a wide, open field?
The ground is green and soft. In front of you, animals are grazing slowly, and not far away, a river is moving through the valley. You can hear the water, the birds, and the soft wind. Everything feels peaceful and calm.

If that sounds like the kind of place you’d enjoy, then let me tell you about Taobat, a small village at the end of Neelum Valley, Kashmir. It’s a place where simple moments like these feel special.

Let’s begin our journey to Taobat.

Introduction to Taobat

Taobat (Urdu: ٹاؤبٹ) is a small village in Sharda Tehsil, located at the far end of Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir. It’s about 200 kilometers from Muzaffarabad and 39 kilometers from Kel. It’s one of the last villages before the border, and it feels like a quiet world of its own.

This is also the place where the Neelum River enters Pakistan. Before this point, in India, it’s called the Kishan Ganga River. The river adds to the beauty of the area, with green hills and cool winds all around.

Back in 1998, Taobat had around 720 people living here. Even today, it still feels like a peaceful village where life moves slowly.

The road from Kel to Taobat has always been rough, but in 2025, new construction is going on. The road is being improved, and if all goes well, it may be fully ready by the end of this year. This will make the trip easier and safer for visitors.

You’ll find a few small guesthouses and one motel run by the AJK Tourism Department. The rooms are simple but clean. If you’re not looking for luxury and just want peace, fresh air, and mountain views, this place is more than enough.

Location and How to Get to Taobat

Taobat is located in the beautiful Neelam Valley in Azad Kashmir. It’s known for its untouched beauty and peaceful atmosphere. To reach Taobat, you will first need to get to Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir.

From Muzaffarabad, you can take a bus or hire a car to Kel, which is about 90 kilometers away. The final stretch is a bumpy road that covers around 40 kilometers, leading from Kel to Taobat. The journey can be a bit rough, but the views along the way are worth it.

Weather in Taobat

The weather in Taobat changes with the seasons. From May to August, the days are cool and fresh. This is a good time to visit if you like walking, camping, or just enjoying the open views.

In winter, from December to February, the village gets very cold. It often snows, and everything becomes white and quiet. It looks beautiful, but the roads can be blocked, and travel becomes harder.

If you don’t like cold weather, it’s better to plan your visit in the summer.

Best Time to Visit Taobat

The best time to visit Taobat is during spring (March to May) and summer (June to August). The weather is cool, the skies are mostly clear, and the valley looks green and fresh. It’s a good time to walk around, sit by the river, or camp with friends.

The fields are full of color, and the air feels light. You’ll enjoy the quiet, open spaces without feeling too hot or too cold.

Autumn (September to November) is also nice. The weather starts getting colder, and the area becomes less crowded. If you like peaceful trips with fewer people around, this season is also a good option.

Musk Deer National Park

If you’re near Taobat, take some time to visit Musk Deer National Park. It’s a quiet place filled with tall trees, wide meadows, and cool mountain air. This National park is named after the Musk Deer, a rare animal that still lives in these forests. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one.

This area is also home to other animals like bears, leopards, and many kinds of birds. You may not see them all, but the forest sounds and soft wind make the walk feel peaceful.

People often come here for short hikes, quiet nature walks, or to take photos of the land around them. It’s not a noisy or crowded place. That’s what makes it nice.

If you enjoy slow walks, quiet time, and being close to nature, this park is a good stop on your trip to Taobat.

Kishan Ganga or Neelam River – A Beauty Shared by Pakistan and India

One special thing about Taobat is the Neelum River that flows right through the village. On the Indian side, people call it the Kishan Ganga River. The water is clean and clear, and the river moves gently between the green hills and tall mountains.

Many people like to sit near the river. The sound of the water is soft and relaxing. It’s a nice place to take a break, talk with friends, or just enjoy the quiet view.

Bala Taobat – A Quiet Place Nearby

Not far from Taobat, there’s a small village called Bala Taobat. You can reach it with a short walk or hike. It’s a quiet and peaceful place, with beautiful views of the mountains and green fields all around.

The village is small and simple. Life here moves slowly. People who visit often say it feels even more calm than Taobat. If you want to take a break from everything and just enjoy the fresh air, this is a nice place to go.

Whether you walk there for the view or just to relax, Bala Taobat gives you that peaceful feeling only nature can offer.

Distance from Major Cities

Here’s a quick look at the distance from some major cities to Taobat:

• Islamabad to Taobat: Approximately 320 kilometers. The journey by road takes approximately 8–9 hours.
• Muzaffarabad to Taobat: Approximately 190 kilometers. It will take you around 5-6 hours to reach.
• Kel to Taobat: Approximately 40 kilometers. The drive takes around 1-2 hours, depending on road conditions.

Road Conditions and Travel Tips

Getting to Taobat is easier than before, but the road still needs care. The drive from Muzaffarabad to Kel is smooth and easy for most cars. But the last part of the trip, from Kel to Taobat, has been rough for many years.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

The Globe Vista

Subscribe Us

This channel is for travel lover, and its also for general knowledge of different areas of the world.

10K

SUBSCRIBERS

Subscribe Us

The good news is, in 2025, work is going on to build a better road. The construction is almost done, and if everything goes well, the new road will be ready this year. Once it’s finished, the trip to Taobat will be much easier and safer.

Still, for now, the road is narrow with bumps and turns. It can get muddy during rain, so a strong vehicle like a 4×4 is a better choice.

Try to leave early in the day, carry water and some food, and drive slowly. And most of all, enjoy the views along the way.

Where to Stay in Taobat

Taobat doesn’t have big hotels or fancy places to stay. But you can find small guesthouses and homestays that are clean and comfortable.

Most guesthouses are basic but good enough for a night or two. The rooms usually have simple beds, blankets, and sometimes warm water. The prices are low, which is great if you’re traveling on a budget.

You can also stay with a local family in a homestay. This is a nice way to learn how people live in the village. The food is homemade, and the people are friendly.

If you’re used to modern places, this might feel different, but many travelers enjoy the quiet and simple stay here.

Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Taobat

So, friends, we’ve now talked about Taobat Village in detail.
It’s a quiet village in Neelum Valley where life feels slow, and nature is still fresh. The green fields, the cold river, the simple homes, and peaceful air make it a good place to take a break from busy life.

If you enjoy sitting by the water, walking in the hills, or spending time with kind people, Taobat is a place worth seeing. You can also visit Bala Taobat and the nearby Musk Deer National Park to see more nature and calm views.

Once a year, go somewhere you have never been before.Dalai Lama

This place isn’t full of crowds or noise. That’s what makes it special.

If you ever get the chance to visit, go with a clean heart and please help keep it clean too, so others can enjoy it just like you did.

Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please Write Your Comments

Comments (0)

Leave your comment.

Add Comment +

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be Respectful
• Stay Relevant
• Stay Positive
• True Feedback
• Encourage Discussion
• Avoid Spamming
• No Fake News
• Don't Copy-Paste
• No Personal Attacks