Azad Kashmir Travel Guide – Step-by-Step Guide for First-Timers

Published: 21/05/2025

Thousands of people plan to visit Kashmir every year, but only a few actually make it. Those who don’t go have many reasons, like not knowing how to plan the trip.

Especially for first-time visitors, it’s hard to figure out how to explore Kashmir, which places to visit, where to stay, which spot to see first, and what comes next, and most importantly, how much it will cost.

In this article, we’ll answer all these questions and share some extra tips. If you follow this guide, your trip will be amazing, and you’ll enjoy exploring Kashmir with ease.

So, let’s get started with our Kashmir travel guide!

Table of Content

Where to Start Your Trip
Your Step-by-Step Route Plan
The Best Places to Visit in Wadi-e-Kashmir
How Much Will It Cost?
1. When to Go
Final Thoughts
FAQs

Where to Start Your Trip

Your adventure begins in Islamabad, the main starting point for Azad Kashmir. No matter where you’re coming from, get to Islamabad first. From there, you’ll head to Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir. It’s about 90-135 km away and takes around 3-3.5 hours to reach by car or bus, passing through the Kohala Bridge. The road is smooth and newly built, so it’s an easy drive.

How to Get There: You can take a local bus (costs 750-1,000 PKR), or use your own car, a pickup, a jeep, or a Dala (a local van). If you want comfort, a private vehicle or a rented jeep is best, especially for bumpy roads later.
My Tip: If you’re driving, make sure your car can handle mountain roads. Some places get rough, so a strong vehicle helps.

Your Step-by-Step Route Plan

Here’s a clear plan for a 10-12 day trip to see the best of Azad Kashmir. I’ve split it into two parts: the Jhelum Valley (Rawalakot side) and the Neelum Valley (Muzaffarabad side). This route makes sure you visit all the top spots in a smart order without wasting time.

Day 1: Islamabad to Rawalakot

What to Do: Start early, around 4:00 AM, from Islamabad to Rawalakot (120 km, 3-4 hours). You’ll go through Faisalabad, Balkasar Interchange, Chakwal, Rewat, Mandra, and Kohala. The road gets prettier as you go, with the Jhelum River by your side. Once in Rawalakot, check into a hotel and head to Toli Pir (1-1.5 hours away, 8,500 feet high). It’s a fun spot for families with amazing views, especially in the evening.
Where to Stay: Spend the night in Rawalakot. Hotels cost 5,000-12,000 PKR.

Day 2: Rawalakot to Banjosa Lake and Ganga Choti

Morning: After breakfast, visit Banjosa Lake (18 km from Rawalakot, 30-45 minutes). It’s a calm lake with fun stuff for kids, like boating. Spend 2-3 hours there.
Afternoon: Drive to Bagh (40 km, 1-1.5 hours) and visit Ganga Choti (1-hour drive, but the last 34 km are steep). It’s crowded but gorgeous. Head back to Bagh or Rawalakot.
Where to Stay: Stay in Bagh or Rawalakot (hotels 5,000-8,000 PKR for simpler ones).

Day 3: Rawalakot/Bagh to Leepa Valley

Morning: Head to Leepa Valley (about 2-3 hours from Rawalakot via Chikar and Dawar Khan). Stop at the army checkpoint to register, then explore up to Manda Kuli, the farthest you can go before Indian Kashmir. Check out the cricket ground and the nearby springs.
Afternoon: Visit a small park with views of Indian Kashmir, then return to Dawar Khan or Rawalakot.
Where to Stay: Stay in Dawar Khan (hotels around 2,000 PKR, basic) or go back to Rawalakot for better hotels.

Day 4: Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad

Morning: Drive to Muzaffarabad (120-135 km, 3.5-4 hours). Settle into a hotel and check out the city, especially where the Neelum and Jhelum rivers meet.
Afternoon: Visit Pir Chinasi (30-45 minutes away, high up). It’s a cool spot with paragliding and a lively vibe around a shrine.
Where to Stay: Spend the night in Muzaffarabad (hotels 1,000-2,000 PKR).

Day 5: Muzaffarabad to Kutton and Kundal Shahi

Morning: Travel to Kutton (95 km, 3-4 hours) along the Neelum River. Stop at Kundal Shahi Waterfall for photos, it’s huge and beautiful.
Afternoon: Explore Kutton and the Neelum-Jhelum Dam. Check into a hotel, like Tikana Hotel, for a comfy stay.
Where to Stay: Stay in Kutton or Kundal Shahi (hotels around 1,000 PKR).

Day 6: Kutton to Sharda

Morning: Go to Sharda (30 km from Kutton, 1-1.5 hours). Check out the old houses, a historical college, and the main bridge. If you’re up for it, try water sports (they’re fun but a bit expensive).
Afternoon: Spend time in Sharda Village or visit nearby waterfalls like Puchgara or Dhani.
Where to Stay: Stay in Sharda (hotels 1,000-2,000 PKR, pick a clean, new room).

Day 7: Sharda to Kel and Arang Kel

Morning: Leave early for Kel (40-50 km, 2-3 hours, some off-road). Ride a chairlift (known locally as a “doli”) over the river, then walk 40 minutes to an hour to reach Arang Kel at 8,379 feet. The views are out of this world!
Afternoon: Take photos and enjoy the scenery, then return to Kel by chairlift (be ready for 2-3 hour waits during busy times).
Where to Stay: Stay in Kel or back in Sharda (hotels 1,000-2,000 PKR).

Day 8-9: Kel to Taobat and Taobat Bala

Morning (Day 8): Drive to Taobat (40-45 km, 3-4 hours, with 20 km of rough off-roading). The views and wooden houses are stunning.
Afternoon: Hike 2-3 km to Taobat Bala, the last village before India. It’s like a fairy tale with springs and green trees. Spend time soaking it in.
Where to Stay: Stay in Taobat (hotels 2,000-3,000 PKR with great views).
Day 9: Explore Taobat’s main area, fish farm, and river paths. Take photos or relax by the water. Stay another night in Taobat.

Day 10: Taobat to Sharda or Ratti Gali Lake

Morning: Head back to Sharda (3-4 hours). If you can get a jeep and there’s time, visit Ratti Gali Lake (2-3 hours from Sharda, tough road). Start early and return by evening.
Afternoon: Relax in Sharda or check out any missed waterfalls.
Where to Stay: Stay in Sharda (hotels 1,000-2,000 PKR).

Day 11: Sharda to Muzaffarabad

Morning: Drive back to Muzaffarabad (114 km, 3.5-4 hours). Spend the day exploring local markets or revisiting the river confluence.
Where to Stay: Stay in Muzaffarabad (hotels 1,000-2,000 PKR).

Day 12: Muzaffarabad to Islamabad (Optional Nathia Gali Stop)

Morning: Head back to Islamabad (90-135 km, 3-3.5 hours). If you have time, stop at Nathia Gali for a relaxing 2-day break before going home.
End: You’re done with your amazing Kashmir trip!

Quick Note: If you’re short on time, skip Leepa Valley or combine Banjosa Lake and Ganga Choti into one day. For a 7-day trip, focus on Muzaffarabad, Kutton, Sharda, Arang Kel, and Taobat, skipping Rawalakot.

The Best Places to Visit in Wadi-e-Kashmir

Here are the top spots you’ll hit on this route. Each one is special and worth your time:

Muzaffarabad: The heart of Azad Kashmir, home to Pir Chinasi, is perfect for paragliding and stunning river views.
Leepa Valley: A green valley with cool views of Indian Kashmir, perfect for a quick visit.
Neelum Valley: Includes Kutton, Kundal Shahi Waterfall, and the Neelum-Jhelum Dam. You’ll see the Line of Control (LOC) and Indian Kashmir across the river.
Arang Kel: A must-see at 8,379 feet with jaw-dropping views. You’ll need a chairlift and a short hike.
Taobat and Taobat Bala: Evergreen, quiet villages with magical scenery, like something from a storybook.
Ratti Gali Lake: A beautiful lake for adventure lovers, reached by jeep on a bumpy road after a 2-3 hour hike.
Banjosa Lake: A chill spot with fun activities for kids, great for families.
Toli Pir: High up like Murree, with awesome views and family-friendly vibes.
Ganga Choti: A busy but beautiful peak near Bagh, good for a short hike.
Jabri Top and Babusar Top: Quiet, high spots with glaciers and amazing views near Naran and Kaghan.
Chitta Katha Lake: A hidden gem in Neelum Valley, reached by a tough jeep ride and trek from Sharda. Its crystal-clear water is worth the effort!
Shounter Lake: A stunning alpine lake near Kel, perfect for adventurers. You’ll need a 4×4 jeep and a short hike to see its beauty.
Kuttan Jagran: A peaceful spot in Neelum Valley with scenic resorts and river views, great for relaxing near Kutton.

Where to Stay

You’ll find hotels and guesthouses in most places, from cheap to mid-range. Here’s what to expect:

Muzaffarabad: Hotels have double-bed rooms for 1,000-2,000 PKR with hot and cold water. Look for clean ones.
Leepa Valley: Not many hotels, but you can get a good room for ~2,000 PKR. They’re basic, so don’t expect too much.
Neelum Valley (Kutton, Kundal Shahi): Rooms cost ~1,000 PKR. Try Tikana Hotel near Kundal Shahi—it’s nice and comfy.
Arang Kel: Hotels are 1,500-2,000 PKR during busy times like Eid, but only 500-1,000 PKR in quieter months. Food is cheap and good, like in Murree.
Taobat: Clean rooms with great views cost 2,000-3,000 PKR. Book early when it’s busy.
Rawalakot and Banjosa Lake: Hotels are 5,000-12,000 PKR for fancy ones, or 5,000-8,000 PKR for simpler, clean ones.

My Tip: Book ahead during holidays like Eid because prices go up and rooms fill fast. Off-season is cheaper and easier.

How Much Will It Cost?

Here’s a rough idea of what you’ll spend:

3-Day Trip to Arang Kel:
- Using Local Buses or Vans: 15,000-16,000 PKR per person.
- Using Your Own Car: ~8,000 PKR (includes petrol).
7-Day Trip:
- Local Buses or Vans: 20,000-22,000 PKR per person.
- Your Own Car: 25,000-30,000 PKR.
Extra Costs: Food is cheap (like in Ayubia National Park), but save money for fun stuff like water sports in Sharda (a bit pricey) or renting jeeps (12,000-15,000 PKR for rough roads).
My Tip: Bring extra cash—things can cost more during busy times!

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When to Go

Best Time: Visit 10-15 days after Eid for fewer crowds. The trip to Neelum Valley takes 8 hours instead of 12 during Eid.
Weather: Days are nice, but mornings and evenings get cold, especially in Neelum Valley. Pack jackets, warm caps, and blankets for the night.
Rain Check: Look up the weather before you go. Rain can make roads muddy or cause landslides, especially after Keran.

Tips to Make Your Trip Awesome
Plan Ahead: Take 15-20 days to plan. Make a list of places, check distances, and budget your money. Have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. What to Pack: Bring snacks, jackets, good shoes, warm caps, and sunscreen (the sun and cold can dry out your skin). Pack some pickles or sauces, and food can be basic, like chicken with raw onions or tomatoes. Getting Around: Use a strong car for steep roads like Ganga Choti or rough ones like Taobat. Rent jeeps for Kel and Taobat—they’re better for bumpy paths. Don’t bring big AC buses to Neelum Valley; the roads aren’t good for them. Stay Safe: Some areas, like Taobat, are close to the Pakistan-India border, so be careful. Watch out for landslides or blocked roads. Family Tips: Got small kids? Stick to Jhelum Valley (Rawalakot side) for easy roads and fun activities. Older kids? Try Neelum Valley up to Keran, which has a few peaks and lakes. Romantic trip? Go to Taobat; it’s super dreamy! Use a Tour Company: If you want to avoid stress, book with a tour company. They handle cars, routes, and problems so you can just enjoy yourself.

Tips to Make Your Trip Awesome

Plan Ahead: Take 15-20 days to plan. Make a list of places, check distances, and budget your money. Have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.
What to Pack: Bring snacks, jackets, good shoes, warm caps, and sunscreen (the sun and cold can dry out your skin). Pack some pickles or sauces, and food can be basic, like chicken with raw onions or tomatoes.
Getting Around: Use a strong car for steep roads like Ganga Choti or rough ones like Taobat. Rent jeeps for Kel and Taobat—they’re better for bumpy paths. Don’t bring big AC buses to Neelum Valley; the roads aren’t good for them.
Stay Safe: Some areas, like Taobat, are close to the Pakistan-India border, so be careful. Watch out for landslides or blocked roads.
Family Tips:
- Got small kids? Stick to Jhelum Valley (Rawalakot side) for easy roads and fun activities.
- Older kids? Try Neelum Valley up to Keran, which has a few peaks and lakes.
- Romantic trip? Go to Taobat; it’s super dreamy!
Use a Tour Company: If you want to avoid stress, book with a tour company. They handle cars, routes, and problems so you can just enjoy yourself.

Final Thoughts

Azad Kashmir is like a gift from nature, with places like Banjosa Lake, Arang Kel, and Taobat that’ll stay in your heart forever.

Follow this route from Islamabad to Rawalakot, then Muzaffarabad and Neelam Valley, and you’ll see all the best spots.

Plan well, pick good hotels, and maybe use a tour company for a smooth trip. Whether you’re with family, your partner, or flying solo, Azad Kashmir will give you memories you’ll never forget.

Have fun, and let me know in the comments if you’re planning to go!

FAQs

Is Azad Kashmir safe for first-time visitors?

Yes, it’s generally safe, especially in tourist areas like Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley. Just stay cautious near the Line of Control (LOC), follow local advice, and check for weather updates to avoid landslides.

Do I need a special permit to visit Azad Kashmir?

No special permit is needed for most places, but you’ll register at checkpoints in areas like Leepa Valley or Taobat. If you want to trek beyond Manda Kuli, you’ll need a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

What’s the best way to travel if I don’t have a car?

Take local buses or vans from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad (750-1,000 PKR). For rough roads like Taobat, rent a jeep (12,000-15,000 PKR). A tour company can also make it easier.

Can I use my mobile phone in Azad Kashmir?

Regular mobile networks don’t work beyond Muzaffarabad. Get an SCOM SIM card for calls and basic internet in places like Neelam Valley.

What should I pack for the trip?

Pack jackets, warm caps, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, snacks, and pickles for meals. Blankets are handy for cold nights, especially in Neelum Valley.

Is Azad Kashmir good for families with young kids?

Yes! Stick to Jhelum Valley (Rawalakot, Banjosa Lake, Toli Pir) for easy roads and kid-friendly activities. Neelum Valley up to Keran is okay for older kids.

How do I avoid crowds in Azad Kashmir?

Visit 10-15 days after Eid or in off-season months (like late fall or early spring). You’ll have shorter travel times and cheaper hotel rates.

What if it rains during my trip?

Rain can make roads muddy or cause landslides, especially after Keran. Check weather forecasts before you go and have a backup plan, like staying in Muzaffarabad.

Are hotels easy to find, or should I book in advance?

Hotels are available, but during busy times like Eid, they fill up fast, and prices double. Book ahead for places like Rawalakot or Taobat to be safe.

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