Muzaffarabad

Muzaffarabad, located on the confluence of Jhelum River and Neelum River, is the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Its name was given due to Sultan Muzaffar Khan, leader of the Bomba tribe, who ruled Kashmir in 1646. It is a gateway to access the high-altitude Neelum Valley in AJK.

Accessing Muzaffarabad

Muzaffarabad can be accessed from Rawalpindi at the distance of 138 km via Murree - Kohala Road (N-75) or from Abbottabad at the distance of 76 km via Islamabad Peshawar Motorway (M-2). Kohala is the gateway to Azad Kashmir. By crossing the famous Kohala Bridge, follow the passage along the riverside to enter into the capital of AJK. It is the center point to access all other locations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Jeeps are available from the main city to access high-altitude or off-road treks around Muzaffarabad.

Muzaffarabad is connected with Mansehra, Abbottabad, Hattian Bala, and Neelum Valley. It is also connect with Kupwara and Baramulla in Indian-occupied Jammu & Kashmir on the Line of Control. It is connected with roads and air with all of the cities in Pakistan.

The 17th Century Red Fort

Red Fort was also constructed by the Sultan Muzaffar Khan in 1646 in Muzaffarabad to restrict the attacks from the Mughals. It is also known as Rutta Qila. It is located on hill at the distance of 7 km from Muzaffarabad and can be accessed via Neelum Valley Road. Its three sides are covered by the Neelum River and gives beautiful scenic view of Neelum River in front of town of Muzaffarabad.

Pir Chanai

Pir Chanasi is vast lush green meadows in Muzaffarabad at the distance of 30 Km from Muzaffarabad. It is shrine of Sayed Hussain Shah Bukhari and located on the hill top at an elevation of 9,500 feet. It is a good place to visit in winter season, as it receives considerable amount of snowfall. It is also famous for paragliding, trekking, and for jeep rallies.

Neelum Jhelum Confluence Point

Neelum Jhelum confluence point is most attractive location to visit and for a day trip. It gives magnificent and scenic views of the rivers. A cool breeze is always flowing there, that gives an opportunity to spend time on the bank of river. This splendid view of the confluence of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers at Domel attracts a number of visitors to enjoy the riversides. People also try to catch fish using fishing rods there. On the shallow part of river bed, visitors can also swim and play different water games, but swimming could be dangerous there without proper guide.

Kohala Bridge - Gateway to Kashmir

The Kohala Bridge is a beautiful bridge over the Jhelum River at the distance of 35 Km from Muzaffarabad near Kohala town toward Murree via Abbottabad. It was first built in 1877, then rebuilt in 1993 after damaging due to flood. It connects Muzaffarabad with Abbottabad district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Neelum Jhelum Hydro Project

Neelum Jhelum Hydroelectric Project is power station on the Jhelum River near Chatter Kala in Azad Kashmir. It diverts water from the Neelum River to that power station through a 41 km tunnel at Nauseri. It has a capacity to produce 969 MW electricity.

Dhani Waterfall

Dhani Waterfall is situated at the distance of 38 km from Muzaffarabad. It is also called Dhani Noseri Waterfall and one of the highest waterfall in this area. Jeep can be hired to reach at a certain point leading toward the waterfall. A short trekking will be performed to access the final destination.

Shrine of Sayin Sakhi Saheli Sarkar

The Shrine of Hazrat Sayin Sakhi Saheli Sarkar, real name was Syed Zulfiqar Shah, is located in Muzaffarabad city. Hazrat Sakhi Saheli Sarkar belonged to the Syed family of Multan, so it is considered as one of the main spiritual and religious location in the city. As he called his female followers as Saheli and male followers as Aria, but became famous by the name of Sakhi Saheli Sarkar. Annual celebration is conducted in the month of January from 13 to 21 dates.

From Domel Point, confluence of blue Jhelum River and turquoise Neelum River, drive toward the city near the Prime Minister House to access the Sharine of Sakhi Saheli Sarkar.

Weather of Muzaffarabad

The weather in Muzaffarabad city is moderate in summer season due to the Jhelum and Neelum River, whereas in winter season weather is cold and also receives snowfall.

Going further up north into the high-altitude valley of Kashmir, check out complete Neelum Valley Expedition Guide.