Pir Chinasi

Pir Chinasi is a beautiful tourist spot at the distance of 30 km from main Muzaffarabad town. It takes one and half an hour from Muzaffarabad on the steep fully paved mountain road to get its highest point at an altitude of 9,500 feet. There are several steep inclines and turns on the trek.

Accessing Pir Chinasi Top

From Muzaffarabad, the Pir Chinasi Road ascends through deep pine forests. The trek is highly steep with sharp curves on the high ridge. While ascending, there may be chance of engine heating and brake failure. Therefore, it is advised to stay for a while to get your vehicle engine and braking system cool.

Shrine of Pir Hussain Shah Bukhari

Near the peak, there is a shire of a famous saint, Pir Hussain Shah Bukhari, also known as Pir Chinasi. Due to that saint, the name of the top is known as Pir Chinasi. Shrine is located just at the end of the road, besides the parking stand.

360 Degree View at Pir Chinasi

At the summit of Pir Chinasi, one can get the fully 360 degree view of the surrounding mountain ranges and the Muzaffarabad city. In clear weather, one can also get the clear view of the Nanga Parbat Peak, but mostly weather remains cloudy there. It would be a memorable sunset view to take tea from roadside tea stalls in front of shining mountain ranges. Due to top, strong and cold wind flows there all the time. Normally the flow of wind is from Nanga Parbat's side, so it remains pleasant in summer season, whereas winter becomes harsh.

It is also famous to observe the panoramic view of sunset or sunrise over the lines of clouds with sparkling sun rays. On lucky days, the shining peak of Nanga Parbat gives more splendid view of the mountain ranges.

Paragliding at Pir Chinasi

Pir Chinasi is also a best places for paragliding, but it requires some professional guide. The paragliding service is only available during peak season in clear weather.

Spending Night at Pir Chinasi

Pir Chinasi is a small top area, so there are only few rest houses operated by Police and Army. Only local tea stalls offer tea and dining facilities, so most of the visitors plan to cook own food if have plan to spend a night there. Due to freezing temperature at night, most of the visitors normally leave after sunset as well. The camping sites are also available there.

Neelum and Jhelum Valley Ranges

Just behind the Shrine, a trek descends down toward a small topline that divides the mountain range into Neelum and Jhelum valleys. A walking trail leads along the border line between these valleys. On the left of the trek, there is the Neelum valley ranges whereas the right side is Jhelum valley ranges.

Snowfall in Winter

Pir Chinasi receives heavy snowfall in winter season, so maximum care is required to drive there. Drivers must drive in low gears and check braking system frequently. It must be necessary to use snow chain, if snow is on the road. For winter season, it would be best to visit from December to February.

Plan a trip to a hill station with well developed and modern services and high class accommodation to get a night stay there. Check out the complete Murree & Galyat Travel Guide.

About 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.