JEHLUM VALLEY:
Once this steep walled valley was the axis of travel and trade with the Vale of Kashmir. Also central Asia; Iran , Afghanistan and North West Punjab was linked to Kashmir through this road in the past. In 800 B.C Aryans came to Kashmir through this valley. The famous emperor of Iran9in 659 B.C0 Koraish Azam, with his forces came to Kashmir through this way. In Maharaja Ashok’ perio
d Greeks entered Kashmir using the same way .In 1340 ,Zoulqadar Khan of Central Asia, invaded Kashmir through this way .Alberoni ,in his book pointed out the importance of his route ,while visiting Kashmir.Akbar ,a Mughal Emperor, made his first attack to Kashmir through this way. All this proves the historic importance of Jehlum Valley. This is an ideal valley for both the domestic and international tourists. The curling Jehlum Rivers passes through the east to west between the high mountains to this valley and joins the River Neelum at Domel near Muzzfarabad city. A 59 Km metalled all weathered road runs along the river Jehlum from Muzzfarabad to Chokoti,which is located adjacent to the line of control (LOC) .Several buses a day gone for Muzzfarabad to all parts of this valley . Subri 6 Km from Muzzfarabad (Domel) ,the Jehlum River was dammed into a lake due to a cloud burst over a surroundings hills at Subri in 1975 .This sport is sutiable for fishing and boating .An Angler’s (contact to AJK tourism department, Bank Square,Chattar0provides accommodation facilities to Anglers Dhani Baqallan Dhanni Baqallan ,about 31 Km from Muzzfarabad is a junction where a road branches on South into a hill past several small stations ( at 1800 to 2100 meters ,with bracing weather ,good walks and view) like Chikkar ,Loan Bagla,Dungian ,Suddhan Gali and District Bagh,while the other leads towards Hattian,Chinari,Chakoti,Doa-Khan & Leepa Valley. NAILY Naily is 45 Km from Muzzfarabad and 12 Kms from Dhani Baqallan on the road side .Keeping the straight road ,one can reach to Chinari/Chakoti , while from Naily,road branches ,after crossing the bridge to Doa –Khan or Leepa Valley. Chinari: Chinari, at a distance of 51 Kms from Muzzfarabad, is situated on the left bank of River Jehlum surrounded by high hills. All the basic facilities viz.Bazaar ,hospitals,educational institions,post office,banks,telecommunications ,Forest PWD Rest Houses are available here .Ahead of Chinari ,towards Chakoti,a small falls attracts visitors. Chakothi Chakoti, 8 Kms a head of Chinari, is border village .Only domestic tourists can visit this area. Chikkar The hill station “Chikkar”, 44 Kms from Muzzfarabad has grown into a fairly large township .This summer station is located (1828 meters) on top of a mountain on southern side of Muzzfarabad –Chinari road. A road branches off at Dhanni Baqallan and leads to Chikkar. The outstanding features of this hill station are is healthy climate picturesque surroundings.Standing over a hill one can have a fascinating view of the sub valleys.Chikkar is linked with Muzzfarabad by a motorable road and is connected with Bagh district via Suddan Gali.A Bazzar hospital, educational institutions, post office, banks ,PCO’s and other facilities are provided to the locals and visitors.PWD rest house and some middle standard hotels provide reasonable accommodation to a tourists. Loon Bagla 12 Kms from Chikkar situated at an altitude of 2011 meters above sea level. Is another worth seen hill station in the middle of dense green pine forests and is linked by a fair weather road. To provide reasonable accommodation to a tourist hut (contact to DFO Jehlum valley Division, 058810-45331) is available. Dungian It is located about 5 Kms ahead of Loan Bagla .This place is surrounded by thick silver Fir forests.Its height altitude (2071 meters) and beautiful landscape have aspecial attraction for tourists.An experimental station for the proliferation of medicinial Herbs has also been established at this place. Sudhan Gali From Chikkar ,15 Kms ahead ,to downward ,Suddhan Gali is situated at the altitude of 2134 meters above sealevel .It links Chikkar with Bagh ,
This is an ideal valley both the domestic and international tourists. The curling river Jhelum passes through from east to west between the high green mountains of this valley and joins the river Neelum at domel near Muzaffarabad city.A 59 Kms long metal road runs along the river Jhelum from Muzaffarabad to Chakothi, which is located adjacent to line of control (LOC). Buses & wagons ply on this route regularly while the route also used for Muzaffarabad Sri nagar trade. Gharhi Dopatta:
It is 24 kilometers from Muzaffarabad. The town surrounded by mountains is located on both sides of river Jhelum. Educational, medical, telephone, accommodation and shopping facilities are available here. AJK Government has established here an “Extension Services Management Academy (ESMA)”, which provides training facilities of international level. Some private hotels are available according to the local standard. Chinari:
At a distance of 51 Kms from Muzaffarabad and surrounded by high hills, it is situated on the left bank of river Jhelum. The entire basic facilities viz. bazaar, hospital, education, post office, banks, telephone and Some private hotels are available according to the local standard. Chakothi:
Chakothi, 8 Kms ahead of Chinari, is a border village. Only domestic tourists can visit this area. Chikkar:
This beautiful summer station at a distance of 46 Kms from Muzaffarabad is situated on top of the mountain,with an altitude of 1607 meters above the sea level on the southern side of Muzaffarabad. A road branches off at Dhanni Baqallan, a place about 33 kilometers from Muzaffarabad and leads to Chikkar, which is at an elevation of 1828 meters. The outstanding features of this beautiful place are its healthy climate and picturesque surroundings. Standing over the hill, one can have a fascinating view of the sub-valleys. The construction of a rest house is in progress at Chikar village located 03 Kilometer from Chikar Bazar. Zilzaal Lake:
Due to the devastating earthquake of October 8th 2005, like other areas of AJK, the areas in Jhelum Valley also witnessed massive devastation. Four villages namely “Curli”, “Bhat Shir”, “Lodhabad” and “Padder” located in between Chikkar and Bani Hafiz were reported to be completely destroyed when the mountains collided very badly and got converted into heaps of rubble burying about 575 people underneath. The collapsed mountain peaks and the rubble of the four villages blocked the natural flow of the water which resulted in the creation of a natural Lake stretched over an area of about 3 Kms. This newly born lake was named as “Zilzaal Lake” and now it has gained great deal of popularity among tourists. it is situated with an altitude of 1570 meters ASL and tourists can be enjoying on boating on this lake. Loon Bagla:
10 Kms from Chikkar, situated at an altitude of 2011 meters above sea level, it is another worth seeing hill station in the middle of dense green pine forests and is linked by a fair weather road. The ordinary requirements of life are available in the small bazaar. Dungian:
It is located about 5 Kms ahead of Loon Bagla. This place is surrounded by Silver Fir forests. Its high altitude of 2071 meters and beautiful landscape has a special attraction for tourists. An experimental station for the proliferation of medicinal herbs has also been established at this place. The beautiful tourist spot Sudhan gali can be visited from this place which is approximately 8 kilometer uphill. Danna:
Amidst Muzaffarabad to Kohala, a road bifurcate the highway and leads to Danna, crossing the labyrinthine roads. Danna is known for its healthy climate and alluring scenic beauty with an altitude of 1447 meters above the sea level. A tourist rest house is available for accommodation. From here one can go to Dheerkot, a known hill station in District Bagh. LEEPA VALLEY
This is the most fascinating & loveliest valley in Azad Kashmir. A metal road branches off for Leepa from Naily, 45 kilometers from Muzaffarabad, climbs over the Reshian Gali 3200 meters high and then descends to 1677 meters on the other side into the Leepa Valley. The valley remains open for domestic tourists only from May to November. A few places of tourist interest in this valley are:
Leepa:
Leepa is a small village about 60 kilometers from Naily and 38 kilometers from Reshian at an altitude of 1921 meters. Its lush green rice fields in summer and typical wooden Kashmiri houses present a wonderful view to the visitors. Walnut, Apple, Cherry and honey of Leepa valley are very popular and in great demand. Dao-khan:
Dao-khan is situated some 75 kilometers from Muzaffarabad. An unpaved but well maintained road branches off from Reshian to Dao-Khan (4 kilometers form Reshian), which is now well recognized due to its high altitude (2490 meters), calm & peaceful atmosphere, excellent scenic beauty and panoramics. A Forest guest house is available here while the construction of Tourist lodge is also under process. Chananian:
Chananian, 62 kilometers from Naily & 36 kilometers from Reshian, is situated opposite to Leepa, near the line of control (LOC), at an altitude of 2226 meters. Surrounded by thick Pine forest and Nullah Qazi Naag flowing near by it. Chananian is also a worth seeing place in the area.From Reshian onwards, one has to hire jeeps for journey to Leepa and other places. Some private hotels are available according to the local standard.
