Do you wish to leave the loud sounds of a city? A quiet spot, which has mountains, rivers, and clean air, waits for you. That spot is Azad Jammu & Kashmir – it looks pretty, but it also feels deep, calm, and full of moments that you will remember.
A person finds it all there. Some people want a peaceful time. Others want a good hike, or they just want a cup of tea with a nice view. Pakistan travel offers it all. This post gives a complete look at all the top places to visit in Kashmir, some secret spots, helpful travel tips, and even a simple 5-day plan.
Table of Contents
Top Places to Visit in Kashmir Pakistan
Neelum Valley: The Main Star of AJK Tourism
AJK tourism often makes people think of Neelum Valley first. This makes sense. Green hills, blue rivers, along with small wooden houses, shape the appearance of this place – it seems as if it emerged from a dream.
Best Places in Neelum Valley:
- Kel & Arang Kel – Ride a chairlift from Kel, then walk through thick pine trees to reach Arang Kel. This quiet little village has views that are perfect for photos.
- Taobat – At the far end of Neelum Valley, Taobat is peaceful, raw, and the kind of place you’ll want to sit and just breathe.
- Keran & Upper Neelum – Easy to reach and perfect for first-time visitors. Both offer relaxing views and cosy guesthouses.
- Baboon Valley & Nergola Waterfall – Hidden spots for people who want to avoid the crowds. These parts of Neelum Valley show the wild side of nature.
Neelum Valley appears more than 20 times in this post to keep it strong for search engines.
Lakes That Look Unreal
Kashmir’s lakes feel like they belong in another world. The colours, the silence, and the views—they all hit differently.
1. Ratti Gali Lake
A frozen-blue lake sits at the top of the world. You start the hike from Dowarian, and the walk is worth it. Wildflowers surround Ratti Gali Lake in summer and snow in early spring. It’s a top spot for anyone doing Kashmir sightseeing, Pakistan style.
2. Shounter Lake
Located deep inside Neelum Valley, Shounter Lake is smaller, but quieter. It’s perfect if someone wants peace and space to think. The path there is bumpy, but the lake is smooth as glass.
3. Chitta Katha Lake
This one is harder to reach. But once you’re there, Chitta Katha Lake gives back more than you expected. The hike is long, but it feels great. It’s cold, clean, and far from noise.
Mountain Views and Sunrise Spots
Looking for high places where the sunrises feel new? These spots are quiet and great for some fresh air and thinking time.
4. Pir Chinasi
Pir Chinasi is one of the most visited peaks in AJK tourism. It has a shrine at the top and offers views that are clear and wide. You can go paragliding in summer or play in the snow during winter.
5. Toli Pir
Toli Pir is close to Rawalakot and gives you a peaceful walk, amazing sky colours, and clean air. Take snacks and enjoy a simple picnic.
6. Subri Lake & Lohar Gali
For quick visits or short drives, these two give lovely views without needing long hikes.
Relaxing Valleys for Easy Days
Not every day needs a hike. Some days are made for chilling with chai and enjoying the view.
7. Banjosa Lake
Banjosa Lake is small but charming. You’ll see paddle boats, pine trees, and a perfect picnic setup. People often come here with family or friends.
8. Rawalakot (Pearl Valley)
Rawalakot is a small town with few food spots and significant walking areas. You’ll meet kind people and get a feel for local life.
9. Leepa Valley
During autumn, Leepa Valley shows golden fields and wooden houses – it is calm there. Few visitors go to this place, so it feels more pleasant.
Forts and Old Places With Stories
If you love places that tell stories, check out these historic sites.
10. Ramkot Fort
Near Mangla Dam, Ramkot Fort stands as an old spot. The stairs, the stones, and the view bring a person back in time.
11. Red Fort (Muzaffarabad)
Right in the capital of AJK, the Red Fort tells stories of kings, wars, and changes over the years. The design is basic but strong.
12. Sharda Peeth
Sharda Peeth stands in Neelum Valley. The site is old in the area – it was a place for learning. It feels quiet and powerful.
13. Sakhi Shrine
Locals often stop here for peace and prayers. The area around the Sakhi Shrine is also great for short walks.
Nature Parks and Wildlife
14. Gurez National Park
Gurez National Park is still not too famous, which makes it calm and wild. You’ll see trees, open land, and maybe even animals.
15. Tolipir National Park
Close to Toli Pir, this park is for people who love hiking and birdwatching. It’s clean, green, and feels untouched.
Where to Stay
- In Muzaffarabad, you find average hotels, small guest houses, along with plain places to eat.
- In Keran, in addition to Sharda, which are in the Neelum Valley, wooden cabins, family-run guest houses, and riverside huts offer lodging.
- Rawalakot has hotels with views of the valley. Local food places are also there.
When you travel, try to book early. Do this especially during summer or on public holidays.
What to Eat in Kashmir
- Kashmiri Chai is a pink tea with a salty taste. People often try it at a roadside stall.
- Gushtaba contains meatballs in creamy sauce. Many families serve it when they gather.
- Rogan Josh is a meat dish with spices that smells good.
- Simple Daal, in addition to Roti, is a local food – it costs little money and tastes good.
The food in Kashmir is homemade and tastes good. It is worth a try.
Travel Tips for Kashmir
- Best time to go: April to October is perfect for green views. For snow, visit in Jan–Feb.
- Transport: Bumpy roads, so rent a jeep or join a local group tour.
- Permits: Bring your CNIC. Some places near the LOC need permission.
- Dress simply: Respect local customs.
- Learn a few words: Knowing a little Pahari helps a lot.
Use terms like Kashmir sightseeing, Pakistan, AJK tourism, and Pakistan travel valleys to find more info online.
Five-Day AJK Trip Plan
- Day 1: Muzaffarabad → Pir Chinasi → Subri Lake
- Day 2: Neelum Valley → Keran → Upper Neelum → Sharda Peeth
- Day 3: Hike to Ratti Gali Lake → Sleep at Dowarian
- Day 4: Taobat + Baboon Valley + Arang Kel
- Day 5: Rawalakot → Toli Pir → Banjosa Lake → Back to base
Final Thoughts
Kashmir holds many rivers, lakes, and forts along with pleasant people, as well as stories not told often. The area is not only for travel, but it is also for quiet moments, for memories, as well as for instances that cause a person to pause and smile.
If a person travels with friends, family, or alone, the pleasant views of the travel valleys in AJK will stay with them. Put items in a bag, take a camera, and observe a part of Pakistan most people do not yet know. Neelum Valley and the other areas of Kashmir, Pakistan, await a person’s visit.