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Capital of Azad Kashmir, a region administered by Pakistan
Photo: Aizad Sayid, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Muzaffarabad (Urdu: مُظفَّرآباد, Pahari, Potwari, مُظفٌر آباد) is the capital of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan. It is located on the banks of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers. The district is bounded by North-West Frontier Province in the west, by the Kupwara and Baramulla districts on the Indian side of the Line of Control in the east, and the Neelum District of Azad Kashmir in the north. The elevation is 737 m and the population is about 150,000 (in 2017).
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Important provincial landmarks
There are two historical forts on opposite sides of the Neelum River. Red Fort and Black Fort The construction of the Red Fort was finally completed in 1646 by Sultan Muzaffar Khan, the founder of Muzaffarabad city. After the Mughals took over Kashmir, the fort lost its importance. The Mughals were more interested in Kabul, Bukhara, and Badakshan. During the period of Durrani rule, however, the fort again once again assumed its importance. Maharaja Gulab Singh and Rambir Singh, the Dogra rulers, reconstructed and extended the fort for their political and military operations. Towards the middle of 1947, the Dogra forces left, leaving the fort abandoned. The architecture of the fort shows that great experts in design and structure participated in its construction. It is surrounded on three sides by the Neelum River formally known as the Kishenganga River. The northern part of the fort had terraces with steps leading to the bank of the river. The eastern side was very well protected from the hazards of flood waters, but some parts on the north side have suffered damage. There used to be an inn at the entrance to the fort, but only traces of that structure remain now.
Somewhat of an attempt at a botanical garden. Lots of tulips when in season. Also various types of fowl roaming grounds. And one cannot beat the views.
19 km from Muzaffarabad, is a gateway to the Neelum Valley. There is also a mini zoo and a fish hatchery. The Tourism Department has constructed a Tourist Rest House here, which is very popular.
Due to its scenic beauty, velvet green plateaus and wonderful climate, it wins admiration of nature lovers. The view of the summit of the mountain peaks spell bounds a tourist. Devotees of Saint Shah Hussain Bukhari, take pilgrimage to rejuvenate their adust heart. The adjacent Pirchinassi, phawna da Danna and the areas in the bottom of Pirchinassi are also worth seen and ideal for hiking, trekking and camping activities. Tourism Department has also constructed a tourist lodge at Saran.
is 1,640 m above sea level about 16 km west of Muzaffarabad. From Shaheed Gali a trek of 4 km leads towards a spot namely "Sri Kot". A tourist is bound to be fascinated by the serenity for the backdrop of the area. A tourist Rest House is available for accommodation at Shaheed Gali.
Scenic viewpoint along Jhelum River.
Makri Peak/Spider Peak
12,000 ft mountaintop vista among the clouds.
Not only is the waterfall an attraction, but the Neelum River Valley in which it is located is (perhaps the highlight). Supreme alpine scenery. At 15 m, this is the highest waterfall in the valley. But if you keep going 103 km from Muzaffarabad up the valley, there is another fall called Kundle Shahi
is a beautiful summer station at a distance of 46 km from Muzaffarabad on top of the mountain. The outstanding features of this beautiful place are its climate and sceneries. 10 km from Chikkar is another worth seen hill station in the middle of dense green pine forests and is linked by a fair weather road.
Here you can have some chicken skewers by the river.
Nice views over the city
Family guest house equipped with all basic necessities. Neat and clean. Rental cars, tourist guide and free open area car parking available. Laundry, wifi, views of bridge and AJK gov buildings.
Rooftop veranda, restaurant, wifi, laundry. May not always have optical cleanliness, but you may get to use a TV with rabbit ears again.
Five star hotel. Maybe you'll end up rooming next to a head of state. Free breakfast, restaurant, pool, hot tub, gym, laundry, wifi. Grounds and views and atrium are nothing to shake a stick at.
Balconies with views of Neelum River and nearby hills and whatever townspeople decide to throw on their roofs. Restaurant, wifi. Broken furniture and washroom accessories.
Economical, kind of like staying in someone's house. Clean toilet, wifi. No restaurant, no views.
By road is practically only way to get in. There's an airport in the city but not operational. Buses and minibuses make the scenic journey regularly from Islamabad (4-5 hours).
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