Muzaffarabad District

Muzaffarabad district, located on the banks of the Jhelum and the Neelum rivers, is totally hilly. The district is bounded to Pakistan in the west and to Kupwara and Baramulla districts of occupied Kashmir in the east while Northern Areas fall on the northeast of the district. Total area of the district is 6117 square kilometers. Total population of the district according to 1998 census stands at 725,000 andaccording to 1999 projection its population stands at 741,000. The district comprises three tehsils. Muzaffarabad city in the district serves as capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Muzaffarabad district abounds in beautiful and captivating tourist resorts. Some worth mentioning tourist resorts are:

Pir Chinassi

Pir Chinassi, the awe-inspiring locus, with an altitude of 3110m, is located 32 Km east of Muzaffarabad. The fascinating beauty of the place wins the admiration of nature lovers. The view of the summit at the neighbouring mountain peaks spell-bounds the tourists. The devotees of Saint Pir Chinassi also come in large numbers to pay homage at the Shrine.

Neelam valley

The Neelam valley is situated in the north and north east of Muzaffarabad city. About 200 Km long, the picturesque Neelum Valley is located on the banks of the Neelum river. The valley is running parallel to the famous Kaghan Valley. The two valleys are separated by snow-covered mountain peaks, some over 4000m above sea level. Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views, towering hills on both sides of the noisy Neelum river, lush green forests, enchanting streams and attractive surroundings make the valley the dream that comes true.

Athmuqam
Situated at a height of 1371m, Athmuqam serves as the sub-divisional headquarters of the Neelum valley area. Athmuqam is an attractive place known for its variety of fruit.

Shardi
Shardi and Nardi are two mountain peaks overlooking the valley Shadra, a breath-taking green spot at an altitude of 1981m, reputedly is named after legendary princess Sharda. It has a captivating landscape with numerous springs and hillsides covered with trees. On the right bank, opposite to
Sharda, the Neelum is joined by the Surgan Nullah along which a track leads to Nurinar Pass and through it to the Kaghan Valley. Ruins of an old Buddhist University can also be found in Sharda.

Kel
Kel, a small valley, is situated at a height of 2097m. This is another picturesque place in the Neelum Valley. The Shounter Nullah joins river Neelum at this place and leads to Gilgit Agency (Northern Areas) over the Shandur Pass at 4420m.

Jhelum Valley
The curling Jehlum river passes through from East to West between the high green mountains joining river Neelum at Domel in Muzaffarabad. 24 Km from Muzaffarabad islocated the small but captivating town of Ghari Dupata. A further 35 kilometers, lies the famous town of Chakothi. This place sees a large concentration of troops because of the promixity of the Cease-Fire-Line and the constant aggression by Indian forces. Other notable places of interest in the valley are Chikar, Loonbagla, Lungian and Danna, all known for their scenic beauty and healthy climate.

Leepa Valley

This is the most fascinating valley in Azad Kashmir. A fair-weather road branches off for Leepa from Naile 45 Kilometers from Muzaffarabad, climbs over Reshian Gali at 3200m high and then descends into the Leepa Valley. It attracts everyone who visits this valley. Dao Khan is well recognized for its natural beauty and renowned for its calm and peaceful atmosphere. Deep in the heart of the valley lies Leepa village at 1921m above sea level. Its lush green fields in summer and typical wooden Kashmiri houses present a wonderful view. Walnut, apples, cherries and honey of Leepa are very popular throughout the state.

Area 6117 square kilometers
Population 741,000

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