Tour of Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan [Article by a Friend ]

Neelum valley is the name given to the areas surrounding the Neelum River. The word Neelum means "Blue" and the name certainly holds true for the bluish green Neelum river. The valley is known to relatively few people, even in Pakistan, and due to its isolation and most of all lack of proper infrastructure it is free of mass tourism, pollution and globalization (although many houses now do sport satellite T.Vs) and hence sometimes referred to as " Virgin" beauty.

The 200 km long valley boasts of lush green mountains, beautiful glacial streams, a roaring blue river and fruit trees. All this beauty is enhanced further by the local wooden huts built in traditional manner, terraced fields, fresh and crisp mountain air, friendly hospitable people and above all an absolute lack of urban lifestyle.

My tour of the scenic and beautiful valley was arranged by a local friend and in the entire trip we only stayed in one hotel and the rest of days were spent in houses of my friend's many relatives who were spread throughout the valley.