There is a place in Pakistan where rivers sing louder than city noise, where pine forests stretch as far as the eye can see, and where the air carries the cool, clean scent of the Himalayas. That place is Azad Kashmir — and once you visit, no other destination will quite compare.
At State Continental Hotels & Tours, we have been guiding travelers through the valleys, peaks, and rivers of Azad Kashmir for years. We know every hidden trail, every breathtaking viewpoint, and every welcoming local community. This guide is our way of sharing that knowledge with you — so you can plan the perfect Azad Kashmir trip before you even pack your bags.
Why Azad Kashmir Should Be Your Next Destination
Azad Kashmir is not just a destination — it is an experience that resets the soul. Nestled between the mighty Himalayan and Karakoram ranges, this self-governing territory of Pakistan is home to raging rivers, ancient forests, snow-draped mountains, and people whose warmth matches the beauty of their land.
Unlike the more commercial tourist trails in the country, Azad Kashmir tour packages offer something rare: authenticity. Here, tourism has not yet erased the culture it was built upon. Villages still look as they did generations ago. The food is homemade. The hospitality is genuine. And the landscapes? Nothing short of divine.
13,297 km²
Total Area
5,000+
Meters — Highest Peaks
Apr–Oct
Best Travel Season
Neelum River
Most Iconic Waterway
Whether you are a trekker chasing altitude highs, a family looking for cool summers away from the heat, a photographer hunting jaw-dropping compositions, or a couple seeking a romantic escape — Azad Kashmir has a package with your name on it.
Best Gateway to Azad Kashmir — Muzaffarabad
Every great journey needs a proper beginning, and for most travelers exploring Azad Kashmir, Muzaffarabad is exactly that. As the capital city of Azad Kashmir, Muzaffarabad is where rivers collide — literally. The Jhelum and Neelum rivers meet here in a spectacular confluence that locals call the Domail, a sight that has inspired poets and pilgrims alike for centuries.
Muzaffarabad
Capital City · 3 – 4 hours from Islamabad
Muzaffarabad is not just a transit point — it is a destination in its own right. The iconic Red Fort (Lal Qila) stands guard over the city, a 16th-century Mughal fortification that tells stories of empires and conquests. The Pattan Museum preserves the cultural heritage of the region. The bustling bazaars are perfect for picking up Kashmiri shawls, dry fruits, and local spices. And the food scene — from thick, creamy Kashmiri chai to slow-cooked lamb rogan josh — will make you want to linger for days.
Red Fort, River Confluence, Kashmiri Cuisine, Cultural Hub, Base Camp for Tours
State Continental Hotels & Tours maintains a comfortable, well-located property in Muzaffarabad, making it the ideal base from which to explore all the destinations that follow. Our on-ground teams handle all local logistics — so you arrive, breathe in the mountain air, and let us take care of the rest.
Kel — Where the Road Ends and Adventure Begins
If Muzaffarabad is the gateway, then Kel is where Azad Kashmir reveals its most untamed face. Located deep inside the Neelum Valley, approximately 168 km from Muzaffarabad, Kel is a small but strikingly beautiful village set against snow-covered peaks and surrounded by some of the densest forests in the region.
Kel
Neelum Valley · 168 km from Muzaffarabad
Kel sits at an altitude of approximately 2,097 meters above sea level, which means even in peak summer, the temperature rarely climbs above a comfortable 22°C. The village is surrounded by thick pine, fir, and deodar forests that give way to alpine meadows and eventually permanent snowfields. The Neelum River rushes alongside the road with a force and color — turquoise-blue and furious — that you will not forget for a long time.
Kel is also famous as the jumping-off point for the trek to Shounter Pass and the famous Shounter Lake, a glacial lake of extraordinary beauty that rewards those willing to walk for it. In spring, the surrounding hillsides burst into wildflowers. In winter, the village transforms into a snow-covered postcard.
Alpine ForestsNeelum RiverShounter TrekSnow PeaksWildlife
Pro Tip: The road to Kel passes through dozens of scenic stops along the Neelum Valley. Ask your State Continental Hotels & Tours guide to stop at Keran, Sharda, and Kutton along the way — the journey is as rewarding as the destination.
Arangkel — The Floating Meadow Above the World
Just when you think Kel has shown you everything, Arangkel appears — and it redefines the word beautiful. Perched at an elevation of around 2,750 meters, Arangkel is a vast, open alpine meadow accessible only by a trek or jeep track from Kel. It is the kind of place that makes even seasoned travelers go quiet.
Arangkel
Above Kel · 2,750m Altitude · Trek or Jeep Access
The meadow of Arangkel stretches like a green carpet draped over the shoulders of the Himalayas. Surrounded on all sides by towering, snow-capped peaks — including views into Indian-administered Kashmir on a clear day — and carpeted with wildflowers in summer, this is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Pakistan. Camping in Arangkel under a sky so full of stars it seems impossible is an experience that travelers consistently describe as life-changing.
The short trek from Kel to Arangkel takes around 1.5 to 2 hours on foot, climbing steadily through pine forests before opening onto the meadow. The effort is modest; the reward is immeasurable. Our Azad Kashmir tour packages include overnight camping here with full tent setups, meals, and campfire evenings.
Alpine MeadowCampingStar GazingMountain ViewsPhotography
Kutton — Neelum Valley’s Amazing Forest Escape
Before you reach Kel, the Neelum Valley offers a gentler, more accessible gem: Kutton. Located about 88 km from Muzaffarabad, Kutton is beloved for its thick pine forests, cool streams, and the famous Jagran Waterfall — one of the most spectacular cascades in Azad Kashmir.
Kutton
Neelum Valley · 88 km from Muzaffarabad
Kutton is the kind of place that locals flock to on summer weekends, and for good reason. The Jagran Waterfall plunges dramatically through a forested gorge, creating a mist that hangs in the air and cools the entire area by several degrees. The surrounding forest trails are perfect for casual walks with children or more serious hikes for adventurous souls. Small wooden rest houses and camping spots along the river make it easy to spend a night or two here.
For families with young children, Kutton is often the highlight of an Azad Kashmir tour. There are no steep treks required — just beautiful nature at a gentle, welcoming pace. Trout fishing in the Neelum River near Kutton is also a favorite activity among our guests.
Jagran WaterfallFamily FriendlyTrout FishingForest WalksRiverside Camping
Peerchanasi — The Peak That Steals Every View
Close to Muzaffarabad yet feeling like another world entirely, Peerchanasi is a mountain peak and popular picnic destination that offers one of the most panoramic views in all of Azad Kashmir. At approximately 2,900 meters above sea level, it is the kind of high-altitude escape that city dwellers dream about.
Peerchanasi
Near Muzaffarabad · 2,900m Altitude · Scenic Viewpoint
The name Peerchanasi comes from the Sufi shrines (dargahs) that dot the forested slopes — a reminder that this mountain has been considered sacred and spiritually significant for centuries. The road to the top is an adventure in itself, winding through dense forests of rhododendron and oak before emerging onto a wide, flat summit with views in every direction.
On a clear day from Peerchanasi, you can see Muzaffarabad city below, the Jhelum and Neelum rivers threading through the valleys, distant snow-covered ridges, and on exceptional days, peaks deep into Azad Kashmir’s interior. Sunrise and sunset from Peerchanasi are genuinely among the most beautiful moments we have witnessed in years of operating tours here.
Panoramic ViewsSufi ShrinesSunrise / SunsetDay TripPhotography
Best Time for Peerchanasi: Visit between May and October for clear skies and accessible roads. In winter, the peak is blanketed in snow and can be reached only on foot — a beautiful but demanding experience. A sunrise visit requires an early 4 AM departure from Muzaffarabad, and it is absolutely worth it.
