34°49'37.7"N 74°21'32.9"E
Kel is the gateway to visit Arang Kel, Taobat and Shounter Valley
The Best Time to Visit Azad Kashmir Region is Summers. Preferably from April to September. Winters are Extremely Cold and Snowfall blocks most of access. Hence Winters are not recommended.
Kel is a picturesque hill station in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, situated approximately 22 kilometers from the town of Sharda. At an elevation of 2,141 meters (7,026 feet) above sea level, Kel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and serves as a key destination for tourists traveling along the Neelum River route. Kel lies roughly 150 kilometers from Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir. Kel is not only a popular tourist hub but also a significant starting point for exploring other prominent locations in the valley, such as Arang Kel and Taobat.
One of the main attractions near Kel is the village of Arang Kel, which is located on top of a mountain directly across the Neelum river. Arang Kel can be reached via a chairlift service or by undertaking a moderately challenging trek. The trekking route begins with a descent from Kel to the riverbank, where visitors cross a suspension bridge. This is followed by a steep uphill climb through dense forests, which adds an adventurous element to the journey. Upon reaching Arang Kel, visitors are greeted by stunning panoramic views and the opportunity to experience the village's traditional architecture. The houses in Arang Kel are constructed in a style that reflects the indigenous heritage of the region, offering insight into the local culture and way of life. Arang Kel is located near the Line of Control between Pakistan and India
The town of Kel has a moderate level of tourism infrastructure, with numerous hotels, guesthouses, and resorts available for visitors. The availability of accommodations ensures that tourists can easily find a place to stay and enjoy their visit. Toursits can then proceed to visit Shounter Valley, Taobat or Arang Kel.
Further along the Neelum Valley trail lies Taobat, the remotest village in the region and the final destination for many travelers. Taobat is renowned for its beautiful landscape and unique wooden architecture. The village provides an authentic glimpse into the rural lifestyle of Neelum Valley, attracting those who seek to explore areas that remain largely untouched by modern development. The area beyond Kel including Taobat is known as Gurez Valley, which shares the name with a valley on Indian occupied side of the Line of Control as well
Kel's strategic location and its proximity to attractions like Arang Kel and Taobat have established it as a central hub for tourism in Neelum Valley. From Sharda to Kel, the road is not mettalled and only Jeeps or 4X4 vehicles can reach it. It is advisable to hire a local Jeep driver from Keran or Sharda to proceed to Kel and further.
Neelum Valley, located in the Western Himalayan region of Azad Kashmir, is renowned for its mountainous terrain, dense forests, and the Neelum River that runs through it. Kel, a prominent tourist destination in the valley, is situated at an altitude of 2,141 meters (7,026 feet) above sea level. Kel experiences reasonably cool summers and extreme cold winters, and heavy snowfall in winter often makes these Upper Neelum regions inaccessible due to blocked roads and harsh weather conditions.
The best time to visit Kel is during the summer months, typically from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and the region is fully accessible. During this period, the temperature in Kel generally ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploration. In contrast, winters in Kel are characterized by temperatures often dropping below freezing, with snowfall exceeding several feet. Areas beyond Kel, such as Hilmat and Taobat, face even tougher climates during winters, with the Neelum River road sometimes getting blocked. Travelling to these regions duing winters is not recommended at all.
Kel serves as a gateway to other notable locations in Neelum Valley, such as Arang Kel, Shounter Valley, and Taobat. The area is surrounded by lush green meadows, alpine forests, and glacial streams, which come alive during the summer season. Additionally, Kel and Arang Kel's geographical position places it near the Line of Control (LoC), giving it strategic importance as well. The nearby Shounter Pass, which connects Azad Kashmir to Gilgit-Baltistan, is another significant feature of this region.
All Photographs by Syed Noor Hussain and Sania Azhar.
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