Neelum Valley, situated approximately 45 km from Muzaffarabad, is one of the most scenic and historically significant regions of Azad Kashmir.
The valley encompasses District Neelum, which has its administrative headquarters in Attmuqam and is divided into the Attmuqam and Sharda tehsils.
Neelum Valley is home to some of Pakistan’s most renowned tourist destinations, including Kutton, Keran, Kel, Arang Kel, and Taobat.
Traditional Kashmiri wooden architecture is well preserved in several villages, particularly Arang Kel and Taobat, where vernacular structures remain largely intact
Beyond its geographical and cultural value, Neelum Valley holds strategic significance due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC)
The villages of the valley, particularly Taobat, Arang Kel, and Kel, feature vernacular wooden architecture, a style developed over generations to withstand the harsh winters and mountainous terrain.
Traditional houses in the valley are built using wood, stone, and mud, materials that are locally available and well-suited for insulation and durability
The houses are usually multi-story structures, with a ground floor for animals and storage, a first floor for living spaces, and an attic for additional storage.
Neelum Valley, located in the Western Himalayas, experiences a temperate summer and a harsh winter due to its high-altitude terrain.
Neelum Valley remains one of the most significant cultural and ecological landscapes in Pakistan, offering an unparalleled blend of history, architecture, and natural scenery.