Far far away in a Paradise

Azad Kashmir “Heaven on Earth” and “Switzerland of East” is known for its mesmerizing sceneries, tranquil waterfalls, flowering meadows, snow caped mountains and clear pure lakes. Each valley and district of Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) is awe-inspiring and deserves to be appreciated for its natural beauty. When we decided to visit AJK we had to visit more than one place we find it unjust for rest of the Kashmir. We decided to visit Muzaffarabad piece of paradise for the sake of our own peace.

 Muzaffarabad

About Muzaffarabad:

It was named after the name of Sultan Raja Muzaffar Khan, Muzaffarabad was claimed to be capital of AJK after 1948 war. It’s a place full of trekking trails, monuments, farms and parks. The winters are frosty with snowfall while during summers the weather is mostly pleasant. The best time of the year to visit Muzaffarabad is around autumn when the skies are clear. Muzaffarabad is famous for its Kashmiri shawls, handicrafts and dry fruits. Two main dialects that seemed to use by residents are Kashmiri and Punjabi. 

Muzaffarabad

Birdseye view of  Muzaffarabad

How to get Muzaffarabad:

There are two routes that can take you to Muzaffarabad. It is best to leave early around 6.30- 7.00am in the morning so you reach there around brunch. We reached over destination via Murree Expressway to Kohala Bridge and from Kohala Bridge at AJK to Muzaffarabad, it took around maximum four and half hours to reach there. Other way is thorough Abbottabad to Muzaffarabad via Ghari Habibullah. The first thing you see when you get there is range of options available for stay and main market that has anything that you can name, fares were reasonable ranging from 3000-4500Rs/- per night.

Places to Visit:

Muzaffarabad lies at the bank of Jhelum and Neelum rivers. Both make up the valleys above and across the rivers. The best advice we can give you is that you have the accurate knowledge of the city when visiting however navigation around city is not that difficult. Some of the must see places are Red Fort, Pirchanasi, Machiara Natinal Park, Shaheed Gali and Patika.

Red Fort:

There are two forts Black and Red Fort. Black Fort lies just above the junction of rivers. It’s under authority of army and prohibited for visits. Although Red Fort is mostly visited by tourists. Fort is surrounded by Neelum River from three sides and is called Kishan Ganga. View of the banks can be seen from the terraces. Fort has great architecture but time and many rules has taken their toll on the structure, still it stands for its glory and historical importance. Red fort is commonly known as Ratta Qila amongst locals.

View from Red Fort

Inside Red Fort

Pirchanasi:

Here lies the great Shrine of Pir Shah Hussain Bukhari, followers can be seen taking pilgrimage to pay regards. It is located in east of Muzaffarabad and has been an important tourist spot not only for its beautiful Shrine and religious importance but also for great panoramic views of the valley below. Most tourist avail this spot for trekking and hiking. People hike up to the top of the hill and set camps. 

Pirchanasi

Shrine of Pir Shah Hussain Bukhari

Machiara National Park:

It can be accessed via Patika and is part of Lower Neelam Valley. Park has variety of birds inhabiting broadleaf forest in their natural habitat. We were told that the endangered species of the forest is Westren Tragon Pheasant. It a kind of place where you go to get lost in nature.

View from Machiara National Park

 

Hotels at Machiara National Park

Patika:

The most famous picnic point in Muzaffarabad is Patika, it is doorway to Neelum valley. It has small zoo and hotel named Marco Polo Hotel where you can enjoy traditional Kashmiri cuisines.

Patika Lake

Shaheed Gali:

In the west of Muzaffarabad lies in west it’s also a best spot for trekking. People trek from Shaheed Gali to Siri Kot Meadows. It’s also a best spot to stay as there are many resort that can be seen.

 

Shaheed Gali

View at Shaheed Gali

Chikaar:

It is summer station few kilometers away from Muzaffarabad. The best aspect of this place is provides not only best views but also range of private hotels for tourist to send the night. Zalzal Lake is seen at the side of chikaar, it came in to being form land sliding during an earthquake.

View from Chikaar Gali

Zalzal Lake view from Chikaar

Langarpura:

Some years back due to landslip a lake was outstretched from almost 10kms from Muzaffarabad called Subri Lake. You can take boats out in the lake and also there is Angler’s Hut which makes this place a perfect picnic spot. Tourists can be seen sitting by bank of the lake camping and feasting while enjoying the tranquil lake. 

Resort at Langarpura

Subri Lake

Restaurants:

The traditional meal includes Chicken Karhi and Kashmiri Nan accompanied by Kashmiri Pink Tea. Our best suggestion for best food places to visit in Muzaffarabad are Usaman Kebab, unique chapli kebab, rotis and quick service is what mad this famous, long ques are the advocate of its quality and taste. Visit to Pakistan Hotel, its best representation of chai with bakarkhanis gets the best of you. What it better than the ice cream when its summer, visit Four Seasons Ice Cream to complete your trip.

Our trip to Muzaffarabad was limited, we stated our journey around 6am and reached there like around 11 o’clock, our destination was Pirchansi. The sight was heavenly we settled for a bit after a while the place began to crowd as compared to when we have arrived. We began our hike to top of the hill the weather was pleasant as it was around mid-October though it was windy but not so chilly. We reached at the Shrine of Pir Shah. The shrine was sight for the eye and view from here was out of the world. Spending some time at the shrine we continued our journey to the top. This was our most recent trip to Muzaffarabad..

It is every Pakistani dream to visit Azad Kashmir, it was mine the same, I was lucky enough to get to be part of such experience but there still a lot for me and my friends to explore not only in Muzaffarabad but other valleys of Azad Kashmir. My thoughts on the way back from every visit to Muzaffarabad was nothing but of serenity, it made me realize not matter where I will be I can always find my way to my paradise.