Things to Do in Muzafarrabad, Pakistan

Muzaffarabad Things to Do

Muzaffarabad is the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The Neelum and Jhelum rivers cut through the area, creating a beautiful landscape that offers plenty of things to do.

Kel

Kel is a picturesque valley at an elevation of about 3,000 meters. It is one of the larger towns and offers an array of services and accommodations available for you to choose from. It provides a great jumping off point to see other towns throughout the region. For adventure seekers, there are a number of alpine lakes that are accessible from Kel, and you’ll have to hike or take a four-wheel drive to reach them. The views, though, will be well worth your efforts.

The Halmat

The Halmat is the area between Kel and the border. There are some stunning waterfalls in the area, and you’ll have to submit to a long drive along a dirt road to reach the accommodations in Halmat, but you’ll be rewarded with incredible peace and quiet away from all the stresses of your daily life. If you truly want an escape, this is the way to go.

Sharda

Sharda is another mountain town that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You’ll reach it by crossing a suspension bridge over the Neelum River. Be sure to stop by the ruins of the old Buddhist University here, and forget about modern conveniences, as there is no electricity in the area. This is the perfect chance to unwind and disconnect from the tethers that your mobile devices have over you so that you can take a hint from the Buddhist monks of the past and enjoy simply existing.

Dowarian

If you are up for a unique adventure, you’ll find it in Dowarian. To get to the nearby Rattigali Lake, you’ll have to ride mules through the mountain pass connecting the Neelum River and the Kaghan Valley. It is an experience unlike any other and one you won’t soon forget. Be sure to snap plenty of photos as you trek through the pine tree-covered mountains.

Keran

The key drawing point of Keran is that you can see across the border into India from its vantage point at over 1,500 meters above sea level. As with many other towns in the region, it offers stunning scenery and an escape from the stresses of city life. There are boarding houses in the area as well, so you can make this your home base for a while as you explore the region.

Authmuqam

Back in the days of Pakistan-India conflict, Autmuqam was a constant target for bombing. However, nowadays it offers travelers a bazaar where they can stock up on essentials for their journeys through the mountains and beyond. There are mail and banking services in town as well if you need access to these things during your travels.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan.