Lasdana Bagh
Lasdana is a breathtaking high mountain pass sitting at 2621 meters near Bagh famous for its pine covered ridges rolling green meadows and panoramic Kashmir vistas.
ExploreKel Neelum Valley
Neelum Kel, Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Overview
Situated one hundred and fifty five kilometers from Muzaffarabad at an elevation of 2097 meters above sea level Kel is a bustling high altitude valley hub in Upper Neelum District Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Positioned along the roaring Neelum River near the confluence of the Shounter Nullah Kel is surrounded by towering snow capped peaks dense pine forests and cold glacial streams flowing down from the high Himalayan ridges. Historically significant as a central commercial and military transit post Kel serves as the primary basecamp for adventurers high wilderness trekkers and tourists exploring Upper Neelum Valley. Famous as the launching point for the famous chairlift and hiking trail to the hilltop village of Arang Kel as well as the gateway to the remote Shounter Valley and Chitta Katha Lake Kel offers visitors a rich blend of mountain culture rustic wooden architecture alpine landscapes and central transit convenience.
Highlights
- High altitude mountain hub and commercial basecamp sitting at 2097 meters elevation
- Primary launching gateway to the iconic hilltop village of Arang Kel via chairlift or hike
- Scenic confluence point of the roaring Neelum River and cold glacial Shounter Nullah
- Strategic transit hub connecting central Neelum Valley to Shounter Valley and Taobut
- Surrounded by dense deodar pine forests dramatic Himalayan cliffs and terraced fields
Things To Do
- Take the famous local cable car chairlift or hike up the pine forest trail to Arang Kel
- Explore the scenic banks where Shounter Nullah meets the main Neelum River channel
- Hire 4x4 off road jeeps for wilderness expeditions toward Shounter Valley and Taobut
- Photograph traditional wooden mountain architecture and terraced agricultural pastures
- Taste traditional hot Kashmiri Kahwa tea fresh river trout and local mountain meals
Local Transportation
Accessible via a scenic 5 to 6 hour drive 155 km from Muzaffarabad via Sharda along paved and unpaved Neelum Valley roads using private cars or local 4x4 vehicles.
Accommodation
Tourist hotels, wooden guesthouses, AJK Tourism rest houses, and private mountain inns scattered across Kel bazaar and riverbanks.
Food & Cuisine
Local hotel restaurants and dhabas serve fresh fried river trout fish, mutton karahi, local flatbreads, Kashmiri Kahwa tea, lentils, and hot rice dishes.
Safety Information
Safe and active mountain tourist center. Exercise caution near fast moving river currents and follow local guidance when using cable car chairlifts.
Travel Tips
Keep Kel as your main luggage basecamp while taking a day trip or light overnight backpack stay up to Arang Kel.