Kel Neelum Valley
Kel is a historic high mountain hub in Upper Neelum Valley famous for its panoramic alpine pastures cold glacial streams and gateway access to Arang Kel.
ExplorePir Chinasi Muzaffarabad
Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Overview
Perched at a soaring elevation of 2900 meters 9500 feet above sea level Pir Chinasi is a world famous mountain ridge and high viewpoint located thirty kilometers east of Muzaffarabad city in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Named after the revered Hazrat Pir Chinasi Syed Hussain Shah Bukhari whose historic hilltop shrine Hazrat Pir Chinasi Shrine sits on the highest peak the mountain holds great spiritual and natural significance. The location offers breathtaking three hundred and sixty degree panoramic vistas over the surrounding green mountains snow capped Himalayan peaks and the winding Neelum and Jhelum river valleys below. Renowned for its lush alpine pine forests cool mountain breezes blooming summer wildflowers and winter snowfall Pir Chinasi is a premier destination for mountain sightseeing nature photography camping paragliding and spiritual pilgrimage in AJ and K.
Highlights
- High altitude mountain ridge peak sitting at 2900 meters above sea level near Muzaffarabad
- Historic spiritual shrine of Sufi saint Hazrat Pir Chinasi Syed Hussain Shah Bukhari
- Breathtaking 360 degree panoramic views of snow capped Himalayan ranges and river valleys
- Scenic pine tree forests lush alpine grasslands and vibrant summer wildflowers
- Popular high mountain venue for sightseeing nature photography camping and paragliding
Things To Do
- Visit the historic hilltop shrine of Hazrat Pir Chinasi for spiritual prayers and blessings
- Capture stunning 360 degree landscape photographs of surrounding Himalayan mountain peaks
- Camp under clear starry night skies on the green high altitude alpine ridge pastures
- Experience thrilling paragliding flights over the mountain valleys during summer months
- Enjoy hot Kashmiri tea and traditional snacks while taking in cool high mountain breezes
Local Transportation
Accessible via a steep 1 to 1.5 hour drive 30 km from Muzaffarabad city along a winding metalled mountain road using 4x4 jeeps or powerful private cars.
Accommodation
Mountain tourist guesthouses, AJK Tourism rest house, private eco lodges, and green hilltop camping grounds.
Food & Cuisine
Roadside teahouses and hilltop food stalls serve hot Kashmiri Kahwa tea, pakoras, chicken karahi, fresh flatbreads, and travel snacks.
Safety Information
Drive cautiously along steep winding mountain hairpins with narrow curves. Carry warm windproof jackets as weather and winds can change rapidly.
Travel Tips
Leave early in the morning from Muzaffarabad to avoid afternoon fog and ensure clear sky views across the entire Kashmir valley range.