Muzaffarabad

Muzaffarabad is the capital of Azad Kashmir and is situated near NWFP, Pakistan. River Jehlum and river Neelum flow in its vicinity. The local language spoken here is Hindko.The city is surounded by lofty mountains which provide a fascinating scene to the onlookers. The city is visited frequently by local and foreign tourists.

In ancient times Muzaffarabad was the capital of Shahi dynasty, that ruled most of the Kabul valley and the ancient Gandhara, and was called Udabhanda. The recent name was given to it by its ruler Muzaffar Khan. The city was made the capital of Azad Kashmir after the 1948's war between Pakistan and India. On October 8, 2005 Muzaffarabad was hit by a disastrous and violent earth quake measuring 7.6 on Richter Scale.

Here are some of the beautiful places of Pakistan:

Red Fort:
This glorious fort was built by emperor Muzaffar Khan in 1646. Later on the Dogra rulers reconstructed it. In the Durani and Moughal reign, however, it was neglected. The architecture of the fort shows that great experts in design and structure participated in its construction. It is surrounded on three sides by theNeelum River formally known as the Kishenganga River. The northern part of the fort had terraces with steps leading to the bank of the river. The eastern side was very well protected from the hazards of flood waters, but some parts on the north side have suffered damage. There used to be an inn at the entrance to the fort, but only traces of that structure remain now.

Shaheed Gali:
Shaheed Gali is situated at the height of 1640 meters above sea level at a distance of about 16 kilometers westward from Muzaffarabad. From Shaheed Gali a trek of 4 Kms leads towards a spot namely "Sri Kot". A tourist is bound to be fascinated by the serenity for the backdrop of the area. A tourist Rest House is available for accommodation at Shaheed Gali.

Pir Chinassi:
Pir Chinassi is located eastward of Muzaffarabad. Due to its scenic beauty, velvet green plateaus and wonderful climate, it wins admiration of nature lovers. The view of the summit of the mountain peaks spell bounds a tourist. Devotees of Saint Shah Hussain Bukhari, take pilgrimage to rejuvenate their adust heart. The adjacent Pirchinassi, phawna da Danna and the areas in the bottom of Pirchinassi are also worth seen and ideal for hiking, trekking and camping activities. Tourism Department has also constructed a tourist lodge at Saran.

Other Places:
Other places include Patikka, Chehla Bridge, Kundle Shahi and Chikkar.

Buses and minibuses make the scenic journey regularly from Islamabad (4-5 hours). If you're self-driving, the route via Muree is probably the quickest. Kohala is the entry point into Azad Kashmir, where you'll need to get through a checkpoint. On own transport you need 40-50 minutes to reach Murree. Then 2 hours to reach Kohala Bridge and 30 minutes to reach Muzaffarabad. Approximately its 3 and half hours on you own car. You can adopt the route Islamabad - Abbottabad - Mansehra - Gari Habibullah - Muzaffabad as well.

River Jehlum

Historic bridge near River Neelum

Muzaffarabad

Murree

The word Murree has been derived from “Murhi” meaning “a high place”. It is a hill station situated along the Islamabad-Kohala highway, 30km away from Islamabad at the border of Punjab and Azad Kashmir. It is a very popular summer resort due to its cool and chilly climate. In winter the city hides itself in a thick blanket of snow. An American journalist Camile wrote, that,

"Everything and Anything can happen in Murree. Romance is in the atmosphere; intrigue is in the air. The roads to this happy holiday's resort embrace both the heaven and earth. In Murree it is easy to fall in love"

Murree was founded by Sir Henry Lawrence in 1851 as a sanatorium for British troops deployed along the Afghan border. A proper town was built in 1857. The town also served as the summer head quarters of Punjab local government till 1876. During the war of independence of 1857 the local tribes of Murree, under the command of Sardar Shehbaz Khan and Malik Nawab Bahadur Khan, fought against the British army. After considerable loss, the British army had to sign an agreement with the local Abbasi tribe. But this agreement was ignored by the British who regained control of the town. Afterwards a number of English officers settled here permanently and raised families.

The most beautiful places in Murree include:

• Kashmir Point


• Pindi Point - a chairlift runs up to here


• The Mall - the main strip with shops, hotels and restaurants.


• Lawrence College & Church


• Many locals believe that Mary, mother of Jesus, is buried in Murree and that the town is named after her (formerly Mari). Her supposed tomb sits on a hill underneath a television tower. Locals can point you in the right direction. You may need special permission to visit.

Taxis and buses run from Islamabad, and take about 1 hour. It is a picturesque drive and has a few well developed tourist spots at Charra Pani and Company Bagh. The Chattar water park is only 15 minutes outside Islamabad. There is also an alternate but longer route to Murree from Islamabad via Nilore and Simli Dam. The alternate route joins at Lower Topa. The mountain drive is refreshing and the scenery is breath-taking especially on the Nilore-Simli-Lower Topa route.

Murree remains charming all year round.

Beautiful Blue Sunset

Chairlifts in Patriata

Murree: Top View

Nathia Gali

Nathia gali is a famous hill station located in Hazara, NWFP, Pakistan. The place is popular for it's spectacular mountain scenery and favorable climate (Being at an altitude of 2500m the climate is much cooler then the rest of Galiath). Local people are extremely peace-loving, hospitable and friendly. They belong to the Karal tribe and speak Hindko language belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of languages. Urdu is also understood as a secondary language. Literacy rate and standard of living are rising rapidly.

Nathia Gali

In the past, during the British reign, Nathia gali served as the summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner. The mountain resort is a home to various kinds of wild life including different kinds of birds, butterflies and monkeys. Recently the World Wildlife Federation has started breeding leopards in it's woods. The cusine of Nathia gali is particularly very delightful. The daals, chicken karhais, barbecued foods and fresh naans in the bazaar too are thoroughly enjoyable, as are halwa puri breakfasts and freshly made roadside pakoras and jalebis. Corn on the cob is usually available all over the hill-station at various points. There are a couple of grocery stores now stock most supermarket items that are available in the cities.

Nathia gali is situated at one hour drive from Muree and Abbotabad and two hour drive from Islamabad. A number of hotels, lodges and rest houses are present for accommodation. Tourist months are April, May and September.

Mukeshpuri

Miran Jani

Road to Nathia Gali