Neelum Valley (Sharda)

Sharda is a captivating town in the Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir, revered for its natural beauty and ancient heritage. Named after the Hindu goddess of knowledge, it was once a prestigious center of learning for Buddhists and Hindus. The ruins of Sharda Peeth, an ancient temple university, stand as a testament to its glorious past and attract history buffs from across the country. Perched at 2,000 meters, the town overlooks the turquoise waters of the Neelum River and is surrounded by dense forests and snow-dusted peaks. The area is a haven for nature lovers, offering scenic spots for photography and trekking. Local hospitality is warm, and visitors can savor traditional Kashmiri tea and hearty meat dishes. Sharda is reached by a scenic drive from Muzaffarabad, passing through lush landscapes. The best season to visit is from spring to autumn, as the winters are harsh with heavy snowfall, while the warmer months offer excellent conditions for exploration.

Nearby cities

Rawalpindi

The bustling 'Twin City' of Islamabad with rich military history and vibrant bazaars.

Muzaffarabad

The capital city of Azad Kashmir, nestled at the scenic confluence of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers.

Islamabad

The modern, green capital of Pakistan nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills.

Mingora

Mingora is the largest city in the Swat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an area renowned for its natural beauty and archaeological sites.

Abbottabad

Abbottabad is a charming hill city known for its mild climate and as a gateway to the northern areas of Pakistan.

Skardu

The capital of Baltistan and the main gateway to the world's highest peaks, including K2.

Gilgit

A historic Silk Road hub and the gateway to the Karakoram's highest peaks.

Kohat

Kohat is a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, known for its strategic location and guava production.

Charsadda

Charsadda is a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, located near the ancient capital of Gandhara, Pushkalavati.

Nowshera

Nowshera is a city on the Kabul River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an important industrial and communications hub.

Mansehra

Mansehra is a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, serving as a gateway to northern areas like the Kaghan Valley.

Chitral

An isolated city in the Hindu Kush, known for its majestic fort and proximity to Trich Mir.

Rawalakot

The capital of Poonch district, known as the 'Pearl Valley' for its natural beauty.

Murree

Pakistan's most popular hill station, known for its colonial architecture and dense pine forests.

Keran

An idyllic village on the banks of the Neelum River, located right on the Line of Control with India.

History & landmarks

Peshawar

One of the oldest living cities in South Asia, famous for its history and bazaars.

Mardan

The historical heart of Gandhara, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Takht-i-Bahi.

Nature

Lulusar Lake

A group of mountain peaks and a lake in the Kaghan Valley, the main source of the Kunhar River.

Saif-ul-Maluk Lake

A stunning alpine lake located in the Kaghan Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

More places

Kaghan Valley

The Kaghan Valley is a picture-postcard alpine landscape in the Mansehra district.

Ayubia National Park

A forest park in the foothills of the Himalayas, known for its hiking trails and monkeys.

Tarbela Dam

A massive earth-filled dam on the Indus River, one of the largest in the world.

Swat Valley

The Swat Valley, often referred to as the 'Switzerland of Pakistan', is a magnificent mountain valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.