Muzaffarabad

Muzaffarabad is the capital of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan. It is located on the banks of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers. The district is bounded by North-West Frontier Province in the west, by the Kupwara and Baramulla districts of on the Indian side of the Line of Control in the east, and the Neelum District of Azad Kashmir in the north. The population of the district, according to the 1998 Census, was 725,000, and according to a 1999 projection, the population had risen to almost 741,000.

Culture and History

Muzafarrabad was the epicenter of the October 2005 earthquake that killed over 75,000 people. The city is devastated and currently filled with tent camps and NGO's. Rebuilding is beginning slowly.

Travel to Muzaffarabad - Visa Requirements

Flights and airtickets to Muzaffarabad

There are no direct flights to Muzaffarabad. The flights to Muzaffarabad will take you to Islamabad. From there you will have to access by road to Muzaffarabad.

The Muzaffarabad Airport can be accessed by airlines flying from other cities in Pakistan. This domestic airport is served by airlines such as the PIA.

• Islamabad Airport

By Road

Tourists can rent a car or other vehicles for this trip. It takes about four to five hours from Islamabad to reach the city of Muzaffarabad. During this journey, one can get to enjoy splendid scenic views featuring picturesque hills and meandering rivers.

While traveling from Islamabad one can also avail the Murree route. It is considered to be the shortest way to arrive at Muzaffarabad. Kohala forms the entry point to Azad Kashmir.

Tours and Getting around Muzaffarabad

You will get taxis available from the Islamabad airport or you can hire cars to take you to the destination. Besides you can ask your travel agent or the authorities of the hotel you have booked to take you from the Islamabad airport to Muzaffarabad. There are buses too available from the airport to the Muzaffarabad.

Muzaffarabad tourist attractions and sightseeing

• Muzaffarabad Fort There are two historical forts on opposite sides of the Neelum River. Red Fort and Black Fort The construction of the Red Fort was finally completed in 1646 by Sultan Muzaffar Khan, the founder of Muzaffarabad city. After the Mughals took over Kashmir, the fort lost its importance. The Mughals were more interested in Kabul, Bukhara, and Badakshan. During the period of Durrani rule, however, the fort again once again assumed its importance. Maharaja Gulab Singh and Rambir Singh, the Dogra rulers, reconstructed and extended the fort for their political and military operations. Towards the middle of 1947, the Dogra forces left, leaving the fort abandoned. 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Patikka is ;ocated at a distance of 19 Km from Muzaffarabad, is a gateway to Neelum valley. There is also A mini zoo and a fish hatchery. Tourism Department has constructed a Tourist Rest House here, which is very popular among tourists.

• Buildings: AJK Assembly, AJK Supreme Court, Mosque Assembly Secretariat, Kh. Khurshid Tomb

• Chehla Bridge

• Subri (Langarpura) Lake

• Kundle Shahi is 74 Kms from Muzaffarabad. Here, silvery stream joins river Neelum, where trout fish is found abundantly.

• Chikkar is a beautiful summer station at a distance of 46 Kms from Muzaffarabad on top of the mountain. The outstanding features of this beautiful place are its climate and sceneries. 10 Kms from Chikkar is another worth seen hill station in the middle of dense green pine forests and is linked by a fair weather road.

Muzaffarabad city tours

You can indulge in different activities like hiking, trekking and camping at the foothill regions of the Pir Chinassi, Saran, Sun Bun, Muskhi, Sakki and Jarran.

Muzaffarabad souvenirs and shopping

• Handicrafts: Carpets, silk woolen clothing, woolen shawls, wood carving, Papier Mashie, rugs

• Other products and fruits: mushrooms, honey, walnuts, apples, cherry, medicinal herbs & plants, resin, Deodar, Kail, Chir, Fir, Maple and Ash Timbers etc.

Muzaffarabad Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Muzaffarabad nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

Muzaffarabad cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

There are various guest houses, rest houses, motels and hotels at most of the tourist spots which can be booked in advance from their offices in Muzaffarabad. (Tel: 058810-32625).

• Sangam Hotel.  
• Neelum View Hotel.  
• Nafees Hotel.  
• Agha Jee Hotel, NEAR SHAH SULTAN BANK ROAD(BANK ROAD), ☎ 058810-47383. checkout: 3 PM.  
• Tayba Hotel.  
• Pearl Continental, Muzzaffarabad.  

Get out

• Islamabad
• Skardu
• Hunza

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