Muzafferabad by the Rivers

Capital of Azad Kashmir

Muzaffarbad the Capital of Azad Kashmir is located at the conference of River Jhehlem from India in the East and River Neelum coming down from North.

With big and small mountains dominated by 9,500 ft Pir Panchal to the East: although not at a high elevation Muzafferabad over all is a pleasant place.With PC hotel and Assembly located on hill tops and the winding river taking a breath taking U turn to wards the West,overall this is a place for camera clicks.

Passing the huge Neelum-Jhelum project we entered Muzaffarabad from the Northern entrance.To our West was road to Mansara and North Neelum valley.

I was able to find a decent hotel next to Neelum river not far from the main Bus station.The view from the room and sound of fast flowing water very soothing.Just closed my eyes and transformed to mood of contentment and tranquility.

Although sun had set by the time I reached I was able to take stroll by the river,dipping my feet in the cool water.The lights of the Town above the river was gleaming,swinging creating an atmosphere of inner peace.

Next day it was raining since morning thus had to stay indoor.In evening went out to explore the town and reached the point were Jheleum and Neelum meet just below the PC hotel located on a Hill top.It started to rain heavy again and took refuge in a Mosque and adjourning Shrine.Was stuck there for long and observed that despite the rain Shrine had good attendance and free meal was being distributed besides salt and sugar was also were taken by devotees as token.

Next day I decided to go the Neelum Valley in North. After spending two nights I returned to Muzaffarabad at night.

Up the Western mountain:

Next morning I decided to climb the huge mountain to the West which one has to surmount to reach western road to Mansara and Kaghan valley.As the road twist and turned upwards the scene kept getting better.

Soon I reached the point were one road to South leads to Murrey and other to West to Mansara.I took the western road and soon reached a high point from where the view of Muzaffarabad below was breath taking.

Pushing on I reached the summit of the Mountain were Masjid Ali was located.as the pictures below indicate it was excellent point for taking photos.

Power project on Kunar river:

Below this point across the snake like twisting Jhelum river a big hole in the Mountain could be seen.I was told that water from River Kunar from the Kaghan valley is diverted after blocking it.As the Kunar river at the other side of Mountain flow at a much higher elevation,the diverted water when dropped for great height in Jhelum river below a great amount of cheap electricity will be produced.

The work site of the project and the settlement surrounded by Jheleum from three side can be seen in the photos.

Later at night I left for Lahore by Bus.