Summary

The author shares a captivating account of their journey through the majestic landscapes of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan, detailing the serene beauty of Changla Gali, Keran Valley, Sharda in Neelum Valley, and concluding with a peaceful retreat at Highland Resorts in Islamabad.

Abstract

The travelogue recounts a memorable trip to Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, beginning with a festive departure on Eid Al-Adha, leading to a series of breathtaking experiences. The author describes the tranquility and comfort found at Hummingbird Resorts in Changla Gali, followed by the awe-inspiring vistas of Keran Valley, where the hotel's proximity to the Line of Control offered a unique perspective on the region's geopolitical complexity. The narrative then moves to Sharda in Neelum Valley, where the author extends their stay to fully immerse themselves in the enchanting beauty of the area, partaking in local activities and savoring the natural surroundings. The journey culminates in Islamabad at the Highland Resorts and Country Club, providing a serene conclusion to an adventure filled with picturesque landscapes, cultural richness, and the warm hospitality of the local people.

Opinions

The author finds the beauty of Azad Kashmir comparable to heaven on earth, indicating a deep appreciation for the region's natural splendor.
Staying at the Hummingbird Resorts and Executive Suites is described as a delightful experience, with particular praise for the cozy suites, delicious food, and the refreshing cold weather contrasting with the heat of Punjab.
The author expresses a sense of thrill and fascination upon witnessing the army foxholes camouflaged in the mountains along the border in Keran Valley.
The unpredictable weather in Sharda, Neelum Valley, is portrayed as part of the area's charm, contributing to the overall adventure and requiring visitors to be prepared for sudden changes in climate.
The local lifestyle in Sharda, characterized by houses built within the wilderness and a simple, organic way of life, is viewed with admiration by the author.
The author conveys a sense of wonder and contentment from the boating and rafting experience on the Neelum River, as well as the tranquility of enjoying tea by a waterfall.
The stop at Ibex Resorts near Kundalshahi Waterfall is highlighted as a memorable moment, with the beauty of the surroundings enhancing the taste of the food.
The conclusion of the trip at Highland Resorts and Country Club in Islamabad is depicted as a peaceful and rejuvenating experience, with the author expressing a desire to extend their stay.
The author recommends reading their previous travel piece on Skardu for those interested in exploring more of Pakistan's hidden beauty, indicating a strong endorsement of the country's tourism potential.

My Trip to Kashmir Was Like Heaven on Earth

A tale of beauty and adventure in my last travel journey in Pakistan

Mesmerizing view in Keran Valley, where the river serves as the border between Pakistan and the Indian side of Kashmir. Indian Kashmir is in front. (Photo by author)

On the third day of Eid Al-Adha, we started a mesmerizing journey to the picturesque mountains and valleys of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan, renowned for their breathtaking beauty resembling fairy tale scenes.

Our adventure began in the early morning, as we anticipated a lengthy but rewarding trip. The first destination on our list was Changla Gali, a few kilometers before Nathia Gali.

Changla Gali: A Tranquil Retreat

After an arduous 9-hour journey, we reached our destination, Changla Gali.

Choosing to stay at the Hummingbird Resorts and Executive Suites, we booked their exclusive suites to accommodate our family.

The resort offered a captivating view of the surroundings, a welcome change from the scorching heat of Punjab.

Beautiful scene from cafe balcony of Hummingbird resorts. Clouds flying between trees. (Photo by author)

The suites exuded coziness, and the delectable food gave us a delightful experience. The cold weather enhanced the flavors of our meals, and a cup of hot tea after dinner was a much-needed respite from the dropping temperatures. Our stay here was memorable.

The following day, we set out for our next destination - Keran Valley in Kashmir.

Keran, Kashmir: Nature’s Adobe

Our hotel in Keran Valley was located right on the border. The view from our hotel allowed us to see tourist camps on the other side of the river in Indian Kashmir. (Photo by author)

After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to the Hummingbird Resorts and proceeded towards Keran Valley. The journey was long, but intermittent stops for refreshments kept our spirits high.

Beautiful view from our hotel in Keran valley. A remote area where nature's beauty was in its pure wilderness. (Photo by author)

As dusk settled in, we arrived at our hotel in Keran, situated right on the Line of Control between Pakistan and India, with a serene river gently separating the two countries.

Pakistan (left) and Indian (right) sides of Kashmir being gently separated by a flowing river in between. (Photo by author)

Indian Kasmir border can be seen here. We were thrilled to see so many army foxholes camouflaged in trees on mountains, both in Indian and Pakistan Kashmir side for security purposes. (Photo by author)

Our dinner by the riverside in the cool evening air was a peaceful and serene experience. Across the river, we spotted tourist tents on the Indian side, adding to the charm of this remote, naturally beautiful region. Exhausted from the day’s adventures, we slumbered soundly, eager for the next day’s escapades.

Sharda, Neelum Valley: A Fairytale Retreat

Beautiful Sharda valley, where most of its population lives on remote but stunningly beautiful mountains, with river flowing underneath.(Photo by author)

Neelum River flowing continuously between the mountains throughout the Neelum Valley, enhancing its beauty. (Photo by author)

The morning unveiled the true beauty of Keran Valley, with lush green mountains and the river weaving between them. Breakfast by the riverside was an enchanting experience, captivating us with the natural splendor surrounding us.

As we set for Sharda in the Neelum Valley, a 2-3 hour drive away, we marveled at the breathtaking landscapes, mindful of the occasional threat of landslides blocking the roads. Fortunately, we reached Sharda in good time.

The valley welcomed us with its magical allure, and our hotel, nestled by the riverside, provided room balconies that offered stunning vistas. Originally planning to stay for a day, we were so captivated by the beauty of Sharda that we decided to extend our stay and immerse ourselves further in its charms.

A fairytale-like beautiful view from our room balcony in Sharda. It was a very refreshing scene that kept us uplifted throughout our stay here. (Photo by author)

Lunch on the balcony, with the majestic mountains and flowing river as our backdrop, was a remarkable experience. The weather, unpredictable yet enthralling, dictated that we wear jackets and warm clothes to brave the chilly nights.

Exploring the local area, we encountered houses built amid the untamed wilderness, reflecting a simple and organic way of life, mostly constructed with wood.

Our day continued with a boating and rafting adventure, navigating the pristine waters of the Neelum River.

The day concluded with a serene moment by a nearby waterfall, savoring tea, fritters, and fries while surrounded by the refreshing embrace of nature. Exhausted yet fulfilled, we retired for the night.

Highland Resorts Islamabad

Kundalshahi waterfall is among the top tourist spots in the area. It was drizzling there when we arrived, making the scene more beautiful. (Photo by author)

The final leg of our journey took us back to Islamabad. An early morning start was essential, given the 13-hour travel time ahead. Along the way, we made stops at breathtaking spots, including a breakfast stop at Ibex Resorts, adjacent to the majestic Kundalshahi Waterfall.

Ibex Cottage, at Kundalshahi waterfall. We had our breakfast here. The food tasted delicious amidst this beautiful scenery. People were dipping their legs and enjoying in the cold water." (Photo by author)

The journey amidst the captivating mountains and delightful weather energized our spirits. After approximately 7 hours of travel, our next stop was at McDonald's in Nathia Gali. Rain was gently drizzling down, and clouds gracefully hovering over the roads amidst the mountains. We decided to take a break and satisfy our hunger cravings at the familiar fast-food chain.

As we relished some burgers and ice creams, we couldn't help but marvel at the mystical ambiance created by the rain-kissed surroundings. With renewed energy, we continued our journey, eager to explore more of the mesmerizing landscapes that lay ahead.

Evening view at Highland Resorts and Country Club, Islamabad. This was the cafeteria of resorts, where we enjoyed delicious food in beautiful scenery. (Photo by author)

A Serene Conclusion of our trip

As evening descended, we reached our last destination - Highland Resorts and Country Club, nestled atop a hill in Islamabad. The serene ambiance offered us much-needed solace after a long day of travel, and we retired early to recharge.

Morning view of Margala Hills from our room balcony on the hilltop. It was such a serene and relaxing sight. I wanted to stay here longer, but it was already time to leave. (Photo by author)

The next morning, a sumptuous buffet breakfast awaited, and we indulged to our heart's content. Despite our desire to extend our stay, the time had come to bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Azad Kashmir and return home.

With hearts full of wonderful memories, we packed our bags, cherishing the moments of an amazing trip that would stay etched in our hearts forever.

If you enjoyed this story, you may also check my previous travel piece describing another beautiful spot in Pakistan, Skardu.

The Unseen Beauty of Pakistan: My Trip to Skardu

The hidden beauty of Pakistan

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