· PK

Azad Kashmir

Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Discover the Untamed Beauty of Azad Kashmir Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, is a land where emerald valleys meet snow-capped peaks, where rushing rivers carve through ancient landscapes, an…

#mountains#valleys#rivers#scenic beauty#tourist destination

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Azad Kashmir.

Top Hotels in Azad Kashmir

Top Flights to Azad Kashmir

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Azad Kashmir.

Tours

Neelum Valley Sightseeing

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Neelum Valley, known for its lush greenery and picturesque views.

Banjosa Lake Picnic

Relax and enjoy a picnic by the serene Banjosa Lake, surrounded by pine forests.

Ramkot Fort Exploration

Visit the ancient Ramkot Fort situated on the banks of Mangla Dam, a site of historical significance.

Rawalakot Town Exploration

Explore Rawalakot, known as 'The Pearl Valley' for its stunning beauty, lush green landscapes, and vibrant local culture.

Shopping

Muzaffarabad City Shopping

Discover local crafts and traditional items in the bustling markets of Muzaffarabad.

Local Handicrafts Shopping

Shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs to take a piece of Azad Kashmir home with you.

Outdoor

Pir Chinasi Hiking

Enjoy an adventurous hike to Pir Chinasi, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Toli Pir Camping

Set up camp at Toli Pir, offering spectacular views and a tranquil environment.

Leepa Valley Jeep Safari

Experience an exciting jeep safari through the stunning Leepa Valley, renowned for its beauty and serenity.

Ratti Gali Lake Trekking

Trek through scenic trails to reach the crystal-clear Ratti Gali Lake.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Azad Kashmir.

Currency

₨ | PKR | Pakistani Rupee

Population

4.5 million

Languages

Urdu, Pahari-Pothwari, Hindko, Gojri, Kashmiri

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Azad Kashmir.

What people love

Azad Kashmir, located in Pakistan, is a beautiful region known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Azad Kashmir:

Scenic Beauty: Azad Kashmir is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty, including lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, and picturesque rivers. It is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Adventure Activities: The region offers a variety of adventure activities such as trekking, hiking, camping, white-water rafting, and paragliding. Visitors can explore the stunning Neelum Valley, hike to Ratti Gali Lake, or raft in the crystal-clear waters of the Jhelum River.
Cultural Experience: Azad Kashmir has a rich cultural heritage with influences from various civilizations. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, traditional villages, and historic sites to learn about the region's history and customs.
Warm Hospitality: The people of Azad Kashmir are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards tourists. Visitors can interact with locals, sample delicious Kashmiri cuisine, and experience the traditional way of life in the region.
Peaceful Environment: Azad Kashmir is a peaceful and tranquil destination, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The region's natural beauty and calm atmosphere make it an ideal place for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Overall, traveling to Azad Kashmir offers a unique opportunity to explore a beautiful region, experience rich culture, and enjoy a peaceful vacation in the lap of nature.

What to know

Traveling to Azad Kashmir, located in Pakistan, may pose certain challenges and drawbacks. Here are some potential cons to consider:

Conflict Zone: Azad Kashmir is a region that has been a subject of territorial disputes between Pakistan and India for decades. The area is heavily militarized, and tensions between the two countries can escalate, leading to security concerns.
Limited Infrastructure: Azad Kashmir may have limited infrastructure compared to more developed tourist destinations. This can result in challenges with transportation, accommodations, and access to basic amenities.
Political Instability: The region's political situation can be volatile, and protests or unrest may occur. Travelers should stay informed about the current political climate and be prepared for potential disruptions to their plans.
Accessibility: Azad Kashmir is located in a mountainous region, which can make travel to and within the area challenging. Road conditions may be poor, and there may be limited options for public transportation.
Health and Safety: Health facilities in Azad Kashmir may not be up to international standards, and access to medical care could be limited. Travelers should take necessary precautions regarding their health and safety.
Cultural Differences: As a region with its own unique culture and customs, travelers to Azad Kashmir should be respectful and aware of local traditions to avoid unintentionally causing offense.

It is essential to conduct thorough research and consider these factors before planning a trip to Azad Kashmir. It is also advisable to check travel advisories and consult with local authorities for the most up-to-date information on safety and security in the region.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir, commonly referred to as Azad Kashmir, is a self-governing administrative territory under Pakistan. It lies in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent and is bordered by Gilgit-Baltistan to the north, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the west, and the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir to the east. The region is known for its picturesque valleys and mountain ranges.

Historical Background

Partition of British India (1947): The history of Azad Kashmir is closely linked to the partition of British India in 1947, which led to the creation of India and Pakistan. The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which was predominantly Muslim but ruled by a Hindu Maharaja, Maharaja Hari Singh, became a contentious region.
Indo-Pakistani War (1947-1948): Following the partition, tribal militias and Pakistani forces entered the princely state to support the local Muslim population's desire to join Pakistan. This led to the first Indo-Pakistani War. The war ended with a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations in 1948, dividing the region into areas administered by India and Pakistan.
Formation of Azad Kashmir (1947-1948): The portion of Jammu and Kashmir that came under Pakistani control was named Azad (meaning "free") Jammu and Kashmir. It was established as a self-governing state with its own president and prime minister, although it remains under the administrative control of Pakistan.

Significant Events

UN Resolutions (1948-1949): The United Nations passed resolutions in 1948 and 1949 calling for a plebiscite to allow the people of Jammu and Kashmir to decide their future. However, the plebiscite has never been conducted, and the region remains divided.
1965 and 1971 Wars: Azad Kashmir was again a theater of conflict during the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1965 and 1971. These wars further solidified the Line of Control (LoC), which acts as the de facto border between the Indian and Pakistani administered areas.
Earthquake (2005): On October 8, 2005, a devastating earthquake struck the region, causing extensive damage and loss of life. The city of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, was particularly affected. The disaster prompted a significant international relief effort.

Historical Figures

Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan: Often called the "Founding Father" of Azad Kashmir, he played a pivotal role in the region's formation and was the first President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
K. H. Khurshid: A prominent political leader, who served as the President of Azad Kashmir from 1959 to 1964, he was a close associate of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.

Important Landmarks

Muzaffarabad: The capital city, nestled at the confluence of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers, serves as the political and cultural center of Azad Kashmir.
Neelum Valley: Renowned for its stunning landscapes, it is one of the most beautiful parts of Azad Kashmir, drawing tourists with its lush green mountains and flowing rivers.
Pir Chinasi: A popular tourist spot located near Muzaffarabad, known for its panoramic views and religious significance.
Red Fort (Chak Fort): Located in Muzaffarabad, this historical fort dates back to the 16th century and reflects the region's rich cultural heritage.

Azad Kashmir continues to be a region of strategic importance and is central to the broader Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan. Despite its turbulent history, it is known today for its natural beauty and cultural diversity.