Azad Jammu & Kashmir is popular for its rich natural beauty. Its snow-packed summits, deep forests, zigzag rivers, noisy streams, fragrant valleys, lush green plateaus make it an exceptional tourist destination. Valleys like Neelum, Jhelum, Leepa, Rawalakot, Banjosa, Samahni and Baghser spread out pleasant picturesque loveliness and provide a feast of happiness to visitors's eyes.
The state of Jammu & Kashmir is spread over an area of 84,471 square miles in the north side of Pakistan. It shares its borders in the northeast with India and towards the north with China, Afghanistan and Russia. Jammu and Kashmir was the biggest princely state in the sub-continent of Indo-Pak at the time of its division and still claims the same status.
The Muslims of Azad Jammu and Kashmir started liberation moment against India in 1947. As a result of this war, the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was established on 24th October 1947, in the unoccupied area. An area of 28,000 square miles was also freed by Gilgit Scouts and now it is known as Gilgit-Baltistan which is now controlled by the Federal Government of Pakistan.
By Air: You can reach Azad Kashmir by taking air route. If you are coming from another country rather than Pakistan you first need to stop at Islamabad Airport. From Islamabad, you can go to Azad Kashmir by road.
By Road: Form Rawalpindi & Islamabad you can take different routes for Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Kotli, Rawalakot, Bagh and Dadyal.
The average temperature in Neelum Valley ranges from 5-24 centigrades hence this valley remains open all the year round. If you are planning a trip to Neelum Valley than the best time to explore Neelum Valley is between April and October because of moderate temperature. And the best time for hiking starts from July-September.