Our journey started from Lahore at about 2:00 PM. After leaving my work a bit earlier than usual, I rushed back home, had lunch and left for Islamabad. We stayed at Islamabad overnight at a guesthouse. I had already booked a car with driver for this journey. The driver was to pick us from Muzaffarabd. It was a Corolla 2.0D. He charged us 3000 Rs. per day plus fuel cost. Next morning left for Muzaffarabd and driver with car was already waiting for us. It took us four hours to travel from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad via Kohala. The reason for hiring car was to have a stress free trip and enjoy scenic views with family.
From Muzaffarabad we travelled to Balakot via Gari Habibullah. The road is under construction and not in great shape. However as you leave Muzaffarabad and climb few kilometers the view of the city is breath taking. It was mid day, hot and hazy. We made a stop at PTDC Naran to have lunch. After lunch we proceeded to Batta Kundi as per plan we wanted to stay away from hustle bustle of Naran and inflated hotel rates. Just before Butta Kundi, I spotted a hotel and found it reasonable for night stay. In fact it was brand new hotel . They have started business just 10 days back. Everything was new and clean. Charges per night Rs. 3000/. After unloading our stuff had some tea in lawn and later on strolled around to take some pictures, that will follow.