We reached the beautiful city and capital of AJK - Muzaffarabad at ASAR time - I remember two things from that time -
- It started raining
- Namaz-e-Asar
So after a couple of times of calling the "person" I made travel arrangement with - I was able to get hold of him. He was suppose to send his person to either guide us to the office or make some alternative arrangements so we don't feel lost but I think due to the lack of resources he couldn't do this.
Eventually we reached their hotel / office and he offered us tea which we rejected and rather emphasized on - hotel bookings in Kutton. He gave us the hotel voucher for Kutton booking and I also discussed the bookings in Sharda, Gash Valley, Kail, Arang Kel, Tao Butt. He formulated a total cost of Rs. 48000 and in my heart I got agreed to it but then I thought to discuss it with my family before showing willingness. Hence I told him - to give me a couple of minutes and I will confirm him whether to cut the vouchers of further stays at hotels. My wife and sister said "they don't think it's right & wise as they felt something isn't right" so I said no brother I can't take all hotel booking from you at once the one we paid from Lahore please issue us that voucher and we're good with that.
When he saw that trick didn't work then he scared me about the road conditions and all that stuff with Land Sliding and bad road conditions and advised to hire a jeep from here - I rejected the offer / advise right away and asked his leave and was on the road to Kutton.
Important Notes for THOSE who DON'T know or FIRST Timers -
Authenticated & Reliable Tour Operators -
-
Valley Tracker - (I couldn't get bookings from them - they were packed)
-
AJK Tourism Govt. Website (you'll get good accommodation in less money) Hydro Power Plant Cottages I think that rings the bell for everyone who visited.
-
Continental Guest House - (they have good Guest houses in Kutton & Sharda I stayed at both places) Kutton one is great even greater than Hydo guest Cottages with more facilities and excellent view. Newly made and in this season they've planned a open live-kitchen on the Nala Side. When I was there the construction work was under progress for this season.
All the Hotel Vouchers issue from Muzzaffarabad office - If you miss that then they'll not honor your stay as when you'll reach Kutton it will be the end of the working day and ONLY one Telephone Network works in Neelum Valley - the local one - all other networks are failed and you'll receive no signals.