Guidance Needed: family trip to Neelum Valley

Road Trips / Vacations / Hiking / Trekking

Tags: #<Tag:0x0000000a7fa350>

extracrunchy (extracrunchy) 2013-06-06 05:40:10 +0500 #1

Hi guys,

I'm in Pakistan for a few weeks and would love to show the Northern areas to my family (and myself!). Since I have family with me, I'll be travelling on my car (upto a certain point) and would like to stay in decent rest houses, etc. We are budgeting 4 days for the trip.

Here is what I have planned right now;

Day 1:
Lahore -> Islamabad -> Muzaffarabad (lunch at Muzaffarabad) -> Keran (stay the night at Keran)

Day 2:
Keran -> Kel -> Hike to Arang Kel (stay the night at Kel)

Day 3:
Kel - > Toabat & Helmet -> Muzaffarabad (stay the night at Muzaffarabad)

Day 4:
Muzaffarabad -> Lahore

We'll be travelling on a civic, so I have low road clearance. Up to what point should I take my car??

Also, does the above schedule look OK? Is there something worth seeing that I might have missed?

I'll be uploading pictures to this thread as we go along.

Thanks guys!

zahid135 (Zahid Latif) 2013-06-06 07:52:02 +0500 #2

You can take your car till Keran and should book jeep for further tour.
You should leave very early morning to reach till Keran in 1st day.
Arrang Kel is not very smooth hike. This trek gains about 1300-1500 Feet height in 2 Km.
Day 3 seems very hectic. It will be very difficult to manage the round trip from Kel to Taobutt and return to MZD in 1 day.

Bruit (Bruit) 2013-06-06 10:53:25 +0500 #3

extracrunchy;3900695:

Hi guys,

I'm in Pakistan for a few weeks and would love to show the Northern areas to my family (and myself!). Since I have family with me, I'll be travelling on my car (upto a certain point) and would like to stay in decent rest houses, etc. We are budgeting 4 days for the trip.

Here is what I have planned right now;

Day 1:
Lahore -> Islamabad -> Muzaffarabad (lunch at Muzaffarabad) -> Keran (stay the night at Keran)

Day 2:
Keran -> Kel -> Hike to Arang Kel (stay the night at Kel)

Day 3:
Kel - > Toabat & Helmet -> Muzaffarabad (stay the night at Muzaffarabad)

Day 4:
Muzaffarabad -> Lahore

We'll be travelling on a civic, so I have low road clearance. Up to what point should I take my car??

Also, does the above schedule look OK? Is there something worth seeing that I might have missed?

I'll be uploading pictures to this thread as we go along.

Thanks guys!

Welcome to your motherland...! If I were you, I'd've rented a Jeep (SUV) from some "rent-a-car" people in Lahore/Islamabad (putting in mind that a Jeep (SUV) will consume more of Quaid-e-Azam baba's print on a paper...

Else, I won't recommend you taking your car beyond Keran. There is a decent guest house in Keran and you can park your car in there and rent a jeep (old Toyota or Jeep) from there to Kel. Stay in Moon-Guesthouse in Kel or if you can make it to Helmat, stay at Army Guest house in Helmat and return the other day. Also, I'd stay in Muree/Nathia gali instead of Muzafferabad as the temperature will be too high in Muzzafferabad...

Any further help, most welcome to ask...

extracrunchy (extracrunchy) 2013-06-06 10:55:53 +0500 #4

Also, what is the best place to stay in Keran and Kel with family??

thanks!

extracrunchy (extracrunchy) 2013-06-06 16:39:37 +0500 #5

Thank you so much!

How do I book the Army Guest House? Do I need to know someone in the Army or do they rent out to civilians as well?

I included Muzaffarabad because I have some points on my card that I'll be redeeming at Muzaffarabads PC hotel.

Any other sights that are worth seeing here? Should I take something out and put something int the schedule??

Thanks again!

Bruit (Bruit) 2013-06-06 18:08:59 +0500 #6

extracrunchy;3901584:

Thank you so much!

How do I book the Army Guest House? Do I need to know someone in the Army or do they rent out to civilians as well?
The Road simply passes through the army unit in Helmat, and they rent out the guest house to civilian. While driving through the unit, confirm the availability and it shouldn't be a problem IA.

I included Muzaffarabad because I have some points on my card that I'll be redeeming at Muzaffarabads PC hotel.

Any other sights that are worth seeing here? Should I take something out and put something int the schedule??There are other sights/options but that won't fit in your schedule e.g domail, Naran etc. Also, make sure your family is really adventure loving else you'll end up with loads of complaints regarding the road/dust etc... The journey isn't bad at all but here in Pakistani culture, we are not used to travelling. Take bottled water with you, at times our stomachs aren't used to the spring water and gets upset stomach.

Thanks again!

For further info, most welcome to ask...

Sprite (Sprite) 2013-06-07 03:31:12 +0500 #7

Infact ! I dont recommend your plan for taking your car and family to Neelam valley. It will be quiet rough and tough for both.
Besides that you have only two days to visit Neelam valley. (1 whole day for Lahore - Muzaffarabad and 1 for Muzaffarabad - Lahore).
You will only be travelling in 4 days and that will be too hectic for family. Keep in mind that Neelam valley is not as developed as Galiaat.
No roads, no infrastructure, no hotels enroute. And taking your car beyond Keran would'nt be a wise decision.

extracrunchy (extracrunchy) 2013-06-07 07:43:25 +0500 #8

Thank you for the suggestions everyone!

I know it might be a little rough, but we're really inclined towards Neelum Valley because of the beauty/remoteness of the area. We should be fine as long as basic commodities are available (nothing luxurious). We could also stretch the stay in Neelum valley if we think we're running short on time.

If there are any other more beautiful and less rough areas to visit, then I'll be interested!

Thanks!

Bruit (Bruit) 2013-06-07 09:36:55 +0500 #9

Must go then... Your trip is worth your efforts/will... You can try Domail/Shounter valley, a very nice place... People are very well-mannered; Also, try to take something "Anti Bed-bugs..." medicines...

mrkt123 (mrkt123) 2013-06-23 04:06:37 +0500 #10

How was your trip?

KhalidMushtaq (KhalidMushtaq) 2013-06-24 10:34:57 +0500 #11

R u back from your trip?