A Hidden Jewel of Azad Kashmir
For anyone seeking beauty that takes the breath away, Neelum District in Azad Kashmir is a paradise waiting to be discovered. Nestled between soaring Himalayan peaks and the winding Neelum River, this region has remained largely untouched by mass tourism.
Foreign travellers who make the journey are rewarded with pristine lakes, ancient ruins, lush valleys, and the unmatched hospitality of Kashmiri families.
But Neelum is more than just a tourist destination. It is also home to resilient communities, many of whom rely on agriculture, handicrafts, and small-scale tourism to survive. As a UK visitor, your journey here is not only about seeing natural wonders, but also about supporting families who struggle against poverty, conflict, and lack of infrastructure.
The Kashmir Welfare Foundation believes that sustainable tourism can provide dignity and livelihoods for widows, orphans, and vulnerable households across Neelum. Every pound you spend, every donation you give, can help strengthen these communities, ensuring they benefit from the beauty that surrounds them.
1. Sharda Peeth – A Window Into Ancient Civilisation
On the banks of the Neelum River lies Sharda Peeth, an archaeological treasure and one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in South Asia. Once home to the Sharda University, this sacred space attracted scholars from across the subcontinent, making it a hub of knowledge and spirituality.
Today, the ruins tell the story of Kashmir’s shared cultural heritage. Foreign tourists visiting Sharda can walk among centuries-old stones while listening to local stories about faith, resilience, and coexistence. Beyond its historical importance, Sharda’s surrounding valley is a serene escape, where travellers can take boat rides on the river or enjoy the quiet hum of village life.
For Kashmiri families in the region, preserving heritage like Sharda Peeth is also about survival. Income from visitors allows locals to run guesthouses, sell handicrafts, and guide travellers. Supporting Kashmir Welfare Foundation’s Income Generation Programme helps families create sustainable livelihoods that complement tourism and protect history for future generations.
2. Kel Valley – Nature’s Grandeur
Driving further into Neelum brings you to Kel Valley, a breathtaking landscape of snow-capped peaks and meadows dotted with wildflowers. For nature lovers, Kel offers endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and photography. The Neelum River runs like a silver ribbon through the valley, with suspension bridges connecting remote hamlets.
Foreign visitors are often struck by the simplicity of life in Kel. Here, children still walk miles to school, women carry water on their heads, and families rely on small harvests to survive the winter. Yet, their hospitality is unmatched. A simple cup of salted Kashmiri tea offered by a villager becomes an unforgettable memory.
By linking tourism with aid, UK donors can make a real difference. Imagine a widow who runs a small tea stall for hikers, supported with a microloan to expand her business. Your donations to Kashmir Welfare Foundation’s Income Generation or Widows Relief campaigns transform these opportunities into lasting empowerment.
3. Arang Kel – The Hidden Paradise
Above Kel Valley lies Arang Kel, a remote village often described as the “pearl of Neelum.” Reaching it requires crossing a hanging bridge and trekking through pine forests on steep trails. The climb is tough, but the reward is extraordinary: panoramic views of lush valleys and mountains that look like a painting brought to life.
In Arang Kel, the silence of nature is broken only by birdsong, the laughter of children, and the distant call to prayer echoing from a small mosque. Visitors often find themselves reflecting on the simplicity of life here, where families live in wooden cottages surrounded by orchards and streams.
This beauty, however, hides hardship. Winters are brutal, cutting off entire villages for months. Many families lack basic heating, medical access, and steady incomes. This is where Regular Giving from UK donors plays a crucial role. By contributing consistently, you provide stability to families living in the most remote corners of Kashmir, helping them survive winters and invest in brighter futures.
4. Ratti Gali Lake – The Crown Jewel
For those seeking untouched natural beauty, Ratti Gali Lake is perhaps the most iconic destination in Neelum. Surrounded by towering peaks and alpine meadows, the lake glows a mesmerising turquoise under the sun. Trekking to Ratti Gali is not for the faint-hearted, but every step brings you closer to a scene that feels almost otherworldly.
Foreign tourists often camp near the lake, watching sunsets paint the water in shades of orange and pink. For local families, however, the lake is not just a natural wonder but also a fragile resource. Climate change and unregulated tourism risk damaging its ecosystem.
By supporting Kashmir Welfare Foundation’s Green Kashmir Campaign, UK donors can help ensure that sites like Ratti Gali remain preserved for generations. Planting trees, protecting water sources, and promoting sustainable travel are all vital steps to safeguarding this jewel of Neelum.
5. Kutton Waterfall – Nature’s Symphony
In Jagran Valley, Kutton Waterfall cascades dramatically through lush mountains, creating a sight that captivates travellers. The sound of gushing water blends with birdsong, creating a natural symphony that refreshes body and soul.
Tourists often picnic here, enjoying the cool mist on their faces. For local families, however, the waterfall represents both beauty and opportunity. With better infrastructure, the area could attract more visitors, creating income for small vendors, guides, and guesthouses.
Your support through Kashmir Welfare Foundation’s Zakat donations ensures that struggling families in tourist zones have access to education, healthcare, and livelihoods. Charity here is not just relief, it is empowerment.
Why UK Donors Should Care About Tourism in Neelum
For many UK donors, supporting Kashmir is about more than charity. It is about connection. Families in the diaspora remember the valleys, rivers, and mosques of their homeland. When they give, they are not just helping strangers, they are supporting their own history and heritage.
Tourism in Neelum is more than sightseeing. It is a chance to:
- Preserve cultural heritage like Sharda Peeth.
- Empower families through income generation linked to tourism.
- Protect the environment for future generations.
- Strengthen diaspora ties, reminding the world of Kashmir’s resilience.
Through Kashmir Welfare Foundation, your donations bridge the gap between visitors and locals. You help create a Kashmir where tourists leave inspired and families live with dignity.
💷 Gift Aid adds 25% extra at no cost to you.
Support Those In Need
Neelum District’s valleys and mountains are waiting to welcome you. But for the families who live there, every day is a struggle for survival. Your support ensures that the beauty of Neelum is matched by opportunities for its people.
👉 Donate your Zakat, Sadaqah, or set up Regular Giving today. Together, we can empower Neelum’s communities and keep this paradise alive for generations.
FAQs
1. Is Neelum District safe for foreign tourists?
Yes, Neelum District is safe for visitors. The region is peaceful, and local communities are warm and welcoming. Basic precautions, such as travelling with local guides, are advised.
2. How can UK donors support tourism-linked families in Neelum?
Donors can contribute to Kashmir Welfare Foundation’s Income Generation projects, which provide sewing machines, market stalls, and small business grants to families.
3. Why is sustainable tourism important in Azad Kashmir?
Without careful management, tourism can harm fragile ecosystems. Supporting tree planting and eco-friendly infrastructure ensures Neelum remains beautiful and safe for locals and visitors.
4. What is the best time to visit Neelum District?
The ideal time is between May and September, when roads are accessible, meadows bloom, and mountain treks are possible. Winters are harsh and often block access.
5. Can charity really make a difference in Neelum?
Yes. Donations provide widows with businesses, orphans with education, and whole families with dignity. Tourism brings visitors, but charity ensures the benefits reach every household.
