Muzaffarabad

Introduction

You will find Muzaffarabad situated as the capital and largest city of Azad Kashmir. Located within a Pakistani-administered administrative territory in the disputed Kashmir region, it serves as a central hub for the area.

Before you go

Before you visit Muzaffarabad, it is helpful to understand the historical layers of this city. Established in 1646 by Sultan Muzaffar Khan, the area features a red fort originally constructed to defend against the Mughals.

You should also be aware of the city's recent history as the epicenter of a devastating earthquake in 2005. While the site was once filled with tent camps and non-government organizations following the disaster, rebuilding efforts have progressed slowly over time.

Getting there

You can reach Muzaffarabad by road, which serves as the primary way to enter the city. While an airport exists within the city, it is not operational. You can opt for a scenic journey from Islamabad via buses or minibuses.

If you choose to drive your own vehicle, taking the route through Murree provides the quickest path from Islamabad. After passing through Murree, the road becomes thin and winding as you head toward Kohala, the entry point into Azad Kashmir where you will pass through a checkpoint. Because the roads are frequently undergoing repairs and upgrades—resulting in slow, unpaved, and bumpy sections—it is highly recommended that you drive this route during daylight hours.

Getting around

Information regarding transportation and local transit options within Muzaffarabad is not currently available.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of guest houses, rest houses, motels, and hotels located near the city's main tourist spots. These accommodations can be booked in advance through their respective offices in Muzaffarabad.

Depending on your preference for atmosphere and amenities, you can find diverse lodging options across different areas:

• Stay at a family guest house in the Naluchi area to enjoy basic necessities, laundry services, and views of the bridge and government buildings.
• Choose a hotel near the Quaid-e-Azam Bridge and Red Fort where your balcony offers views of the Neelum River and nearby hills.
• Opt for a five-star hotel in Upper Chattar featuring a pool, hot tub, gym, and an atrium.
• Select a guest house with a rooftop veranda and restaurant near the government buildings.
• Find an economical option that feels like staying in a private home if you prefer a simple stay with clean facilities.
• Stay at a location on Tanga Adda Road to enjoy views over the city.

Food & drink

Savor the local flavors of Pakistan and Kashmir, which are served throughout the city. You can find a variety of international options including Chinese and Italian dishes. When dining out, you should ask your server what has been freshly cooked. For a traditional experience, try Chicken Karahi, a dish that is easy to prepare and often cooked in view of the guests. You can also enjoy Kashmiri Nan or grab a Kashmiri Kulcha as a snack; note that this bread differs from those found in other regions. While authentic dishes like Goshtaba can be difficult to find, you may locate them along with Kashmiri tea, Kulcha, and Bakarkhani in the Kashmiri Bazaar located in the center of the city.

For your beverages, stick to bottled mineral water which is available in various sizes. Soft drinks are also widely accessible. While alcohol is not officially served, it can be obtained unofficially at certain hotels.

What to see and do

Explore the historical architecture of Muzaffarabad by visiting the Red Fort, which was constructed in the 17th century and features intricate design work. Located on the north side of town near the Neelum River, this fort was historically significant under both Durrani and Dogra rule. You can also visit other local landmarks such as the AJK Assembly, the AJK Supreme Court, the Mosque Assembly Secretariat, and the Kh. Khurshid Tomb.

For those seeking natural beauty, you can explore several nearby destinations:

• Jalalabad Garden, where you can view tulips during their season and see various types of fowl roaming the grounds.
• Patikka, a gateway to the Neelum Valley that features a mini zoo and a fish hatchery.
• Pir Chinasi, known for its velvet green plateaus and scenic mountain peaks, which offers opportunities for hiking, trekking, and camping in the surrounding areas like Saran.
• Shaheed Gali, where you can enjoy a serene atmosphere and embark on a trek toward Sri Kot.
• The high-altitude vistas of Makra Choti or the alpine scenery of Dhani Waterfall within the Neelum River Valley.
• Chikar Highland Resort, a summer station characterized by its mountain views and climate, as well as nearby areas nestled in dense green pine forests.
• Subri Lake, which provides a scenic viewpoint along the Jhelum River.

Three days in Muzaffarabad

Day one, you can begin your journey in Muzaffarabad by exploring the local surroundings. You can find a variety of flavors to savor, such as Chicken Karahi and Kashmiri Nan.

Day two, you can travel toward the Neelum River. You might choose to visit the Red Fort or explore the area near Tanga Adda Road.

Day three, you can head toward Upper Chattar. You can also cross the Azam Bridge as you experience the landscape of Azad Kashmir.