If you have been looking for a place as beautiful as a paradise, Arang Kel Azad Kashmir is the right spot. It is heaven for those who are in love with nature and wish to explore its beauty to the deepest.
Many have heard about the beauty of Kashmir, especially Neelum Valley. Arang Kel, being a small village in Neelum Valley, has inherited the same beauty and therefore leaves its visitors in an awestruck state.
Furthermore, this picturesque place is a perfect holiday gateway to have a peaceful time away from the hectic city life. I have written everything you need to know before planning a trip to this pearl of Neelum Valley in this blog.
How To Reach Arang Kel
Arang Kel is at an elevation of 8,379 feet, therefore, the journey here is majestic. The tall mountains with lush green trees accompany you throughout the journey.
Luckily, there is no air travel facility, hence you will not be missing anything.
The journey to Arang Kel starts from Muzaffarabad. No matter which part of the country or the world you live in, you will need to come to Muzaffarabad first.
The journey from Muzaffarabad will take you to Sharda. Many people prefer staying here at night and exploring this beautiful place. You might also feel the urge to explore other beautiful places to visit in Azad Kashmir.
Sharda is approximately 210.1 km from Muzaffarabad. Furthermore, from here you can either take your car or book a jeep for a further journey to Kel.
Once you have reached Kel, there are only two ways of reaching Arang Kel; hike or chair life.
While many prefer a chairlift, which is controlled by the Pakistan army to ensure the safety of people, a hike is the better alternative. Walking in the arms of mother nature will give you a lifelong experience to cherish.
Nearby Places To Visit
Once you have explored the beautiful Arang Kel Azad Kashmir to your heart’s desire, there are a few nearby places you can visit. These places are a beauty of the amazing Neelum Valley and therefore are worth the visit.
Gurez Valley
If you are up for a thrilling adventure, head towards Gurez Valley. This place is home to breathtaking scenery accompanied by an adventurous route.
You will need to hire a professional Jeep driver to reach the destination. Moreover, there are several accommodation options. Thus you will have no worries about the night’s stay.
Sharda Peeth
The second place that you want to visit while exploring places near Arang Kel is Sharda Peeth. It is among a few religious sites in the area that shows the history of the place.
Sharda Peeth consists of temples, which makes it a sacred site for all Hindu tourists and a great way to explore the culture of others. It is also said that the temples used to be a great learning place for many Hindu Scholars.
Chitta Katha Lake
It is no secret that northern Pakistan is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Chitta Katha Lake in Shantour Valley is a place near Arang Kel that you must visit.
The lake, surrounded by magnificent snow-covered mountains, is easily approachable by the jeep. In addition, it is a site that will give you a beautiful feeling of peace and calmness.
Adventure For Hiking Lovers
No hiking lover will be disappointed on their trip to Arang Kel. You are welcomed by a hike at the beginning of your journey. The short yet challenging hike to Arang Kel is just the beginning.
Several other mountains offer hiking adventures. You can choose the one according to your choice and start your adventurous journey.
Furthermore, there are many other meadows and valleys around Arang Kel that can be approached by hike, thus you can satisfy your hiking lust.
Activities To Do In Arang Kel
Apart from resting with nature, there are several other things that you can do in Arang Kel. I have mentioned these things below for you thus you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Camping
One of the most interesting things to do in a place surrounded by mountains is camping. There are several camping options available in Arang Kel.
You can either bring your camping gear or book a camp pod. Moreover, there are several natives too who provide camping facilities to tourists. The prices can be negotiated by the locals.
Sightseeing
Since Kashmir is the paradise on Earth, the best thing you can do here is to look around at its beauty. Arang Kel is the perfect place to sightsee. Moreover, the night view of the place is more than anything you can ever wish about.
From mountains to forests, the place will give you a soul-satisfying experience.
Horse Riding
Horse Riding is one of the most interesting things to do in the mountains. It is also among the most famous sports here. Many locals will happily let you have their horses to ride in exchange for money.
Photography
Whether you are a professional photographer or not, the beauty of Arang Kel will make you want to take your cameras out and start capturing them.
In addition, you can record a vlog as well.
Bless your social media accounts with pictures of the beautiful Arang Kel here.
Exploring The Meadows
There are several meadows surrounding the beautiful Arang Kel. Therefore, it is a great opportunity to explore the nearby meadows. It will be a great way of spending your time.
Moreover, exploring meadows will let you have a close experience of the local cultures. Get in conversation with the locals and get to know about the history of the place.
Skiing
For those who wish to visit Arang Kel during winter, skiing is a perfect sport for you to enjoy. When the entire place is covered in dense snow, many enthusiasts turn to enjoy skiing.
However, if you are not aware of how to ski, you can sit back and watch professionals play the sport.
Bonfire
No one can deny the fun of bonfires. When the starry sky shines above you, the bonfire is a good option to enjoy your trip.
Many people in Arang Kel plan a bonfire with their friends and family to spend their time. When the weather is cold and the fire is burning in the middle, you can also plan a BBQ.
NOTE: Keep the environment clean and do not spread litter when doing the bonfire or BBQ.
Where To Sleep
Finding a good place to sleep is one of the most important things in a trip. Luckily there are several places in Arang Kel and Sharda. A few of them are mentioned below.
- Sharda Highland Hotel
- Hill View Guest House
- The Lodge Sharda
- Elysium Inn Guest House
Best Time To Visit Arang Kel
The best time to plan a trip to Arang Kel is from April to October. This is the time when the weather is at its best and the beauty is at its peak. In addition, July is a great month for those who plan on hiking.
Winters and Monsoon are the worst time to visit Arang Kel. The path is either covered in snow or slippery due to rain. Therefore, it is advised to avoid these seasons for the visit.
Necessary Things To Pack
Whenever planning a trip, it is necessary to make sure you have all the essentials with you. In case of missing anything, it can be hard to get new ones and cause you discomfort.
I have mentioned a few things that would come in handy while on a trip, therefore, make sure to pack them.
- Hiking Sticks
- Water Bottles
- Hiking Shoes
- Warm Clothes
- First Aid Box
- High Altitude sickness medicine
Conclusion
Arang Kel Azad Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places in Neelum Valley to visit. Being a calming place, it is perfect to have a family holiday or a friend’s trip.
Being in Neelum Valley, Arang Kel is also a perfect location to explore other places in Azad Kashmir. However, this breathtaking place is a perfect representation of what beauty Azad Kashmir holds for its visitors.
With the guide by me, you will get an overview of this tourist destination and have a great and well-planned trip.
