muzaffarabad
General information
Muzaffarabad is the capital of Azad Kashmir Pakistan. It is located on the banks of the Jehlum & Neelum rivers. Muzaffarabad situated at the confluence of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers at a distance of 138 kilometres from Rawalpindi & Islamabad and about 76 kilometres from Abbottabad. Muzaffarabad city is connected to Islamabad by a motorway, increasing trade between the mainland and the autonomous region. Cradled by lofty mountains, Muzaffarabad reflects a blend of various cultures and languages.
The entrance to the Kashmir faces northwards and passes westwardly through Neelum and down towards Muzaffarabad, where trade had flourished prior to the Kashmir dispute between the India and Pakistan.
Places of Interest
There are many sight seeing area worth for hiking and day trips.
- Pir Chinasi
- Shaheed Gali
- Zalzal Lake Chikar
- River side swiming
- Food outlets in main Madina Market
Night Life with Activities
Night life in Muzaffarabad exist only with your group around BBQ and bone fire
Travel Information
There are two historical forts on opposite sides of the Neelum River, known as the Red Fort and the Black Fort.
The construction of the Red Fort was finally completed in 1646 by Sultan Muzaffar Khan, the founder of Muzaffarabad city. After the Mughals took over Kashmir, the fort lost its importance. The Mughals were more interested in Kabul, Bukhara and Badakhshan. During the period of Durani rule, however, the fort once again assumed its importance.
Maharaja Gulab Singh and Rambir Singh, the Dogra rulers, reconstructed and extended the fort for their political and military operations. Towards the middle of 1947, the Dogra forces were forced to leave due to happenings of 1947 in the princely state of J&K.
The architecture of the fort shows that great experts in design and structure participated in its construction. It is surrounded on three sides by the Neelum River. The northern part of the fort had terraces with steps leading to the bank of the river. The eastern side was well protected from the hazards of flood waters, but some parts on the north side have suffered damage. There used to be an inn at the entrance to the fort, but only traces of that structure remain now. The 2005 earthquake damaged this fort at large scale and now it is in very poor condition.