Taobat: The Ultimate Travel Guide to the Last Village on Line of Control in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Описание: Taobat: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Taobat is a charming village, nestled on the banks of the River Neelam, in Gurez Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. This unbelievably beautiful riverside hamlet is the last station of Neelam Valley located at distance of 200 kilometers from Muzaffarabad & 39 kilometers from Kel.

Gurez valley is divided into three regions. The area from Toabat to Sharda Peeth is administered by Pakistan as Neelum District, that between Kamri and Minimarg is also administered by Pakistan as Astore District, Gilgit-Baltistan, and that from Taobat to Abdullah Tulail is known as Gurez Tehsil and falls in District Bandipore of Indian Occupied Kashmir.

In 1895, the British author Sir Roper Walter Lawrence (1857-1940) called the Gurez Valley “one of the most beautiful scenes in all of Kashmir,” where the tourmaline waters of the Kishenganga River are framed by “mountain scarps of indescribable grandeur.” In his book "The Valley of Kashmir" which he wrote after traveling throughout the princely state and predicted that Gurez would soon become one of Kashmir’s most popular Himalayan tourist destinations.

The drive from Kel to Taobat is certainly the best one in the world in terms of its mesmerising scenic beauty which will leave you in awe. The route offers pretty villages (Janwai, Sardari, Shundas, Kareem Abad & Halmat) with wooden cottages, enchanting waterfalls, flower-covered meadows, heavily forested mountains & a roaring river. In the end, one realises that sometimes journey is more important than the destination.

Fast Facts:

• Muzaffarabad to Kel: 200-km in 9 to 10 hours drive.
• Kel to Taobat: 39-km is around 3 to 4 hours drive.
• Road Condition: From Kel onwards the road is unmetalled & only accessible for 4x4 vehicles.
• Neelam River: The 245 km long river covers 50-kms in the IOK & the remaining 195 km in Pakistan’s part of Kashmir.
• Neelam River: It enters in Pakistan near Taobat and merges in Jhelum River near Muzaffarabad
• Taobat: Comprises of 4 Settlements, Taobat-I & II, Taobat Bala & Upper Taobat
• Line of Control: Established in July 1972, the 861-km Line of Control separates Indian and Pakistani-controlled parts of Kashmir.

When is the best time to visit Taobat?

Taobat is a seasonal tourist destination. May-August is the peak season, while very few tourists visit during the winters due to the harsh weather and snowfall.

What are the Attractions of Neelam Valley?

1. Kundal Shahi / Jagran Waterfall
2. Keran and Upper Neelam Village
3. Sharda and Baboon Valley
4. Arng Kel
5. Shounter Valley: Chitta Katha Lake, Shounter Lake and Waterfall
6. Ratti Gali Lake

How to get to Taobat?

Neelam valley is connected by a road (Neelam Valley - Muzaffarabad Road) that snakes alongside the Neelum River and ends at the village of Taobat which is around 200 km from Muzaffarabad and 39 km from Kel.

Mobile Networks: SCOM & UFone

Date of Visit:
May 15 & 16, 2021

Location on Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SaJMn6jphSXTj...

Camera Gear:

Sony A7-III with Sony 16-35 Lens
DJI Mavic Air 2
GoPro Hero 7 & 9 Black

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