In This Post:
About Muzaffarabad
Location of Muzaffarabad
Places to Visit in Muzaffarabad
Climate of Muzaffarabad
Food Items in Muzaffarabad
Souvenirs from Muzaffarabad
When most people consider planning a holiday trip in Pakistan, the instant thought or suggestion they get is to witness the hugely understated beauty of the Northern areas in Pakistan. However, we decided to up the ante by compiling a detailed guide on the capital of Pakistan’s personal paradise – Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
As usual, we will begin with an introduction to the area, and then move on to give you a virtual tour of the location. And, before concluding the post, we will make sure that you are aware of everything you need to carry and do while being mesmerised by the carbon copy of heaven itself.
Let’s get packing!
About Muzaffarabad, AJK
Situated at the junction of Pakistan’s two most important rivers – Jehlum and Neelum – Muzaffarabad spans over an area of sixteen hundred square kilometres and serves as the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Muzaffarabad, without any doubt, is one of Pakistan’s most charming locations, and it has something for everyone: from history and culture to fine food and adventures. Lush green valleys, milky springs, astonishing wildlife, perfect weather, and colour-shifting sky – the capital of AJK is nothing short of an ideal vacation away from the monotony of the routine life.
Apart from boasting natural beauty and majestic landscapes, the city is equally developed in terms of population. According to the latest census of 2017, the total population of the city was around 6.5 lakh.
For a general idea about the lifestyle of the people of Muzaffarabad, visitors who already observed it closely have opined that the cultural values of the city are not any different from the rest of Pakistan. Men and women both dress modestly in shalwar kameez, while women usually cover their head and body with a Kashmiri shawl.
If you are intrigued by what you have already heard and read about the capital of AJK, then read the next part of this blog to understand how to get there from Islamabad — the federal capital of Pakistan.
Distance of Muzaffarabad from Islamabad
Muzaffarabad is situated approximately 130 km to the north of Islamabad. It takes a drive of not more than 4 hours to get there, provided the weather conditions allow for cruising speed. The first and most commonly used route by visitors is via Islamabad-Murree Expressway and then turning on to Kohala-Muzaffarabad Road. An alternative route to Muzaffarabad from Islamabad is via Hazara Expressway, making it a longer journey of around 213 km.
If you are worried about road conditions, worry not! You can easily reach Muzaffarabad as roads are almost well-paved and carpeted. But once you arrive in the city, be prepared for a little roller coaster ride.
Places to Visit in Muzaffarabad, AJK
Just like any other city in Pakistan, the capital city of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is divided and then sub-divided into many small boroughs and neighbourhoods – each part of this place offers a unique culture and boasts a rich heritage. However, the most popular areas worth visiting in Muzaffarabad are:
- Kundle Shahi: Situated a little ahead of Muzaffarabad, Kundle Shahi is a stream that joins Neelum River – nestled in Neelum Valley, also deemed one of the best weekend getaways from Islamabad. The abundance of trout fish is the most magnetic thing about this place that attracts travellers to visit the spot at least once in their life.
- Muzaffarabad Fort: Muzaffarabad is home to two historical forts that are a dream come true for any history buff. Built during the Mughal Era, these forts are situated on opposite sides of the Neelum River. The forts are commonly known as Red Fort and Black Fort.
- Patikka: Around 19 km from Muzaffarabad, Pattika is the first tourist spot between Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley. If you are fond of observing wildlife, especially marine life, then Patikka is a place to be. For desi dining options, Patika also boasts two famous restaurants: Marco Polo Restaurant and Green Valley Restaurant.
- Shaheed Gali: Shaheed Gali is not far from Muzaffarabad, either. A drive of 16 km from westward of the capital can take you to witness the beauty of this place.
Climate of Muzaffarabad, AJK
The climate of Muzaffarabad remains moderate throughout the year. Meanwhile, the weather is quite predictable, too. Just like any other part of Pakistan, January is the coldest month of the year, and June is the hottest. The area also witnesses heavy snowfall during winters and rainfall every year during the monsoon season.
Now, the choice about when to visit completely depends on you. If you are someone who is intrigued by winter activities and snowfall, then you will certainly enjoy visiting the city during winters; otherwise, summers have a lot to offer, too – from flowerbeds to green gardens.
Must-Try Delicacies in Muzaffarabad, AJK
Trust us when we say that Muzaffarabad is a haven for foodies and food bloggers. The city boasts a never-ending menu when it comes to variety and choice. You are sure to satisfy your appetite with the many delicious cuisines served in the city. So, where should you begin your food adventures?
Well, what Biryani is to Karachi, Kashmiri pulao is to Muzaffarabad – it is a common sight to see travellers grouping up to start their culinary journey with this very dish. You will find many people enjoying this special Kashmiri food sitting at dhabas in bazaars or anywhere in the city. Visitors also feast upon balti gosht, yakhni, chicken korma, and hareesa, while vegetarians can also enjoy lip-smacking food like dal makhni, dum aloo, methi chawal, palak paneer, and much more.
Do not forget to get your hands on tawa gosht, a rather easy way to get close to cloud nine. Enjoy it with naan or kulchas on a cold night to warm yourself up.
When you are done with dining and seriously craving some desi dessert, you can complement your meals with sawaiyan, firni, kheer, panjeeri, and other fulfilling desserts.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a crunchy appetiser or something to go with Kashmiri chai, do not think twice and go for freshly-baked bakar khanis.
Souvenirs from Muzaffarabad
Overall, there’s a lot to do and see in this part of Kashmir, but in our guide to the capital of AJK, we have covered all the important experiences that you cannot afford to miss. Before you pack your bags and head back home, make sure to take something that will help you cherish the time spent in the magical city. Kashmiri bazaars are never short of embedded crafts that count as a good gift or you can also keep them as a personal souvenir. Here’s a list of things to buy as souvenirs from Muzaffarabad:
Handwoven carpets: There are two types of carpets you will find in Kashmiri bazaars, “ghubba” (bigger rugs) and “namda” (smaller rugs).
Kashmiri shawls and phairan: Pakistanis are not unfamiliar with the delicate Kashmiri shawls while phairan (Kashmiri traditional dress) also counts as a unique gift for your loved ones.
Kangri: It is a beautifully designed pot with iconic patterns. It serves as a really cool showpiece that will enhance the interior of your home.
This brings us to the end of our post. If you are eager to explore other parts of Kashmir, head over to our recently published guide for tourists in Kashmir. Subscribe to Zameen Blog for more tourism-related posts.
