Shounter Valley: A Hidden Gem of Azad Kashmir
Shounter Valley is a remote valley located in the Neelum District of Azad Kashmir. It is a beautiful destination with several scenic spots, waterfalls, lakes, and natural wonders. The valley is located at an altitude of 8,620 feet (2,627 meters) above sea level and is known for its beautiful scenery, fresh air, and tranquility.
Weather:
The weather in Shounter Valley varies depending on the season. In general, the valley experiences a temperate climate with cool temperatures throughout the year due to its high altitude location. The summer season is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 24 degrees Celsius. The winter season in Shounter Valley is cold, with temperatures ranging from -9 to 4 degrees Celsius. The valley receives heavy snowfall during this season, and the roads may be closed due to snow.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Shounter Valley is from May to September when the weather is mild and the valley is at its most beautiful.
How to Reach There:
To reach Shounter Valley from Islamabad, you can follow this route:
1. Islamabad to Muzaffarabad:
Start your journey from Islamabad and drive towards Muzaffarabad, the capital city of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The distance between Islamabad and Muzaffarabad is approximately 126 miles (203 km) and can take around 3-4 hours to reach by car.
2. Muzaffarabad to Kel:
From Muzaffarabad, you can take a shared taxi or hire a private car to Kel, which is a town located in the Neelum Valley. The distance between Muzaffarabad and Kel is around 62 miles (100 km) and can take around 2-3 hours to reach by car.
3. Kel to Shounter Valley:
From Kel, you can hire a 4x4 jeep to travel to Shounter Valley, which is located about 12 miles (20 km) from Kel. The jeep ride can take around 1-2 hours, depending on the condition of the road.
Places to Visit There:
Here are some of the top places to visit in Shounter Valley:
Shounter Lake:
Shounter Lake is a spoon-shaped lake located in the heart of Shounter Valley. The lake is surrounded by lush green mountains and is a popular spot for camping, fishing, and trekking.
Shounter Lake
Chitta Katha Lake:
Chitta Katha Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in Shounter Valley at an altitude of 4100m. Chitta Katha is a local name that means "White Stream". The supernatural beauty and charm of this lake attract tourists and mesmerize them.
Chitta Katha Lake
Kutton Waterfall:
Kutton Waterfall is a stunning waterfall located near the town of Kundal Shahi, about 2 hours drive from Shounter Valley. The waterfall is a popular spot for picnics and photography. Visitors can enjoy a picnic or a BBQ with family and friends, or take a refreshing swim in the cool waters of the waterfall.
Kutton Waterfall
