702mRiverHistoricalCulturalScenic

Muzaffarabad

About

The capital of Azad Kashmir, set at the dramatic confluence of the Neelum and Jhelum rivers below forested ridges. The gateway city for all travel into Neelum Valley and Leepa Valley, with the ruined Red Fort providing a striking reminder of its medieval past.

History

Muzaffarabad was founded in the 17th century by Sultan Muzaffar Khan of the Bomba dynasty. It served as the capital of the Karauli kingdom before being absorbed into the Sikh empire and later Kashmir. After 1947 it became the capital of Azad Kashmir. The 2005 earthquake caused catastrophic destruction in and around the city.

Nearby Places

Viewpoints, food, and stops nearby (approximate distances).

Landmark1.0 km
Red Fort (Muzaffarabad)
Ruined 17th-century fort of Sultan Muzaffar Khan on a ridge above the Neelum River.
Landmark2.0 km
AJK Museum
Small state museum covering the history and culture of Azad Kashmir.
Viewpoint3.0 km
Neelum-Jhelum Confluence
Dramatic point where the turquoise Neelum meets the grey-green Jhelum below the city.
Landmark25.0 km
Kohala Bridge
The main road bridge crossing into AJK from KPK on the Islamabad–Muzaffarabad highway.
Viewpoint30.0 km
Pir Chinasi
High ridge viewpoint at 2,743m with sweeping views of the Jhelum-Neelum valley system.