A family picture in front of Dhani Waterfall.
A beautiful, elevated view from Wadi Resort in Sharda; Bilal holding Ayra.
Bilal Ahmed Khan along with his wife, Faryal Khaleeq, and their daughter Ayra Khan went on a family summer trip to Kashmir. They planned the guided tour through Tour Operator m/s Rover Pakistan and were accompanied by twenty-five other participants. Bilal is the nephew of Saudi Aramco Ex-Employee Association (SAEEA) Vice President Engr. Iqbal Ahmed Khan.
A close-up of the hotel in Taobat; Bilal and Ayra.
Ayra Khan having fun at a swing in Taobat.
A rope bridge above the Neelam River in Taobat.
As the sun began to rise on a pleasant Saturday morning, we embarked on an exciting adventure from Karachi to Islamabad with Faisal Movers in their luxurious business class bus. The comfortable journey allowed us to unwind and anticipate the beautiful destinations ahead. After hours of travel, we arrived in the serene capital city. Our overnight stay at the Islamabad Premier Hotel was a delightful treat. The hotel's warm hospitality and luxurious amenities refreshed our spirits after the long trip. We took this opportunity to plan our next few days as we explored the capital's attractions.
Baby Ayra having fun at a chai shop on a hiking trail.
A family picture at the bridge of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.
The Indian Border can be seen from a place called Chilliana in Azad Kashmir.
Monday marked the beginning of our exploration of the northern wonders. We set out towards Sharda via Muzaffarabad, eagerly anticipating the breathtaking landscapes that awaited us. The road journey was an enchanting experience in itself, offering picturesque views of valleys and rivers along the way. Sharda is a picturesque village located in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir. Known for its lush greenery, captivating landscapes, and the serene Neelum River flowing through, Sharda is a popular tourist destination.
Ayra is having a blast and enjoying her time.
Baby Ayra enjoying in front of a river.
Bilal and Ayra in front of the Indian flag. This is a 100m river that separates Pakistan from India.
The village is also famous for the Sharda University, an ancient seat of learning dating back to the 6th century. Upon reaching Sharda, we were welcomed at the Wadi Resort, where we would spend the night. The Wadi Resort in Sharda offers a tranquil and serene environment for travelers. Set amidst the mesmerizing beauty of Neelum Valley, the resort provides comfortable accommodation, and its location near the Neelum River allows guests to enjoy the soothing sound of water flowing. The resort's serene surroundings and comfortable accommodations made us feel right at home. We explored the charming town of Sharda, and its captivating beauty left us in awe.
A beautiful view from our hotel.
Ayra and Bilal resting at a pit stop.
Tuesday's journey took us from Sharda to the charming village of Taobat. The drive was an adventure of its own, winding through lush forests and scenic hills. Taobat is a quaint village in Neelum Valley, known for its untouched natural beauty and traditional way of life. The village is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking peaceful retreats. Upon arriving at Taobat, we settled into a cozy cottage, where an overnight stay with dinner and bonfire awaited us and we basked in the tranquillity of the surroundings. The warm ambiance and delicious meal created memories we'd cherish forever.
A board showing the history of the river at Kutton in AJK.
A direction board while we were on the way.
An amazing and picturesque view of a valley with a river and mountains.
The next morning, we explored the hidden gems of Taobat. The village's rustic charm and friendly locals added to the magic of the place. Later in the day, we visited the awe-inspiring Margalla Waterfall, a true natural wonder that left us mesmerized by its cascading beauty.
Wednesday saw us return to Sharda for another night's stay at Wadi Resort. Along with exploring more of Sharda's attractions, we indulged in shopping at the local market. The market offered a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs that we bought to remember this remarkable journey.
Another elevated view from the waterfall showing the mountains.
On Thursday, we set off toward Kutton, a destination known for its stunning landscapes. Kutton, also known as Jagran Valley, is a serene and scenic village in Neelum Valley. It is surrounded by lush green forests and offers breathtaking views of the Jagran River and the surrounding mountains. Our accommodation for the night was at the delightful Ibex Cottages, surrounded by nature's grandeur. The breathtaking views of the lush greenery were truly invigorating.
Bonfire in Taobat.
A beautiful night view of Islamabad from Monal Restaurant.
The infamous Monal Restaurant of Islamabad.
As our travelogue approached its conclusion, we started our journey back to Islamabad on Friday. We enjoyed every moment of our stay at Kutton and Ibex Cottages, capturing the memories through photographs and heartfelt conversations with fellow travellers.
On Saturday, it was time to bid farewell to the enchanting northern beauty. We departed from Islamabad to Karachi with Faisal Movers in Business Class, cherishing the memories of an unforgettable journey that had brought us closer to the natural wonders of Pakistan.