it is a valley of fountains, springs, waterfalls, flowering trees and plants. Geographically too, it is a hospitable valley. The Neelum Valley, 144 km long bow-shaped with majestic pine, fir and deodar trees, lies north-south of Muzaffarabad (capital). This ninety-mile long kingdom of vegetation is ripped apart by the indigoblue Neelum river which flows serpentinely down hills to merge itself into the river Jhelum at Domail. Domail, the confluence of two mighty rivers, presents highly fascinating scene of youthful embrace. This heart-warning spectacle is most soothing to the eye.
The geographical features enhance the natural beauty of the Valley. Its elevation, a mere 600 m at the start, gradually rises till it attains a respectable height of 2425 m. On both sides there are high mountains and peaks. Nearly all the forest wealth of Azad Kashmir is to be found in this vally.
There are two approaches to the valley. One from the Kaghan Valley which is linked with it at two points, the Nuri Nari Hali (Pass) and the Ratti Gali and many minor Passes. From Dawarian, it takes two days for hiking or riding and night stay at Dharian at 3640 m.
The second approach is from Muzaffarabad. It is a distance of 88 km which is jeepable in fair weather. The Neelum meets the Jhelum river at Domail (meeting of the two) on the outskirts of Muzaffarabad city. From Paticka forest one reaches Nosari, 39 km ahead of Muzaffarabad. Next come Chaliana (height 970 m), Qazi Nag, Barian, Salkhela, Kundal Shahi, Athmaqam on this road. On a number of places, the local population has built rope crossings on the river.
Tao Butt is an example of vegetational generosity of the mother nature. The spot is donned with all delicacies and niceties. Nature flirts here with fantastic environment. The forest wealth abounds in the Neelum Valley. Deodar, pine, fir, wild walnut, strawberry and hosts of other high statured trees and other types of wild growth and herbs are the treasure of the valley. Besides being invaluable in economic terms, the variety of natural growth offers a captivating scenery. Shunder Hill tops are covered with green forests and the fields are lush green with crops.
