History of Neelum

Neelam Valley 
(also spelled Neelum Valley) (Urdu: وادیِ نیلم ‎) is a 200 km long bow-shaped deeply forested region in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is consist of Neelam District has two tehsils Athmuqam and Shardah. Neelam Valley is situated at the North & North-East of Muzaffarabad, running parallel to Kaghan Valley. The two valleys are only separated by snow-covered peaks, some over 4000 meters above sea level. Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views, towering hills on both sides of the noisy Neelam river, lush green forests, enchanting streams and attractive surroundings make the valley a dream come.The valley is connected from Muzaffarabad by Neelam road, which leads up to Kel. The road condition from Muzaffarabad to Athmuqam is very good and suitable for any kind of transport. From Keran to Kel road condition is not well and not suitable for low floor vehicles. In winters road onward Keran block due to heavy snowfall and it is very difficult to reach upper parts of the valley. Vans serve is only Muzaffarabad to Athmuqam after every 30 minutes. Buses run daily between Muzaffarabad and Kel in good weather. Jeeps and horses are available to reach remote areas of the valley. Communication.The valley has GSM coverage only two stations Kundal Shahi and Athmuqam. In Tehsil Athmuqam up to Dwariaan landline phones are available for communication. Accommodation.Rest houses and lodges of AJK Tourism and Archeology Department are located in Keran, Kutton, Dawarrian, Sharda, Kel and Taobat for tourists stay. Some private hotels and rest houses with basic facilities are also located there.
Towns and Villages 
Athmuqam is situated at a height of 1371m, it is the sub-divisional headquarters of the area. It is an attractive place known for its variety of fruit. All necessary facilities via bazaars, post offices, banks, hospitals, and telephone exchanges are present.at a distance of about 9 km from Athmuqam,
Neelum is situated on the right bank of the river Neelum at 1524m above sea level with fascinating scenery. The panoramic lush green valley is profound in fruit and wildlife.
Keran is a tourist resort on the bank of Neelam river near Nelaam village. A rest house of Tourism and Archeology Department and some private hotels are located there for tourists stay.
Kutton Is located 8 kilometers from Kundal Shahi on the bank of Jagran stream. Its also known as Jagran Valley.
Sharda A breath-taking green spot at an altitude of 1981m. Shardi and Nardi are two mountain peaks overlooking the valley, reputedly named after legendary princess Sharda. It has a captivating landscape with numerous springs and hill-sides covered with trees. On the right bank, opposite Sharda, the Neelum is joined by the Surgan Nallah along which a track leads to Nurinar Pass and through it to the Kaghan Valley. Ruins of an old Buddhist University can also be found in Sharda.
Kel A small village situated at a height of 2097m. This is another picturesque place in the Neelum Valley. The Shounter Nallah joins river Neelum at this place and leads to Gilgit Agency (Northern Areas) over the Shandur at 4420m.
Dowarian is lush hilly village about 22 km away from Authmuqam. It is the base camp for Ratti Gali lake located at the border of Dawarian and Kaghan Valley. This village has very high literacy rate in all over the Neelam, which is about 80%. In Dowarian there are oldest Govt school also located.