Muzaffarabad is the capital of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan. It is located on the banks of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers.

It is bounded by Khyber Pakhtun Khwa Province in the west, by the Kupwara and Baramulla districts of on the Indian side of the Line of Control in the east, and the Neelum District of Azad Kashmir in the north.

Muzaffarabad was the epicenter of the October 2005 earthquake that killed over 75,000 people. The city was devastated and has been rebuilt Once can visit Muzaffarabad from Islamabad by road it is about 4 Hours drive via Murree or 4 & half hour drive via Abbottabad. Muzaffarabad offers breathtaking views of the Tarai mountains the foothills of Himalaya.

There is a 5-star hotel run by the local chain Pearl Continental Hotels. Places to See. Muzaffarabad Forts There are two historical forts on opposite sides of the Neelum River. Red Fort and Black Fort The construction of the Red Fort was finally completed in 1646 by Sultan Muzaffar Khan, the founder of Muzaffarabad city. After the Mughals took over Kashmir, the fort lost its importance.

The Mughals were more interested in Kabul, Bukhara, and Badakshan. During the period of Durrani rule, however, the fort again once again assumed its importance. Maharaja Gulab Singh and Rambir Singh, the Dogra rulers, reconstructed and extended the fort for their political and military operations. Towards the middle of 1947, the Dogra forces left, leaving the fort abandoned. The architecture of the fort shows that great experts in design and structure participated in its construction. It is surrounded on three sides by the Neelum River formally known as the Kishenganga River.

The northern part of the fort had terraces with steps leading to the bank of the river. The eastern side was very well protected from the hazards of flood waters, but some parts on the north side have suffered damage. There used to be an inn at the entrance to the fort, but only traces of that structure remain now. Pir Chinassi located in the east of Muzaffarabad.

Due to its scenic beauty, velvet green plateaus and wonderful climate, it is visited by many local tourists. The view of the summit of the mountain peaks spells bounds a tourist. It is also the shrine of Saint Shah Hussain Bukhari where Devotees take a pilgrimage to rejuvenate. The adjacent Pirchinassi, phawna da Danna and the areas in the bottom of Pirchinassi are also worth seen and ideal for hiking, trekking and camping activities.

Kashmir Tourism Department has also constructed a tourist lodge at Saran. Shaheed Gali Situated at the height of 1640 meters above sea level at a distance of about 16 kilometers westward from Muzaffarabad.

From Shaheed Gali, a trek of 4 Kms leads towards a spot namely "Sri Kot". A tourist is bound to be fascinated by the serenity for the backdrop of the area. A Tourist Rest House is available for accommodation at Shaheed Gali. Patikka Located at a distance of 19 Km from Muzaffarabad, is a gateway to Neelum valley.

There is also A mini zoo and a fish hatchery. Tourism Department has constructed a Tourist Rest House here, which is very popular among tourists. Chehla Bridge Subri (Langarpura) Lake Kundle Shahi is 74 Kms from Muzaffarabad. Here, silvery stream joins river Neelum, where trout fish is found abundantly.

Chikkar is a beautiful summer station at a distance of 46 Kms from Muzaffarabad on top of the mountain. The outstanding features of this beautiful place are its climate and sceneries. 10 Kms from Chikkar is another worth seen hill station in the middle of dense green pine forests and is linked by a fair weather road.

Muzaffarabad can be visited for different activities like hiking, trekking, and camping at the foothills regions of the Pir Chinassi, Saran, Sun Bun, Muskhi, Sakki, and Jarran. Try Kashmiri Pink Tea.

You can take Kashmiri Kulcha as a snack. Kashmiri Kulcha is different from Kulcha sold in Lahore or Gujranwala. If you have time try typical Kashmiri Dishes like Goshtawa etc but its hard to find the real one.