Arang Kel is a village of a chairlift-and-hike holiday and at the other, Taobat is one of the most out-of-the-way motorable points in Pakistan, hugging the Line of Control. They are both combined into one trip, then a lot of ground was covered in four days, but it can be done correctly if the route planned the right way.
A comprehensive schedule and a description of what to expect at the checkpoints, on the chairlifts, and approximate package rates.
4-Day Itinerary: Arang Kel & Taobat
Day 1: Islamabad to Keran (via Muzaffarabad)
- Leave Islamabad or Rawalpindi early and head towards Muzaffarabad, then proceed along the Neelum Valley Road.
- Take a detour off the main road to Kundal Shahi (Kutton) Waterfall for a stop and to take photos.
- Cross the Neelum River to the peaceful mornings and frontier village of Keran, a riverside village opposite Indian-administered Kashmir.
- Overnight in Keran where the guest houses are more established than up the valley.
Day 2: Keran to Kel, Chairlift to Arang Kel
- Then head on toward Sharda (where remains of the ancient Sharda Peeth learning center can be found, from the 9th century).
- Continue on to the base village of Arang Kel, the better provisioned point in the upper valley, of Kel.
- Take the chairlift across the Neelum River in the afternoon and then go for a 30-45 minute hike up the hill to Arang Kel.
- Enjoy a night in Arang Kel meadows, enjoying the breathtaking scenery across the gorge, and glimpses of villages on the other side of the Line of Control on clear days.
- Overnight in Arang Kel in a homestay or guesthouse or spend the night in Kel which is a more comfortable place.
Day 3: Kel to Taobat by Jeep
- Organise a jeep from Kel and the drive will take about 45kms, with at least a 4 hour journey on a narrow winding mountain road.
- You will be asked for your identity at checkpoints throughout the route, especially at Halmat before arriving at Taobat. All travelers should bring their original CNIC (or passport for foreigners and those with the necessary permits) for these stops as one member of the group will usually have submitted their ID at Kel.
- In Taobat, explore Taobat Bala and local Bailey Bridge, and experience Dardic culture which is different from the other communities in Neelum Valley.
- Overnight in Taobat remembering that facilities in the town are less developed than in Kel or Keran as it is so remote.
Day 4: Return to Islamabad
- Arrive back in Islamabad or Rawalpindi by evening, depending on road conditions and how many stops you make along the way.
- Begin the return jeep journey from Taobat back to Kel, retracing the checkpoint route.
- Continue by car back through Sharda, Keran, and Muzaffarabad.
Trip to Arang Kel & Taobat, Kashmir
| Day | Route | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Islamabad → Muzaffarabad → Keran | Kundal Shahi Waterfall |
| Day 2 | Keran → Sharda → Kel → Arang Kel | Sharda ruins, chairlift, Arang Kel meadows |
| Day 3 | Kel → Taobat (jeep) | Halmat checkpoint, Taobat Bala, Bailey Bridge |
| Day 4 | Taobat → Kel → Muzaffarabad → Islamabad | Return journey |
Best Time to Visit
- The best season to stay in there is between June and September when the temperature is frequently between 15°C and 25°C, the forest is lush and streams flow. Also at this time the road to Taobat is reliably open and at best condition.
- Spring is not for everyone, as Autumn (October) offers cooler temperatures, golden forest hues and reduced crowds, many of which prefer a different, quieter experience.
- The road past Kel to Taobat becomes impassable under snow and temperatures at Arang Kel fall below -5°C with heavy snowfalls. If you are aiming for Taobat, winter driving is not a possibility.
How to behave at checkpoints.Things to be aware of at checkpoints.
Much of the route is on the edge of the Line of Control and security checkpoints are regular features of the route, especially between Kel and Taobat. Practical tips:
- Keep original CNICs with each traveller – photocopies may not be enough.
- Foreign nationals generally need to apply for a permit (or NOC) to be able to travel in this region, so please check the current requirements well before the trip if this applies to you.
- Have paperwork readily available, as a checkpoint stop may add time to a long drive if paperwork is not available.
Package Pricing in this Tour
There are many tour operators from Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi which offer multi-day, organized tours to Arang Kel and Taobat sites. Current package listings indicate that there are group tours, that include both destinations, available from around Rs. 42,500.
Depending on the room sharing arrangement (quad, triple, twin and solo) and the departure city, the price per person is 76,500. The departures from Karachi usually include an overnight bus or train journey to and from Islamabad and then continue with the Neelum Valley section.
If you are travelling on their own (not as a package) you need to plan for transport, jeep hire from Kel to Taobat, chairlift tickets at Arang Kel and accommodation for each overnight.
What to Pack in this Tour
- The right kind of layered clothing – the temperature can vary greatly from the lower valley to the higher areas such as Arang Kel.
- Hiking boots that are comfortable for the chairlift up to the village at Arang Kel.
- Original CNIC or passport for check up at the check point
- Small denominations of cash – card payment is not reliable beyond Muzaffarabad
- A power bank, because of the scarcity of charging stations in Taobat and Arang Kel,
- A simple first aid kit, considering where the upper valley is located.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive directly to Arang Kel?
There is no vehicle access at No. Arang Kel. It is accessed on the chairlift from Kel, and takes 30 to 45 minutes to walk to.
How far is Taobat from Kel?
Approx 45 km, but the small mountain road is a minimum of four hours by car.
What is required to get in to Taobat?
Pakistani nationals are concerned, they will have to present their original CNIC for verification at checkpoints along the way. Foreign nationals will normally need a prior permission or an NOC – which should be arranged prior to the journey.
Can I see both Arang Kel and Taobat with 4 days of time?
Yes, it is possible to achieve a 4 day itinerary, if arranged efficiently with a day each for travel in, Arang Kel, Taobat, and travel out.
