- Details
- Itinerary
- Photos
Tour overview
Cross frozen river sections in the upper Neelum Valley with expert guides, in a trek reminiscent of Ladakh’s Chadar Trail — raw, icy, and unforgettable.
🧭 Trek Concept: What Makes It Unique?
Unlike standard winter hikes like Arang Kel or Fairy Meadows, this journey is not about comfort or resort tourism. It’s a raw, high-altitude winter survival adventure. The trail changes every season depending on how the rivers freeze, making each expedition unique.
Expect:
- Walking across ice-coated trails and frozen creeks
- Using local rope bridges and ice-crusted stones to cross gorges
- Trekking from Sharda to Taobat or beyond – depending on weather
- Crossing areas inaccessible by jeep in winter, where only foot travel is possible
📍 Geographic & Cultural Setting
This trek navigates through the last inhabited villages of Neelum Valley, such as:
- Kel – gateway to upper Neelum
- Phulawai – known for its snowy basin and quiet pine fields
- Janawai & Taobat – dramatic valleys where the Neelum River winds through glacier-fed corridors near the Line of Control
You’ll encounter:
- ❄️ Complete isolation
- 🛖 Basic wooden homes turned winter shelters
- 🧕 Locals who stay through the harsh winters with resilience
- 📿 Mixed Kashmiri cultural traditions and tribal hospitality
🥾 Physical Demands & Trek Style
This trek is classified Advanced due to:
- ❗ Walking on snow and ice for 4–6 hours daily
- ❗ Crossing frozen or semi-frozen rivers on foot
- ❗ Low temperatures (as low as –10°C to –20°C at night)
- ❗ Carrying gear or relying on porters in some sections
It’s ideal for:
- Experienced trekkers or mountaineers
- Adventure seekers looking for high-altitude snow navigation
- Documentary photographers or expedition film crews
- Wilderness therapy and retreat seekers
🛖 Accommodation & Food
There are no hotels or resorts on this route.
You will stay in:
- Local wooden homes with basic heating (wood stoves or charcoal)
- Vacant shepherd huts (cleaned and used seasonally by guides)
- Alpine tents when crossing isolated segments (fully insulated)
Food:
- Locally prepared hot lentils, chapatis, eggs, potatoes, and rice
- Tea and dry fruit served during hiking breaks
- Safe filtered or boiled water provided (snow melt in remote areas)
⚠️ Safety, Support & Logistics
- 🧭 Expert local guides are mandatory for frozen river navigation
- 🛟 Emergency response is limited, and satellite contact may be required
- 🚑 Evacuation by vehicle is only possible at trail ends (Sharda, Kel)
- 📡 You may be completely offline during the trip (no signals in remote sections)
Required Equipment:
- ❄️ Crampons or microspikes
- 🥾 High-insulation waterproof boots
- 🧥 Layered clothing system (down jacket, thermal inner, waterproof outer)
- 🔦 Headlamp, poles, gaiters, gloves, sunglasses
- 🎒 Lightweight 50–60L backpack
- 🧯 Optional: satellite tracker or GPS unit
📅 Seasonal Windows & Timing
| Month | Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Deep snow, frozen rivers | Most challenging and beautiful |
| February | Stable snow cover, cold nights | Ideal time for safe crossings |
| March | Snow begins melting | Less dangerous but less snowy visuals |
Best Time: Mid-February for safety + aesthetics balance
📸 Highlights at a Glance
📷 Rare winter photography opportunities of untouched Neelum wilderness
🌁 Ice bridges and frozen stream crossings
🏞️ Remote hamlets with no road access in winter
🔥 Storytelling nights in wooden huts with fire warmth
🌌 Night skies with zero light pollution
Included
- Technical guide and safety team
- Helmet, ice axe, crampons (limited stock)
- Meals and insulated tents
- Permits and comms equipment
Not Included
- Personal cold-weather clothing
- Insurance and evacuation
- Entry permit (for foreigners)
- Tips and personal supplies
Day 1: Arrival in Upper Neelum (Kel or Higher)
- Travel from Muzaffarabad or Sharda to Kel by 4x4 jeep (4–6 hours depending on snow).
- Meet your local mountain guide team, review safety protocols, and prepare gear.
- Acclimatization walk around the area — enjoy views of frozen rivers, snowy ridges, and pine villages.
- Overnight stay in a local wooden lodge or village hut with heating arrangements.
- Final packing and early dinner in preparation for the trek.
Day 2: Trek Begins – First Frozen River Crossings
- Begin the trek early morning with full winter gear.
- Navigate 2–3 frozen river crossings via ice-covered paths, snow-laden ledges, or rock-hopping beside partially frozen waters.
- Trek through secluded areas such as Phulawai or Domail Belt, depending on snow levels.
- Stop for a hot lunch on the trail.
- Evening arrival at remote winter camp or local shelter.
- Dinner and gear checks for next day’s crossings.
Day 3: Deep Valley Traverse – Frozen Tributaries and Canyons
- This is one of the most scenic and challenging days.
- Cross tributaries of the Neelum River, surrounded by sheer snow walls and frozen waterfalls.
- Some segments may require walking directly on frozen streams, with guides testing ice safety.
- Short breaks for hydration and photography in the silence of wilderness.
- Evening shelter at a vacant shepherd hut or tented camp deep in the valley.
- Share stories over fire and review your map progress with the guide.
Day 4: Final Crossings – Climb Out to Return Route
- Complete the final frozen segments in the morning, with better light for visibility.
- Ascend out of the river canyon area back toward a more inhabited trailhead or resting village.
- Gradually re-enter the tree line with changing snow textures.
- Short hike back to Kel or a return point above Kel, depending on route taken.
- Celebrate your crossing with a warm dinner and campfire.
Day 5: Return to Base – Debrief and Departure
- After breakfast, pack and prepare for departure by 4x4 vehicle back to Sharda or Muzaffarabad.
- Stop en route for photography or traditional lunch (optional).
- Guide-led debriefing session in Sharda: trek summary, lessons learned, group reflections.
- End of tour. Optional overnight in Sharda or onward travel to Islamabad.
