Sharda Valley Voyage Tips and guide

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Sharda Valley is in Azad Kashmir of Pakistan.

Before Pakistan's conversion to Islam, Kashmir was known as Sharada, which derives from Shardha, name of the Hindu goddess Saraswati. Sharda takes its name from this origin.

Exemplifies the topography of the lesser Himalayas, with deep valleys and tall mountains, and subject to high elevation montane climate features. Two dominant peaks overlook the valley named Sharda and Nardi after the legendary princesses Sharda and Narda. Moreover, this is where the confluence of the Neelum and Surgan Nullah Rivers is located.

Seasonal wildflowers and grasses.

Largely temperate and alpine due to the elevation.

Driving the Neelum Valley Road from Muzaffarabad is the primary way to get here, although taking the Jalkhad-Sharda Road from Hwy N15 is another route in. Also, a track over the Noori Nar Pass connects the Sharda Valley to the Kaghan Valley.

Walking and driving. Some hiking may be required to see remote sites.

Cross the photogenic Sharda Bridge which is perhaps what people associate more than anything with this special place.

• 34.792174.19011 Sharada Peeth (Sharada Temple). A famous temple and Hindu pilgrimage site, dedicated to Sharadha, the Hindu goddess of learning. Here the Sharada script was devised in the 9th century, and a library established that has been used by such philosophers as Aadhi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya from the 9th and 12th centuries, respectively. The Sharda Valley was a place for Buddhist and Hindu learning for many years. (updated Aug 2020)

Hiking over Surgan pass. Hiking to Maidaan Village. Hiking to Kishan Ghati (another Hindu relic above the Sharda Bridge).

Deira Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant

• 34.795374.18741 Deira Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant, Neelum Valley Road (it's very close to the suspension bridge over the Neelum River so it shouldn't be hard to miss). Hotel and restaurant. (updated Aug 2020)

It's very close to the border with India so be mindful of border concerns. In 2019, there was some Indian shelling of a school in the Neelum Valley (the corridor leading up to Sharda Valley), and the area is still on edge despite this going on for years. Another issue to be concerned about is the condition of the Neelum Valley Road - it is dirt or rutted in places and subject to washouts, with sheer dropoffs into the river. One source recommended a 4X4 or at least a guide.