Azad Kashmir roads in the lower towns, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Bagh and Rawalakot, stay open through winter. The valleys and passes above about 2,000 metres do not: the Neelum Valley beyond Kel, the Leepa road over Reshian Gali, the Sharda–Jalkhad jeep track over Noori Top, and Toli Pir above Rawalakot all close under snow for months at a time.
This guide goes route by route, so you know before you drive whether the road ahead will actually be open.
| Route | Winter status |
|---|---|
| Muzaffarabad–Kohala–Islamabad | Open year-round; watch for landslides after rain |
| Neelum Valley to Kel | Usually open, with cold and occasional short closures |
| Neelum Valley beyond Kel (Sharda, Taobat) | Closed by snow, roughly November to March |
| Leepa Valley via Reshian Gali | Closed by snow, roughly November to April |
| Sharda–Jalkhad via Noori Top | Open only July to October; a summer jeep track |
| Toli Pir (above Rawalakot) | Closed to cars in winter; narrow, steep, unpaved |
| Mirpur, Kotli, Bhimber (lower AJK) | Open year-round |
Which Azad Kashmir roads stay open all winter?
The lower routes do. The Muzaffarabad–Kohala road to Islamabad, and the roads around Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber, sit at low enough altitude that snow rarely settles on the carriageway. The main risk in winter here is rain-triggered landslides rather than snow, so check road status the morning you travel rather than assuming a clear run.
Muzaffarabad city itself, and towns like Bagh and Rawalakot, also stay accessible, though a hard snowfall can close the roads leading further up into the hills for a day or two at a time.
Neelum Valley beyond Kel: closed for winter
The road up the Neelum Valley from Muzaffarabad to Athmuqam and on to Kel generally keeps running through winter, though heavy snow can shut it for short spells and driving after dark or in a storm is a bad idea.
Beyond Kel, the story changes. Sharda, Keran, Kutton and Taobat are generally cut off by snow from around November to March, and local disaster management officials routinely ask drivers in upper Neelum to fit snow chains even before the road closes outright. Because the Neelum Valley runs close to the Line of Control for much of its length, it is also a route that can be restricted for security reasons at short notice, separate from the weather; see our guide on is Azad Kashmir safe to travel for the current picture.
Leepa Valley via Reshian Gali: closed for winter
The road into Leepa Valley branches off the Muzaffarabad–Chakothi road at Naily, climbs the jeep track over Reshian Gali at about 3,200 metres, then drops into the valley. It is jeep-only even in summer, needs a No Objection Certificate from the district administration to enter, and closes completely once snow settles on the pass, typically from November into spring. Locals in Leepa stock up on supplies before the road shuts, because all the approaches into the valley are blocked at the same time.
The Sharda–Jalkhad jeep track over Noori Top: summer only
The 4x4 route linking Sharda in the Neelum Valley to Jalkhad in the Kaghan Valley, over Noori Top, is a fair-weather track rather than a maintained road. It is realistically open only from around July to October, and even then it depends on a capable jeep and an experienced driver. Don't plan around it outside that window.
Toli Pir above Rawalakot: closed to cars in winter
Toli Pir sits at roughly 2,700 metres above Rawalakot. The approach road is narrow, steep and unsurfaced in places, and it is not passable by ordinary cars once winter snow arrives. The meadow is at its best from April to August; treat autumn and winter visits as unlikely rather than just difficult.
What to do if you're travelling in winter
- Check the day before, not the week before. Snow status changes fast in the hills, and yesterday's open road can be closed by morning.
- Fit snow chains if you're going anywhere above Muzaffarabad or Rawalakot town. Officials in upper Neelum ask for them for good reason.
- Don't push a normal car onto a jeep track. Reshian Gali and the Noori Top track are not for saloon cars at any time of year.
- Build in a spare day. A single heavy snowfall can close a valley road for 24 to 48 hours while it is cleared.
- Avoid night driving on mountain roads. Ice, unlit trucks and poor visibility make it genuinely dangerous.
Our travel guide has more on driving conditions and altitude across northern Pakistan.
Is Azad Kashmir worth visiting in winter?
Yes, but pick your target carefully. Muzaffarabad, Pir Chinasi's lower slopes, Mirpur and Mangla Lake make a good winter trip: mild days, thin crowds and roads that stay open. Save the Neelum Valley beyond Kel, Leepa, Noori Top and Toli Pir for summer, when they're actually reachable.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Neelum Valley road open in winter?
As far as Kel, usually yes, though short closures happen after heavy snow. Beyond Kel to Sharda and Taobat, the road is normally closed from around November to March.
Can I drive to Leepa Valley in winter?
No. The Reshian Gali crossing closes once snow settles, usually from November into spring, cutting off all the road approaches to Leepa at once.
Is Toli Pir open in winter?
The meadow itself is snow-covered, and the access road from Rawalakot is not passable by ordinary cars in winter. Visit between April and August instead.
Do I need snow chains to drive in Azad Kashmir in winter?
For the lower towns, no. For the Neelum Valley above Athmuqam, or any road above roughly 2,000 metres in the cold months, chains and a 4x4 are strongly recommended, and local authorities sometimes require them.
Which Azad Kashmir roads never close in winter?
The Muzaffarabad–Kohala road to Islamabad, and the roads around Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber, stay open year-round, though landslides after rain are a separate risk to check for.
Is Azad Kashmir safe for overseas visitors?
Pakistani tourists visit every year, but as of September 2026 the UK government advises against all travel within 10 miles of the Line of Control and against all but essential travel to the rest of Azad Kashmir. The 2026 protests there also brought road blockades and long internet shutdowns. If you hold a foreign passport, check your own government's advice before you go, because travelling against it can void your insurance. Everyone should check local news and current police advice before setting out.
