The Neelum River is a 245 km river that rises in Indian-administered Kashmir, runs through the Neelum Valley beside the Line of Control, and joins the Jhelum at Domel in Muzaffarabad. For a visitor it is the thread of the whole drive: the Neelum road follows it for most of the way up from Muzaffarabad, often only a few metres from the water.
This guide covers the river's course, where you meet it on the road, why it matters politically, and how to stop beside it without taking risks. For the valley as a whole, see our Neelum Valley tour.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Length | About 245 km, of which roughly 195 km is in Pakistan-administered Kashmir |
| Source | Krishansar Lake near Sonamarg, at about 3,710 m |
| Mouth | Joins the Jhelum at Domel, Muzaffarabad, at about 750 m |
| Average flow | About 465 cubic metres per second |
| Indian name | Kishanganga |
| Fish | Brown, rainbow and snow trout |
What is the Neelum River?
The river starts at Krishansar Lake in Ganderbal district of Indian-administered Kashmir and flows through the Gurez valley before crossing the Line of Control into Azad Kashmir. In India it is still called the Kishanganga. Pakistan renamed it the Neelum in 1956.
Inside Pakistan it runs south-west through a narrow, forested valley and drops from the high country to about 750 metres at Muzaffarabad. For much of its length it runs along the Line of Control, which is why the valley has checkpoints and why the security picture matters when you plan a trip.
Where does it run beside the road?
Going up from Muzaffarabad, roughly in order:
- Domel, Muzaffarabad. The end of the river, where it meets the Jhelum. See our Domel guide.
- Nauseri. About 41 km north-east of Muzaffarabad, this is where the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project takes water from the river.
- Patika. Near the epicentre of the 2005 earthquake. See our Patika guide.
- Athmuqam and Dowarian. The district headquarters, then the village where the Ratti Gali stream meets the river.
- Kundal Shahi and Jagran. Side-stream stops; see our Kundal Shahi and Jagran valley guides.
- Sharda, Kel and Taobat. The upper valley along the upper valley road.
The river and its dams
Both countries are building on this river. India built the 330 MW Kishanganga dam upstream and Pakistan built the 969 MW Neelum-Jhelum plant, which diverts the river through a 28.5 km tunnel. Pakistan has taken the Kishanganga project to arbitration under the Indus Waters Treaty.
The Pakistani plant began generating in 2018, but it has repeatedly shut down because of tunnel damage. Reports say it has largely not been operating since May 2024. Visitors cannot walk up to the intake or powerhouse, so do not plan a stop around it.
Safe stops beside the river
The Neelum is cold, fast and carries a heavy load of snowmelt. Do not swim, and do not let children paddle beyond the edge. Reports of drownings in the valley have come up repeatedly, including six deaths when a wooden footbridge near Kundal Shahi collapsed under 20 to 25 people in May 2018, despite a sign limiting it to six.
Choose stops with these in mind:
- Pull off the road fully. Use a wide, level spot with clear sight in both directions, not a bend.
- Keep to the bank. Sit on dry rock above the waterline. Wet stones are slippery, and banks can be undercut.
- Respect footbridge limits. Cross in small groups, one at a time if the bridge looks old.
- Keep children and elderly relatives back from the edge.
- Take care at the side streams. The tributary nullahs rise quickly after rain.
- Do not stop on the road for photos in landslide zones.
The road itself is the larger danger. In July 2025 six people died when a tourist vehicle fell into the river at Chilhana, in a stretch reported to have no safety wall.
Fishing
The river holds brown, rainbow and snow trout. Fishing arrangements and permits are a local matter and change; see our trout in Neelum Valley guide before you bring a rod.
Is it safe to visit the Neelum Valley?
The UK government's Pakistan travel advice advises against all travel within 10 miles of the Line of Control in Azad Kashmir, which includes most of the Neelum Valley, and against all but essential travel to the rest of Azad Kashmir. Pakistani visitors do still travel up, though the valley has had serious unrest and long phone and internet shutdowns in 2026. Check local news and police advice before you set out, and overseas visitors should check their own government's advice, since it can affect insurance. Our is Neelum Valley safe guide goes into this in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Neelum River?
About 245 km, with roughly 195 km inside Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Where does the Neelum River start and end?
It starts at Krishansar Lake near Sonamarg in Indian-administered Kashmir and ends at Domel in Muzaffarabad, where it joins the Jhelum.
Why is it also called the Kishanganga?
That is its Indian name. Pakistan renamed it the Neelum in 1956.
Is it safe to swim in the Neelum River?
No. It is cold and fast, and drownings have happened. Stay on the bank.
Which road follows the Neelum River?
The Neelum Valley road from Muzaffarabad via Patika, Athmuqam, Dowarian, Sharda and Kel runs beside it for most of the journey.
