Baboon Meadows, located in the stunning Neelum Valley of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan, is a breathtaking destination that captivates nature enthusiasts with its unspoiled beauty. Surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks, vibrant green meadows, flowing waterfalls, and serene springs, Baboon Valley offers a peaceful escape into nature’s embrace.
The valley is renowned for its diverse landscapes, ranging from lush forests to majestic glaciers, creating the perfect setting for photography, hiking, and adventure. Visitors to Baboon Valley can fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of their surroundings, enjoying sweeping views and discovering the natural wonders that define this magnificent area.
Baboon Valley in Neelum Valley, Kashmir, is situated at an elevation of 12700 feet above sea level, on the upper side of Keran and Jagran Valley. Its elevated position contributes to its lush greenery and untouched landscape. The road leading to the Kutton Waterfall allows access via jeep, taking approximately three hours from Kundal Shahi or the Keran side.
Accommodation options, including tents and hotels, are available in Kalka Village and Domelian Village on the Keran Valley and Jagran sides, specifically in Shaal and Ghural villages. The total distance from Muzaffarabad to Baboon via the Jagran side is 98 km. The road ends at Kunian village, from where a 2.5-hour hike leads to Baboon Top at an altitude of approximately 12600 feet.
Karkah is a picturesque village surrounded by dense forests. Here, you can spot a few waterfalls and a stream. A small market is available for basic food items, though there are currently no hotels.
Domail:
A twenty-minute jeep ride from Karkah leads to Domail, a sub-valley between Jabri and Karkah village, characterized by thick forests and numerous water channels originating from Jabri Behak.
Fifteen minutes further by jeep from Domail is Kandor Stadium, a beautiful ground in the jungle. Here, you can find shelter and food for overnight stays or camping. Teams from various parts of Neelum Kashmir and even other regions of Pakistan come annually to participate in tournaments. You can stay overnight in their camps. Baboon Valley is also listed among the must-visit places in Azad Kashmir.
A mesmerizing meadow surrounded by snow-covered peaks, including the famous Ganja Peak, which is at an altitude of 13200 feet. Camping is possible anywhere in this area, though there are no shops or food available. Vehicles can easily reach this location in normal weather, but our group had to hike due to a slippery trek after rain. Baboon Behak is a one-hour hike ahead of Jabri Behak. You can also access Baboon from the Kutton-Jagran side, as the road was completed last year.
Jeep fares are not fixed; for a round trip, we paid 2,000 PKR for a public jeep (200 PKR for one side up to Karkah, with an additional 1,200 PKR to Jabri). We also paid 10,000 PKR for a round trip to Jabri with an overnight stay. Prices can vary based on your negotiating skills.
The most economical option is to book a seat on a public jeep from Athmuqam, which will drop you at Karkah. From there, it takes approximately three hours to hike to Jabri and one hour from Jabri to Baboon.
– From Athmuqam: 12:00, 1:00, 2:00
– From Karkah to Athmuqam: 6:30, 7:30, 8:00
If you have eight or more people, hiring a jeep for 8,000 PKR is reasonable
-From Keran’s Side: Keran to Nagdar to Jeep Track to Jabri Meadows to a two-hour hike to Baboon Top.
-From Kutton’s Side: Kutton to Jagran to Khillun to the end of the road at Khillun to a three-hour hike to Baboon Top.
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