Sharda Valley

Sharda Valley is in Azad Kashmir of Pakistan.

History
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.

Landscape
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.

Flora and fauna
Seasonal wildflowers and grasses.

Climate
Largely temperate and alpine due to the elevation.

Get in
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.

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

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

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

Eat
Deira Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant

Stay safe
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.