Islamabad to Leepa Valley Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Islamabad to Leepa Valley: Travel Options

By Road

• Distance: Approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles)
• Route: Depart from Islamabad and head northeast on the Murree Road (N-75) towards Murree. Continue through Murree and towards Kohala, where you'll cross the Jhelum River into Azad Kashmir. From Kohala, take the Neelum Valley Road (N-200) which winds through beautiful valleys and alongside the Neelum River. Pass through towns like Muzaffarabad, Athmuqam, and Dawarian until you reach the picturesque Leepa Valley.
• Travel Duration: About 6-7 hours by road, depending on traffic conditions and stops for sightseeing. The road is scenic but can be winding and narrow in parts, so caution is advised, especially during winter.

By Train

There is no direct train route from Islamabad to Leepa Valley. The train network in Pakistan primarily serves major cities and does not extend into the mountainous regions of Azad Kashmir where Leepa Valley is located.

By Plane

• Nearest Airport: Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
• Distance: Approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Islamabad to Islamabad International Airport.
• Flight Route: There are no direct flights from Islamabad to Leepa Valley as there are no airports directly serving the valley itself. The nearest practical airport would be Muzaffarabad Airport, but it primarily serves military and government flights with limited commercial operations.
• Travel Duration: Flying time from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad, if available, would be around 30-40 minutes. However, getting to Leepa Valley from Muzaffarabad would still require ground transportation, which can take several hours depending on road conditions and traffic.

Conclusion

Traveling from Islamabad to Leepa Valley is primarily done by road due to the lack of direct train or plane services to the valley itself. The road journey offers stunning views of the Kashmir region but requires careful planning, especially in terms of road conditions and travel times. While flights to Muzaffarabad are an option, ground transportation from there to Leepa Valley is necessary, making road travel the most practical and scenic choice for reaching this remote and beautiful destination.