Sharda

Understand

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.

Getting there

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.

Getting 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.

1 Sharada Peeth (Sharada Temple). A famous temple and Hindu pilgrimage site, dedicated to Sharadha, the Hindu goddess of learning. Here the Sharada script was devised in the 9th century, and a library established that has been used by such philosophers as Aadhi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya from the 9th and 12th centuries, respectively. The Sharda Valley was a place for Buddhist and Hindu learning for many years. (updated Aug 2020)

Do

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

Sleep

1 Deira Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant, Neelum Valley Road (it's very close to the suspension bridge over the Neelum River so it shouldn't be hard to miss). Hotel and restaurant. (updated Aug 2020)

Lodging

Camping

Backcountry