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The Sharda Valley is also home to a number of many historical sites

The Sharada Peeth temple was destroyed in the 13th century CE, By Sultan Mahmood Ghazni

Sharda Also known as Shardi is a small town in Neelam District in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is one of the two tehsils of Neelum district. It is located on the banks of the Neelum river at an altitude of 1981m, about 136 kilometres northeast of Muzaffarabad, Pakistan.
Sharda University Ajk Neelam Valley
Sharda Also known as Shardi is a small town in Neelam District in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is one of the two tehsils of Neelum district. It is located on the banks of the Neelum river at an altitude of 1981m, about 136 kilometres northeast of Muzaffarabad, Pakistan.

Sharda, or Sharadha derives from the name of the Hindu goddess Saraswati. Kashmir was referred to as the land of Sharada, or Sharada Desh, before its populus abandoned Hinduism en masse in favor of conversion to Islam.
The ruins of the famous temple and Hindu pilgrimage site Sharada Peeth, dedicated to the goddess Sharada who represents learning, is situated in this town.
Ruins In Sharda Valley Azad Kashmir
The ruins of the famous temple and Hindu pilgrimage site Sharada Peeth, dedicated to the goddess Sharada who represents learning, is situated in this town.

Other historical sites in the town include the Sharda fort, and Kishan Ghaati. Sharda and Nardi are two mountain peaks overlooking Sharda in the valley. It was a Buddhist and Hindu place of learning for centuries.

The Sharada script was developed here in the 9th century. Philosophers like Aadhi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya used Shrada Peeth Library for their philosophy works. The library carried some rare books of Hinduism.
The Sharada Peeth temple was destroyed in the 13th century CE, during the invasion of Kashmir by the Muslim ruler Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni.  The ruins of the temple still stand today, and they are a popular tourist destination in Azad Kashmir Sharda.  The Sharda Valley is also home to a number of other historical sites, including the Taobat Fort, the Sharda University, and the Sharda Script Museum. The Taobat Fort was built in the 16th century CE, and it was once used as a military base by the Mughal Empire.  The Sharda University was founded in the 12th century CE, and it was one of the first universities in the Indian subcontinent. The Sharda Script Museum houses a collection of ancient manuscripts written in the Sharada script.
Sharda Bridge Ajk Neelam Valley
Ramanujacharya used a book called badarayana's vedanta sutra from this library to write his philosophy on sri bhasya.
Shardi and Nardi are the two mountain peaks overlooking the valley, named after legendary princesses Sharda & Narda.

Over the right bank, opposite to Sharda, the river Neelum is joined by the Surgan Nullah along which a track leads to the Noori Nar Pass and through it to Kaghan Valley.

Historical Sites In The Town Sharda Ajk:

  • Kishan Ghati
  • Sharda Fort
  • Sharda Mountain
  • Nardi Mountain

Nearby Location:

History Of Sharda Valley AJK:

The Sharda Valley is a beautiful valley located in the Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is home to the ruins of the ancient Sharada Peeth temple, which was once one of the most important centers of learning in the Indian subcontinent.

The history of Sharda Valley is long and complex. The earliest known inhabitants of the valley were the Dards, a group of Indo-Aryan tribes. The Dards were followed by the Kashmiris, who arrived in the valley around the 1st century CE.

In the 6th century CE, the Sharada Peeth temple was built in the Sharda Valley. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Sharada, who is the Hindu goddess of learning and knowledge.

The temple quickly became a major center of learning, attracting scholars from all over the Indian subcontinent.

The Sharada Peeth temple was destroyed in the 13th century CE, during the invasion of Kashmir by the Muslim ruler Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni.

The ruins of the temple still stand today, and they are a popular tourist destination in Azad Kashmir Sharda.

The Sharda Valley is also home to a number of other historical sites, including the Taobat Fort, the Sharda University, and the Sharda Script Museum. The Taobat Fort was built in the 16th century CE, and it was once used as a military base by the Mughal Empire.

The Sharda University was founded in the 12th century CE, and it was one of the first universities in the Indian subcontinent. The Sharda Script Museum houses a collection of ancient manuscripts written in the Sharada script.

The Sharda Valley is a beautiful and historic place. It is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a important center of Hindu pilgrimage. The ruins of the Sharada Peeth temple are a reminder of the valley's rich history and culture.

Interesting Facts About The Sharda Valley Ajk:

  • The name "Sharda" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Saraswati", which is the name of the Hindu goddess of learning and knowledge.
  • The Sharada Peeth temple was once one of the most important centers of learning in the Indian subcontinent. It is said that the temple had a library of over 300,000 books.
  • The Sharada Peeth temple was destroyed in the 13th century CE, during the invasion of Kashmir by the Muslim ruler Sultan Mahmood Ghazni. However, the ruins of the temple still stand today, and they are a popular tourist destination.
  • The Sharda Valley is also home to a number of other historical sites, including the Taobat Fort, the Sharda University, and the Sharda Script Museum.
  • The Sharda Valley is a beautiful and historic place. It is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a important center of Hindu pilgrimage.

Famous Tourist Places Around Sharda AJK:

Sharda Peeth:

This is the main attraction in Sharda. It is the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Sharada. The temple is located on the right bank of the Neelum River, about 2 kilometers from Sharda.

Taobat Fort:

This is a 16th century fort that was once used by the Mughal Empire. The fort is located on a hilltop overlooking the Neelum River, about 5 kilometers from Sharda.

Sharda University:

This was one of the first universities in the Indian subcontinent. It was founded in the 12th century CE. The university's ruins are located on the right bank of the Neelum River, about 3 kilometers from Sharda.

Sharda Script Museum:

This museum houses a collection of ancient manuscripts written in the Sharada script. The script is an ancient Indian script that was once used in the Sharda Valley. The museum is located in Sharda town.

Kishenganga River:

This is a tributary of the Jhelum River. It flows through the Sharda Valley and is a popular spot for rafting and kayaking. The river is located on the left bank of the Neelum River, about 5 kilometers from Sharda.

Dhani Waterfall:

This is a beautiful waterfall located in the Kishenganga River. The waterfall is about 10 kilometers from Sharda.

Ratti Gali Lake:

This is a glacial lake located in the upper Neelum Valley. The lake is about 45 kilometers from Sharda.

Banjasa Lake:

This is a man-made lake located in the Neelum Valley. The lake is about 30 kilometers from Sharda.

Kel Azad Kashmir:

This is a small town located in the upper Neelum Valley. The town is about 60 kilometers from Sharda.

Arrang Kel AJK:

This is a village located in the upper Neelum Valley. The village is about 70 kilometers from Sharda.

Lifestyle Of Sharda Azad Kashmir:

The people of Sharda live a simple and peaceful life. They are mostly farmers and shepherds. Their main source of income is agriculture. They also grow fruits and vegetables. The people of Sharda are very friendly andhospitable. They are always willing to help others.

Language Spoken In Sharda Azad Kashmir:

The main language spoken in Sharda is Kashmiri. However, Urdu is also widely spoken. English is also spoken by some people.

Most Popular Traditional Foods Of Sharda Azad Kashmir:

The traditional food of Sharda is very delicious. Some of the most popular dishes are,

Rogan Josh:

This is a lamb curry cooked in a rich and creamy gravy.

Dum Pukht:

This is a slow-cooked lamb or chicken dish that is cooked in a sealed pot.

Wazwan:

This is a Kashmiri feast that consists of many different dishes.

Tandoori Chicken:

This is chicken that is cooked in a tandoor oven.

Kashmiri Pulao:

This is a rice dish that is cooked with meat, vegetables, and spices.

Geographical Importance Of Sharda Azad Kashmir:

Sharda is located in the Neelum Valley, which is a beautiful and scenic valley in the Himalayas. The valley is home to many glaciers, rivers, and forests.

Sharda is also located near the Line of Control (LoC), which is the border between India and Pakistan.

The geographical importance of Sharda is that it is a strategic location. It is located near the LoC, and it is also a major trade route between India and Pakistan. Sharda is also a popular tourist destination in Kashmir.

The Sharda Valley is located in the Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. The area connected to Sharda on the Indian side is the Drass Valley in the Kargil district of Ladakh.

Drass Valley in Kashmir :

The Drass Valley is a high-altitude valley located in the Himalayas. It is one of the coldest inhabited places in the world. The valley is home to the famous Drass War Memorial, which commemorates the soldiers who died in the 1999 Kargil War.

The Drass Valley is connected to the Sharda Valley by the Drass-Kargil Road. The road is a treacherous mountain road that is closed for several months of the year due to snow.

The places located in the Drass Valley:

Drass:

This is the main town in the Drass Valley. It is located at an altitude of 10,760 feet.

Kargil:

This is the district headquarters of Kargil. It is located about 30 kilometers from Drass.

Zanskar River:

This is a river that flows through the Drass Valley. It is a tributary of the Indus River.

Warwan Valley:

This is a valley located north of the Drass Valley. It is a popular trekking destination.

Shingo La Pass:

This is a pass located between the Drass Valley and the Warwan Valley. It is at an altitude of 14,250 feet.

The Drass Valley is a beautiful and scenic place. It is a popular tourist destination, but it is important to be aware of the harsh weather conditions before visiting.

FAQ's

  • Where is sharda neelam valley?
Sharda Neelam Valley is located in the Neelum District of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is a small tehsil located on the banks of the Neelum River at an altitude of 1,981 meters (6,499 feet). The valley is known for its stunning natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and crystal-clear rivers.
  • Which is most beautiful valley in azad kashmir?
Neelum Valley is considered to be the most beautiful valley in Azad Kashmir due to its stunning scenery, including snow-capped mountains, crystal clear rivers, and charming villages.
  • Dhani Waterfall Ajk
  • Ratti Gali Lake Ajk
  • Sharda Ajk
  • Kel Ajk
  • Arang Kel Ajk
  • Taobat Ajk
  • Where is sharda valley?
Sharda Valley is located in the Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.
It is a small valley located at an altitude of 1,981 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is known for its beautiful scenery and historical ruins. The valley is also home to the Sharda Peeth, a Hindu pilgrimage site.
  • Which is the most beautiful village of azad kashmir?
  • Taobat Bala
  • Kel
  • Sharda
  • Tolipeer
  • Garhi Dupatta
  • Dhani
  • Arang Kel
  • Dharna
  • Kutton
  • Keran
  • Changan
  • What is the best time to visit Neelum Valley?
The best time to visit Neelum Valley is from March to October. During this time, the weather is mild and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The valley is also less crowded during this time of year.
However, if you are looking to avoid the crowds, you can visit Neelum Valley during the winter months (December to February). The weather is cold and snowy, but the valley is still beautiful and there are fewer tourists.
  • Which is the last village of Neelum Valley?
The last village of Neelum Valley is Taobat. It is located at the end of the valley, near the Line of Control (LoC) with India. Taobat is a small village with a population of about 500 people. It is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the natural beauty of the Neelum Valley.
Taobat is also a starting point for treks to the Sharda Valley and the Ratti Gali Lake. The village is surrounded by mountains and forests, and the Neelum River flows through it. Taobat is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
  • What is the highest peak in Neelum Valley?
The highest peak in Neelum Valley is Sarwali Peak, also known as Dabbar Peak, Toshe Ri, and Toshain-I. It is located at an altitude of 6,326 meters (20,755 feet) and is part of the Karakoram mountain range. Sarwali Peak has not yet been successfully ascended.
  • How long is the travel from Islamabad to Neelum Valley?
The travel time from Islamabad to Neelum Valley depends on the route you take. The fastest route is via the E35 Expressway and the Karakoram Highway, which takes about 6 hours and 46 minutes. The total distance is 234.8 kilometers.
Three recommended routes from Islamabad to Neelum Valley,
  • Route 1: via E35 Expressway and Karakoram Highway, 6 hours 46 minutes, 234.8 kilometers.
  • Route 2: via Srinagar Highway, 7 hours 18 minutes, 297.9 kilometers.
  • Route 3: via Pir Sohawa Road, 8 hours 25 minutes, 269.2 kilometers.
  • Can foreigners visit Neelum Valley?
No, foreigners are not allowed to visit Neelum Valley due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) with India. The LoC is a disputed border between Pakistan and India, and there is a risk of military activity in the area.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Foreigners who are married to Pakistani citizens or who have a valid business visa may be allowed to visit Neelum Valley with special permission from the government.
If you are a foreigner who is interested in visiting Neelum Valley, I recommend that you contact the Pakistani embassy or consulate in your country for more information.
  • Is Azad Kashmir safe to travel?
Azad Kashmir is generally considered to be safe to travel, but there are some risks to be aware of. The main tourist areas of Azad Kashmir are considered to be safe, but visitors should avoid the border areas and be aware of their surroundings.