Taobat

Taobat is a village in Neelam District of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. It lies along the Neelam River in the Neelam Valley, close to the Line of Control that separates the Pakistani and Indian sides of Kashmir. The settlement is widely described as the last inhabited village on the Neelam Valley road before the border.

Geography and climate: Taobat sits in a mountainous valley characterized by rugged slopes, conifer forests, and river terraces. The area has a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers; winters can bring snow and heavy frost, while summers are short and mild.

Demographics and economy: The inhabitants are predominantly Kashmiri Muslims. The local economy is largely agrarian, with small-scale farming and horticulture including fruit orchards. Households rely on subsistence farming and trade with nearby communities.

Access and significance: The village is reached via the Neelam Valley Road from Muzaffarabad, a route that can be disrupted by landslides, snowfall, or security checks near the Line of Control. Taobat is noted for its remote, scenic setting and is a point of interest for visitors exploring the Neelam Valley, though tourism is limited by infrastructure and border restrictions.

History and events: Taobat has experienced impacts from regional conflicts and natural hazards, including earthquakes and avalanches that have affected infrastructure and livelihoods in the valley.