Draft:Neel

Neel is a village located in the Banihal tehsil of Ramban district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated approximately 40 kilometres from the sub-district headquarters, Ramsoo, and lies at an elevation of 2161 metres above sea level. It's tourist destination, Neel Top is located about 25 km to the northeast of Banihal town and falls within the Pir Panjal mountain range.

Geography

Neel lies in the north-western Himalayas and experiences a moist temperate climate. Summers are generally pleasant, while winters are harsh, with temperatures dropping as low as −14 °C. The area receives its first snowfall around November and remains snow-covered until late March. During summer, temperatures range from 19 to 27 °C.

Neel Valley has been the subject of ethnobotanical studies due to its rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants. A 2018 study published in the SSRG International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science documented the use of medicinal plants by local inhabitants. The study highlighted the role of these plants in traditional Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Many plants in the region have been used to treat various ailments and have potential pharmaceutical value.

Neel Top, located approximately 25 kilometres from Banihal town at an elevation of around 2000 metres, is a prominent point in the Pir Panjal range. It can be accessed via two main routes originating from Chamalwas and Magarkote, both situated along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). It acts as a base for several trekking expeditions into the Pir Panjal range. Popular trekking routes from Neel Top include Wasa Marg, Ejan-tragh, Chang Top, Hals-Dhar, Bari-naal, Zaradi, Devita-Dhar, Wanbara, Hansraj Pass, Perhinder, Daganbass, Sargali, Yamul Top, Mayalsar, and Nandimarg.