Ratti Gali Lake in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir

Azad Kashmir is home to several divine locations, like Ratti Gali Lake. Ratti Gali Lake in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, is the most breathtaking lake in Asia and the world due to its beauty and atmosphere. It has become the center of attraction for tourists worldwide, who wish to see it at least once before they die.

Ratti Gali Lake Attraction, Timings & Locations

If you’re looking for a breathtaking view, look no further than Ratti Gali Lake in Pakistan’s Neelum Valley. The lake is situated at an altitude of 12,130 feet (3,700 meters) above sea level and is one of the highest lakes in the world. Visitors can reach the lake by taking a jeep or hiking up the mountain. The hike takes about four hours, but it’s worth it for the stunning views. 

The best time to visit is between June and September when the weather is cooler. You’ll be able to swim in the lake during the summer months, but most people opt for a scenic walk around its edges instead. It might seem like a long way down from the top of the hillside, but don’t worry – there are plenty of ropes that will keep you safe on your descent! 

What is the Best Time to Visit Ratti Gali Lake? 

If you’re looking for the best time to visit Ratti Gali Lake in Pakistan, you’ll want to come between May and September. This is when the weather is the most pleasant, and there are fewer crowds. You’ll enjoy the stunning views of the lake and mountains without having to deal with too many people. Trust us; it’s worth the trip! 

The location is not that difficult to get to either. There are two main ways of getting here: driving through Muzaffarabad or Gilgit-Baltistan on your way up north or taking a jeep/minibus from Rawalpindi down south.

Recommend Gear

If you’re planning on visiting Ratti Gali Lake in Pakistan, you’ll need to bring the right gear to make the most of your trip. 

1. Pack a bathing suit and sunscreen for days spent lounging by the lake and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the nearby Neelum Valley. 
2. Don’t forget to pack a camera to capture the stunning views and plenty of water to stay hydrated in the heat. 
3. Since it’s a glacial lake, the weather in the surrounding areas usually stays cold the entire year. So, it would help if you pack warm clothes for your journey. 
4. Make sure you’re also taking heavy meals and eating dried fruits. Such dietary habits will keep you warm and desirably energized for your journey.

It’s also essential to be mindful of safety, so take care not to wander off too far on your own without telling someone where you are going.

What are the Attractions At Ratti Gali Lake?

Ratti Gali Lake is a beautiful high-altitude lake in the Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. The lake is surrounded by lush green mountains and is a popular spot for picnics and camping. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, fishing, and boating in the area. 

The views from the lake are simply stunning and are worth a visit! There are many tourist sites nearby where visitors can see an impressive cliff face. Visitors will enjoy their time at Ratti Gali, which has plenty of picnic spots, water features, and wildlife.

Small Heaven on Earth 

Ratti Gali Lake is a small lake that’s surrounded by high mountains. The lake is located at an altitude of around 3,700 meters above sea level so you can expect snowfall all year round.

This can make the lake especially beautiful to visit during the winters when all the trees and plants around the lake are covered in snow. 

So, even though it is located in the northern areas, the lake never freezes. If you are a nature lover, visiting this place will be like visiting small heaven on earth.

Highest Lakes on the Planet

This stunning lake is a well-known frozen lake in Azad Kashmir’s Neelum Valley. The lake, also known as Ratti Gali Lake Height, is 12,130 feet (3,697 meters) above sea level. The streams from nearby glaciers feed the lake’s water supply. Ratti Gali is one of the highest altitude Lakes in Pakistan.

Surrounded by Snow-Capped High Mountains 

The high mountains surrounding the Ratti Gali Lake in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, also called offshoots of the Himalayas, can be seen in all their glory throughout the year. 

Since it is located in the higher altitudes, the temperatures are more relaxed than in other parts of the country, but the weather remains pleasant for most of the year. The lake’s shores are covered in snow, making it a fantastic place to visit. Because high mountains surround the lake, allowing a great view from almost any angle.

Beautiful Red and Pinkish Flowers

The lake is home to various flowers and plants, but the red and pinkish flowers are the most colorful ones. During the spring, the slopes surrounding the lake are covered in wildflowers, including buttercups, tulips, and many others. These flowers are abundant at Lake Ratti Gali in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and are a fantastic sight to behold. 

The best time to visit the lake is during the spring season when all these flowers are in full bloom. Ratti Gali Lake has a lot of natural beauty, but the addition of colorful flowers makes it more stunning.

Lush Green Meadows 

The lake is surrounded by lush green meadows that are a sight to behold. As you walk along the lake’s shore, you will see many grassy areas, bushes, and small trees. The lake is also home to wildlife such as rabbits, squirrels, and many other small animals. So, if you are an animal lover, you will enjoy your time here. 

Ratti Gali Lake in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, is a beautiful place with lots of lush green meadows. It also makes for a great picnic spot because it has very few people visiting it. The lake is surrounded by high mountains, which make it look even more gorgeous.

Best Lake For Adventure-Seekers

Being surrounded by beautiful mountains, Ratti Gali Lake in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, is an excellent place for adventure seekers. You can enjoy canoeing and kayaking on the lake. The lake is not very big, so you can also try rowing. 

Ratti Gali Lake in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, is a beautiful place that is great for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. Since high mountains surround the lake, you get a fantastic view while hiking and biking. You can also do paragliding and rock climbing if you are an adventure seeker, but these activities are only available during spring.

Ratti Gali Lake Camping

If you are visiting the lake during the summer or on a long weekend, we recommend pitching a tent near the lake. You can either go for a camping trip with your friends or do it as a solo trip. The place is very secluded and peaceful, so you will not be disturbed. You can enjoy the sound of birds chirping, the flowing water from the lake, and the warm breeze as you fall asleep. It is also a great way to meet new people. 

You can also have a bonfire and make it a very memorable experience. You will miss a lot if you do not go camping at Ratti Gali Lake. You can have a great time relaxing and listening to the sound of flowing water in the background. You can also enjoy the view of the lake and the stars in the sky above.

Ratti Gali Lake Waterfall

The Ratti Gali Lake waterfall is located at the end of Ratti Gali Lake and is a fantastic sight to witness. The waterfall is about 3 kilometers from the main road and can be reached after a short walk from the lake. The walk is challenging as you have to cross a small stream. Be careful as the rocks are slippery and the area is full of water during the rainy season. 

The waterfall is formed by a large stream of water from the lake, which flows through a small channel and falls from a significant height to create a substantial crashing fall that joins another stream. At the base of the fall, there is a natural pool of water, which is a great place to visit during hot summers. 

Perfect Picnic Spot

If you are visiting the lake for a day trip, we recommend you pack a picnic basket. The lake is a perfect picnic spot, and the weather is pleasant throughout the year. 

The surrounding landscape is beautiful, and we suggest you explore the area before settling for your picnic. You can also go for a walk or jog along the lake. There are a few places where you can sit and enjoy the view while having your picnic. There are also a few nestled spots where you can go and be alone with nature.

Fishing

There’s no better way to relax and get away from it than fishing. We strongly recommend that you come equipped with fishing gear. You can hire boats and other fishing equipment from the locals in the area. They will tell you what bait to use and how long to keep the line in the water. The best time to fish is before sunrise, sunset, and the early morning hours. 

Ratti Gali Lake is a great place to catch Carp, Ilish, and Rohu. You can even use a standard rod and reel with a few changes in the line and bait. You can also try your hand at net fishing using a fish trap. This is best done with a group as it can be very tiring. Once you have caught enough fish, you can barbeque them by the lake or in your tent/cottage and have a great meal.

Ratti Gali Lake Trek

It is melting the snow on the mountain summits nearby. From Dorian, a bank and dirt jeep trail leading to the lake. The only distance between Dowarian and Ratti Gali Lake is 19 kilometers (12 miles). Later, a breathtaking and exhilarating trekking adventure takes place. There are several Ratti Gali Kashmir tour packages offered with top-notch services.

Jeep Ride from Dowarian to Base Camp Area

The next stop after Kieran is Dowarian, where a Jeep journey starts. To get to this fantastic location, Dowarian drove for about an hour. The panorama is gorgeous because the mountains become more beautiful the further one climbs. The distance from Kieran to Ratti Gali Lake is around 45 kilometers.

Along with the ride’s lovely green surroundings, you will also encounter the boisterous, swiftly flowing River Neelum, which at one point transforms into the liquid Milky Way.

Trekking from Base Camp to Ratti Gali Lake or Horse Ride

You may hire a vehicle to take you to the base camp of Ratti Galli Lake once you get to Dorian. It is also feasible to hike or trek the 6-7 hours to the base camp; however, we chose to use jeeps. The distance from Naran to Ratti Gali Lake through Muzaffarabad Garhi Habibullah Road is roughly 200 kilometers.

After navigating multiple waterfalls and minor glaciers, you will eventually arrive at the base camp for the Ratti Gali Lake in Kashmir. The surrounding area is lush and beautiful. Despite a large number of tourists, the base camp somehow managed to remain peaceful and still, engulfing you in its majesty as if it had been patiently waiting for you to arrive to enjoy it.

Guest Houses and Hotels

Since Azad Kashmir as a whole is bursting to the seams with tourist attractions, you’ll have no trouble finding a decent spot to stay close to Ratti Gali Lake. Sharda Resort, Wadi Resort, Neelum Star River Guest House, State Continental Sharda, and Park River House Sharda are just a few well-known lodging options along Neelum Valley Road, which is the area closest to the lake.

Charges for Different Rides

Thanks partly to the availability of several different tourism packages, visiting Ratti Gali Lake in Azad Kashmir is now easier than ever. Travel packages are now available that include everything from lodging to meals. The number of services included and the length of your stay may affect how much a vacation package costs.

Ratti Gali Lake Timings

Ratti Gali Lake is one of Pakistan’s most beautiful and serene places. The lake is located in the Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir and is a popular tourist destination. The best time to visit the lake is from June to September when the weather is more relaxed and the breathtaking views. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking around the lake.

Location of Ratti Gali Lake Neelum Valley

One of the numerous stunning glacial lakes in Azad Kashmir’s Neelum Valley is Ratti Gali Lake, which is situated at the jaw-dropping elevation of 12,130 feet (3,700 meters) above sea level. Because of glacier activity in the nearby mountains, the lake’s water mass has developed.

FAQs

1. How do I get to Ratti Gali Lake?

One of the most isolated areas in Pakistan is where Ratti Gali Lake is located. The distance between the lake and Muzaffarabad, the largest city in Azad Kashmir and its administrative seat, is 75 kilometers. Adventurers will adore going there because it takes a lot of traveling and hiking to get to Ratti Gali Lake. Depending on how the traffic is moving and the weather, the trip might take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.

You initially arrive along the road in Dowarian, a little Azad village. From there, it might be necessary to board a 4X4 Jeep to travel the rugged and uneven terrain to Ratti Gali Lake, Kashmir. You will arrive at the Ratti Gali Lake base camp location after a nearly two-hour jeep trip. You’ll need to walk approximately two hours to get where you’re going.

2. Can we camp at Ratti Gali Lake?

Yes, you can camp at Ratti Gali Lake. The place is perfect for camping, and you will not regret spending a night at the lake. There are a few cottages and tents at the lake where you can stay.

Conclusion

Ratti Gali Lake is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The views are breathtaking, and the scenery is truly mesmerizing. If you ever have the chance to visit this lake, you will not be disappointed. It is an experience that you will never forget.