Ratti Gali Lake – Where the View Makes You Forget Everything
Published: 27/01/2025
Some places stay in your heart long after you leave them. Ratti Gali Lake is one of those places.
It’s not just a lake, it’s a quiet spot where the cold wind touches your face, the grass feels soft under your feet, and the water shines like glass. The colors are real. The silence feels heavy but peaceful. It’s the kind of place where people don’t say much, they just stand and look.
If you’ve been tired of noise, traffic, and everyday stress, this lake gives you the pause you’ve been looking for.
Let’s talk about what makes Ratti Gali Lake so special.
Introduction of Ratti Gali Lake
Ratti Gali Lake is a high-altitude lake in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir. It’s known for its clear water, quiet surroundings, and cool weather. People from different parts of Pakistan visit this lake every year, especially in the summer.
In the past, getting to the lake was harder. But now, jeeps can take visitors up to the base camp. From there, it’s a short hike to the lake. The ride is a bit rough, but it’s easier than it used to be.
How to Reach Ratti Gali Lake
There are two main routes to reach Ratti Gali Lake, depending on where you’re starting from:
- From Islamabad via Murree: Travel through Murree, Kohala, and Muzaffarabad, and then enter the Neelum Valley.
- From Islamabad via Hazara Motorway: Take the Hazara Motorway, a newer and smoother route with less traffic. This route passes through Abbottabad and connects to destinations like Naran and Kaghan. On your return, you can visit Neelum Valley as well.
Once you reach Muzaffarabad, head towards Dawarian, where jeeps are available to take you to the base camp of Ratti Gali Lake. The jeep ride takes about 3 to 3.5 hours, covering approximately 25 kilometers.
Be cautious during the rainy season, as the muddy roads can become slippery and dangerous.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to see Ratti Gali Lake is in July and August. During these months, the weather is nice, the sky is usually clear, and the area around the lake is full of green grass and flowers.
It’s better not to visit during the rainy season. The roads can get muddy and slippery, and the weather changes quickly, which can make the trip harder and less safe.
What to Expect on the Way
The road to Ratti Gali Lake is rough but full of natural beauty. As you move higher, the views keep changing, green hills, small waterfalls, and fresh mountain air all around.
The jeep ride takes you through narrow paths and bumpy turns. It’s not a smooth road, but the sights are worth it. You’ll see shepherd huts, quiet valleys, and open meadows along the way.
At the base camp, things get even better. There’s space to rest, drink water, and enjoy the cold breeze. Some people camp there overnight before walking to the lake.
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The Beauty of Ratti Gali Lake
The weather at Ratti Gali Lake changes quickly. Sometimes it’s sunny and bright, and just a few minutes later, it can turn cloudy or start raining. This mix of weather gives the lake a fresh look every time you glance at it.
When you reach the lake, the long trip feels worth it. The water looks clean and calm, and small flowers grow around the sides. You might not want to take photos right away, you’ll probably just stand there and look for a while.
Try to spend some time here. Walk near the water, sit on the grass, and breathe in the cold, fresh air. It’s a quiet place that helps you feel calm inside.
- Plan your timing wisely: Visit between June and September for the best experience.
- Pack appropriately: The weather can change quickly, so bring rain gear and warm clothing.
- Avoid the rainy season: The roads can be slippery and unsafe during heavy rain.
- Enjoy responsibly: Respect the natural beauty by keeping the area clean and litter-free.
FAQs
Ratti Gali Lake is located in the Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It’s a high-altitude alpine lake surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountains.
The distance from Islamabad to Ratti Gali Lake is approximately 230–240 kilometers, depending on the route you take.
Ratti Gali Lake is situated at an altitude of about 12,130 feet (3,700 meters) above sea level.
The road to Ratti Gali Lake base camp is a jeep track. It’s about 25 kilometers long and takes 3 to 3.5 hours to cover. The road can be tricky, especially during the rainy season, as it becomes muddy and slippery.
Ratti Gali Lake is open for tourists from May to September. This is the ideal time to visit, as the weather is pleasant, and the surroundings are lush and green.
You can take a jeep from Dawarian, which is the nearest point to the lake’s base camp. From the base camp, you can hike or hire a mule or horse to reach the lake. The jeep ride takes 3 to 3.5 hours, followed by an hour-long trek.
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Conclusion
So, friends, in this article, we talked about Ratti Gali Lake. It’s a quiet and beautiful place where the cold wind, green fields, and blue water make you feel relaxed and fresh.
Whether you go by jeep or on foot, reaching this lake is an experience you’ll remember for a long time. If you enjoy peaceful places and like to sit close to nature, Ratti Gali Lake is a spot worth visiting.
And yes, if you ever go, please help keep it clean, so others can enjoy its beauty too.
Have you visited Ratti Gali before? Or is it on your travel list now?
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
