Ratti Gali Lake Travel Guide: A Journey to Natural Beauty
Published: 27/01/2025
Do you dream of a green and blue lake surrounded by red and pink flowers? Wide meadows to wander, thrilling jeep rides, peaceful horse rides, and adventurous hiking trails? If yes, then Ratti Gali Lake is calling you! This magical spot offers everything you need for a refreshing escape.
In this article, we will discuss the beauty of this lake.
So, Let’s start.
Introduction of Ratti Gali Lake
Ratti Gali Lake is a stunning alpine lake in the Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. Its breathtaking beauty attracts travelers from all over the country, and recent developments have made it even more accessible.
You can now reach the lake’s base camp by jeep, making the journey much easier than before when hiking was the only option.
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
Timing is everything when visiting Ratti Gali Lake. The best months to plan your trip are July and August, as the surroundings are lush green, and the lake is most vibrant.
Avoid visiting during the rainy season to avoid road hazards and unpredictable weather.
What to Expect on the Way
The journey to Ratti Gali Lake is a treat for nature lovers. The scenic beauty around you changes as you ascend towards the base camp.
The base camp offers basic amenities like food, camps, and other necessities. From the base camp, you can either:
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The Beauty of Ratti Gali Lake
The weather at the lake is highly unpredictable. One moment, the sun shines brightly; the next, clouds and rain take over. This ever-changing weather gives the lake and its surroundings a unique charm, constantly shifting colors.
When you arrive, the stunning view of the lake will take away all your fatigue. Its crystal-clear waters are surrounded by wildflowers, making it a perfect spot for nature photography or simply enjoying the serenity.
Spend at least one full day here to truly experience the beauty. A one-day trip might feel too rushed and exhausting.
- 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.
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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.
Conclusion
Ratti Gali Lake is a paradise for anyone seeking natural beauty and adventure. Whether you hike or ride to the lake, the experience is unforgettable. Plan your trip, enjoy the journey, and let the mesmerizing views of this alpine lake recharge your soul.
Have you been to Ratti Gali Lake before? If not, what’s stopping you from exploring this natural wonder in Neelum Valley?
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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
