Ratti Gali Lake
Kashmir -> Neelum -> Sharda
08:00 - 16:00
April, August, July, June, March, May, October, September
Zeeshan Shahzad
Attraction Type
Description
- Trekking 3-4 hours from the base camp to the lake, surrounded by reddish-pink flowers and greenery
- Camping at the base camp or lakeside under starry skies (tents required)
- Fishing for Brown Trout in the lake using spinning lures or fly fishing
- Photographing crystal-clear blue waters, snow-capped peaks, and wildflowers
- Horseback riding from the base camp to the lake for families or less experienced trekkers
- Exploring nearby Hans-Raj Lake (4-hour trek from base camp)
- Hiking to Gattian Pass for views of Gattian Lake (additional 2-3 hours)
- Enjoying boiled eggs and qahwa (Pakistani green tea) from local vendors at the lake
- Observing local Kashmiri culture through interactions at Dowarian
- Stargazing at night with minimal light pollution
What To Do
Ratti Gali Lake, nestled at 12,130 feet (3,700 m) in Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, is a glacial lake often called the “Queen Lake of Kashmir” for its mesmerizing turquoise waters, fed by the Karakoram Range’s glaciers. Located 18 km from Dowarian and 75 km from Muzaffarabad, it’s a haven for trekkers and nature lovers, accessible via a 2-hour 4x4 jeep ride and a 3-4 hour trek. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and reddish-pink wildflowers, it offers serene beauty but faces challenges like poor road conditions, no on-site facilities, and winter inaccessibility due to heavy snowfall. Requiring an NOC for foreigners due to its LoC proximity, this high-altitude gem captivates despite its remoteness.
What To Buy
Best Season to visit
April
August
July
June
March
May
October
September
Spring (March - April)
- Spring offers cool temperatures (0-15°C) with blooming wildflowers, but early spring brings unstable weather, melting snow, and muddy trails, making trekking challenging. Late spring (April) improves accessibility, ideal for photography and light hiking, though rain and blocked roads are possible. Carry rain gear and check trail conditions.
Summer (May - August)
- Summer is the peak season (10-20°C), with clear trails, lush greenery, and vibrant lake waters, perfect for trekking, camping, and fishing. July to September is best, as the lake is unfrozen, but expect crowds and occasional rain or landslides. Early morning treks avoid heat and queues; warm layers are needed for cold nights. Highly recommended.
Monsoon (July - August)
- Monsoon overlaps with summer (10-15°C), bringing heavy rain, slippery trails, and high landslide risks on jeep tracks. The lake remains accessible, but outdoor activities are limited, and roads may close. Visit in early July with rain gear for fewer crowds, but avoid late August due to flooding risks.
Autumn (September - October)
- Autumn provides crisp temperatures (5-15°C) and clear skies, ideal for trekking and photography with colorful foliage. Trails are stable, but nights are cold (0-5°C), requiring warm clothing. Less crowded than summer, it’s a great time for solitude, though early snow in late October can start blocking access.
Winter (November - March)
- Winters are severe (-5 to -15°C) with heavy snowfall, freezing the lake and blocking roads and trails, making Ratti Gali inaccessible. Jeep tracks and trekking routes are snowbound, and facilities shut down. Not recommended for casual tourists; only suitable for expert adventurers with snow gear and guides.
