Chitta Katha Lake
Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir
Quick Info
Attraction Type
Lake
Location
, Pakistan
Timings
Tickets / Entry
Recommended Duration
Full Day (Trek takes 6-8 hours return)
Visa / NOC Info
Specific NOC Required for Foreigners
Wheelchair Support
Not Accessible
Description
Chitta Katha Lake is a high-altitude lake in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir. It is known for its clear, blue water. The lake gets its water from melting snow from the mountains around it. Many people consider this lake to be a holy place. Reaching the lake needs a difficult trek.
What To Do
- Trek to Chitta Katha Lake.
- Take pictures of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Enjoy the quiet and natural beauty of the area.
- Have a picnic by the lake (remember to bring your own food and clean up).
- Look for local wildlife like birds.
What To Buy
- Local Crafts: Hand-made wooden items from nearby villages. Available in Kel Bazaar. Get Directions Valley
- Woolen Shawls: Warm shawls made by local people. Available in Sharda Bazaar. Get Directions Valley
- Traditional Caps: Headwear often worn by locals. Can be found in Kel Bazaar. Get Directions Valley
- Dried Fruits: Locally sourced dried apricots or almonds. Sold in small shops in Sharda. Get Directions Valley
- Honey: Pure honey from the valley. Available from local vendors in Kel. Get Directions Valley
Policies & Info
- Respect local culture and traditions, especially in remote areas.
- Keep the lake area clean; do not leave any trash behind.
- Foreign visitors might need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from authorities to visit certain parts of Neelum Valley. Check before you travel.
- Photography is generally allowed.
Health & Safety
- This is a high-altitude trek; be aware of altitude sickness symptoms like headache and dizziness. Take it slow and stay hydrated.
- Wear proper trekking boots and warm clothing, even in summer, as weather can change fast.
- Always travel with a local guide, especially for the trek to the lake, as paths can be hard to follow.
- Carry enough water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit.
Best Season to Visit
Spring: The weather is cold, and snow starts to melt. Some trekking paths might still have snow. Good for experiencing the valley's fresh look.
Summer: The weather is mild and pleasant. This is the best time for trekking as paths are clear and the lake is fully visible. It is the peak tourist season.
Monsoon/Rainy: /Rainy: Heavy rains happen, which can cause landslides and block roads. Trekking becomes very dangerous and difficult. It is not a good time to visit.
Autumn: The weather gets cool. Lower parts of the valley show colorful leaves. Trekking is still possible but it starts to get cold. Some paths might become icy.
Winter: It is very cold with heavy snowfall. The lake freezes, and roads to the lake are often closed. It is usually impossible to reach the lake during this time.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest active airport is Islamabad International Airport (ISB). It is about a 10-12 hour drive from Islamabad to Kel, which is a starting point for the trek to Chitta Katha Lake.
- By Road: Travel by road from Muzaffarabad to Kel. The road condition can be rough in some parts. From Kel, you will need a local jeep to Domail, which is the start of the trek.
- By Train: The nearest active railway station is Rawalpindi Railway Station (RWP). From Rawalpindi, you will need to travel by road to Muzaffarabad and then further into Neelum Valley.
- By Public Transport: Shared vans or jeeps run from Muzaffarabad to towns like Sharda and Kel. From Kel, you can hire a local jeep to take you closer to the starting point of the trek (Domail).
Where to Eat / Stay
- Where to Eat:
- Kel Food Point: Kel Bazaar, Neelum Valley. Contact: +92 345 5500000. Get Directions Valley
- Sharda Tourist Inn Restaurant: Sharda, Neelum Valley. Contact: +92 5821 922055. Get Directions Valley
- Where to Stay:
- Valley Trackers Hotel Kel: Kel Bazaar, Neelum Valley. Contact: +92 345 5566777. Website: N/A. Get Directions Valley
- Sharda Resort: Sharda, Neelum Valley. Contact: +92 5821 922060. Website: N/A. Get Directions Valley
Emergency Contacts
- District Headquarter Hospital Athmuqam: Athmuqam, Neelum Valley. Phone: +92 5821 920010. Get Directions Valley
- Ambulances:
- Rescue 1122 (Pakistan Emergency Service): Dial 1122.
- Police Station:
- Police Station Kel: Kel, Neelum Valley. Phone: +92 5821 920500. Get Directions Valley
