Ratti Gali Lake- Guide to Ratti Gali Lake Trekking
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Are you looking for a place to escape city life’s hustle and bustle? Look no further than Ratti Gali Lake! Nestled in the beautiful Neelum Valley among lush green hills, tall pine trees, and snow-capped mountains, this picturesque lake will take your breath away.
Ratti Gali Lake is one of the highest alpine lakes in the world, located at an elevation of over 3,000 meters above sea level. It’s a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, offering stunning views and magnificent scenery to stay with you long after your journey.
In this guide, I’ll provide all the information you need to make your trip to Ratti Gali Lake as seamless and enjoyable as possible—from distances between various points and the best times/weather to visit helpful tips on how to get there. Let’s go!
Taking a position in the Top 10 Lakes of Pakistan, Ratti Gali Lake is truly a gem in the blue gem of Azad Kashmir. Tourism in Neelum Valley is accelerating every single day. Moreover, Ratti Gali Lake is one of Neelum Valley’s leading tourist spots.
Ratti Gali Lake is an alpine glacial lake fed by the gigantic glacial melt of the Karakoram Mountain Range. Additionally, it is elevated at an altitude of 12,130 ft. above sea level. Further, it provides the most pleasant environment, even in summer.
Where is Rati Gali Lake?
If you’re looking for a breathtakingly beautiful place to visit, Ratti Gali Lake is it. It is one of Pakistan’s highest alpine freshwater lakes in the Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir and Padr Saddar. Its mesmerizing beauty, picturesque views, and crystal clear waters make it an unbeatable destination for travelers.
At 12,130 feet above sea level, Ratti Gali Lake is easily accessible from many points in Pakistan. The nearest city is Naran, and the distance between Naran and Ratti Gali Lake is roughly 70 kilometers.
You can take a bus or a jeep to the lake from there. If you’re traveling from Islamabad or Sialkot, the distance between those cities and the lake is approximately 370 kilometers and 240 kilometers, respectively.
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Depending on your preference, you can also plan a trip from Jhelum (219 kilometers) or Balakot (161 kilometers).
No matter your route, the journey to this pristine lake will surely be an unforgettable experience!
The Hidden Beauty of Ratti Gali Lake
The beauty of Ratti Gali Lake never fails to mesmerize its beholder. That makes a perfect combo for the visitor: a pleasant climate and a breathtaking backdrop.
Ratti Gali Base Camp Area
Above all, a base camp area just a few kilometers from the lake also plays a pivotal role in capturing tourists to this place. A small lake flows and gives the trekkers a life from its cold crystal clear water.
Ratti Gali Lake Trek
The most common and thrilling trek in Neelum Valley is the Ratti Gali Trek.
First, you must take a jeep ride from the Dowarian, a place in Neelum Valley. After a 2-hour drive on a jeep, you will reach the base camp area. Afterward, it takes almost 2-hours to trek from the base camp to the famous Ratti Gali Lake, or you can hire a horse ride.
Ratti Gali Lake Distance from Muzaffarabad
Most importantly, the distance from Muzaffarabad to Ratti Gali Lake is almost 75 Km, the significant capital of Azad Kashmir.
Ratti Gali Lake Distance from Islamabad
Above all, reaching the lake from Islamabad takes 3 hours. Ratti Gali Lake’s distance from Islamabad is 157km. Further, you can add kilometers from your destination, especially Lahore and Karachi.
Distance Details (i.e., Arang Kel to Ratti Gali Lake, Balakot to Ratti Gali Lake, Naran Bazar to Ratti Gali Lake etc.)
If you want to head to the beautiful Ratti Gali Lake in Azad Kashmir province in northern Pakistan, you’ll need to know the distances between certain locations and the lake. Here are some of the key distances you should be aware of:
- Arang Kel to Ratti Gali Lake: The distance between Arang Kel and Ratti Gali Lake is around 56 Km.
- Balakot to Ratti Gali Lake: The distance between Balakot and Ratti Gali Lake is about 100 Km.
- Naran Bazar to Ratti Gali Lake: The distance between Naran Bazar and Ratti Gali Lake is around 21 Km.
- Naran to Ratti Gali Lake: The distance between Naran and Ratti Gali Lake is around 200 km.
- Jhelum to Rattu Gali Lake: The distance between Jhelum and Ratti Gali Lake is approximately 134 Km.
- Neelum Valley to Ratti Gali Lake: The distance between Neelum Valley and Ratti Gali Lake is approximately 70 Km.
- Sialkot to Rattu Gali Lake: The distance between Sialkot and Ratti Gali Lake is about 549 Km.
- Islamabad to Ratti Gili Lake: The distance from Islamabad to Ratti Gulai Lake is approximately 323 Km.
The Things to Do At Ratti Gali Lake
There are two main lakes on the way to Ratti Gali Lake. First, you will find the initial steps toward the Trek to Ratti Gali Lake. The lake flows beside the trek and is comparatively small compared to the main lake.
Ratti Gali Lake offers an environment full of serenity. There are certain things that you can do there.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Perfect Picnic spot
- Live cooking
- Embrace nature
Best Time to Visit Ratti Gali Lake
Have you been looking for the perfect time to visit Ratti Gali Lake? We have everything you need to know about the best time to go!
First of all, let’s start with the weather. If you plan on visiting during summer, you’ll experience the crystal-clear blue skies and views of the Himalayan Mountains. This can be a great opportunity for hikers because there are plenty of trails and picturesque views along the way.
In contrast, winter may be too cold and snowy for most people, but it can provide some lovely views with its snow-covered mountain tops. If you’re up for an adventure in colder temperatures and challenge yourself to be brave through it, there are plenty of options at Ratti Gali Lake that make this a great winter destination.
Spring or fall is your best bet for those who want to make the most of their visit. During these times, temperatures are milder, and plenty of activities are available that are both fun and educational.
Visitors can witness wild animals coming out from hibernation at one of the world’s highest alpine lakes as temperatures get warmer in springtime. As for fall time, this season is renowned for its beautiful picturesque fall colors, which can make it truly magical.
Weather Conditions in and Around Ratti Gali Lake
Ratti Gali Lake is in the upper northeast of Pakistan, so the climate conditions may vary depending on the elevation. It’s generally cooler than most of Pakistan, but you may experience mild summer temperatures.
The best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. During this period, temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) to 25°C (77°F).
When you’re planning your trip, it’s important to remember that the weather can change quickly in this area. Check the forecast and pack layers for warmth—you can never be sure what conditions you’ll be dealing with while visiting!
Places of Interest Nearby Rati Gali Lake Tour
So, you’ve made it to Rati Gali Lake, but what next? There are several nearby places of interest that merit further exploration.
Dhani Waterfall.
Dhani Noseri Waterfall is also known as Dhani Waterfall. This is a beautiful waterfall. The best time to visit Dhani Noseri Waterfall is from March to June. Dhani Waterfall is the most famous and highest waterfall in Neelum Valley. You will feel calm and serene as you look at the Dhani Nasiri waterfall and get lost in its noise.
The water of Dhani Waterfall is very clear and clean. Dhani Waterfall is a 5-hour drive from Islamabad. Dani Falls is 240 kilometers away from Islamabad. There’s no better place to calm down than to sit atop Dhani Waterfall and take in the view.
Every year, thousands of tourists visit the Neelum Valley to explore its beauty. The water falling from the waterfall creates a cool darkness at the foot of the waterfall, giving visitors a refreshing feeling.
Balakot:
Balakot is another great place to visit near Rati Gali Lake. It’s just 25 kilometers away, making it a convenient day trip from the lake. Here, you’ll find the popular Kawai Waterfall—which is magnificent—and Siri Lake, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Keran Valley
Keran is a small town in the Neelum Valley. It is on the right side of the Neelum River. Keran is a lush green city. Keran Resort is a top-rated hotel in the village of Keran in the Neelum Valley. Tourists can enjoy horse riding, hiking, and barbecuing at Keran Resort. Kiran Resort is one of the best hotels in Neelum Valley.
Visitors can camp in Keran, an ecologically healthy place. The cabins in the valley, the children playing on the river bank, and the women working in the fields are all like images in a storybook. The main attraction of Kiran is that India can be seen across the river.
The best time to visit Keran Neelum Valley is from April to October. Panoramic landscapes, lush greenery, rocky mountains, small streams, and log cabins captivate visitors.
Shardha Valley
Sharda Neelum Valley is 30 km from the Dowarian Village. Sharda is a very charming and attractive place for tourists. Many ancient ruins still exist in Sharda, making it an excellent place for researchers and archaeologists interested in history. Sharda Neelum Valley has many guest houses for tourists.
There is a beautiful bridge in Sharda called “Sharda Bridge.” Sharda Bazar has many shops for tourists and travelers.
There are many hotels and resorts in Sharda Neelum Valley, like Shangrila Sharda Resort, Kashmir Lodges Sharda, Pak River Guest House Sharda, and Waadi Resort Sharda Neelum Valley, that provide their best services to their guests.
Here are the best tourist destinations where you can relax in a quiet place and enjoy the mild climate. Shardha Peeth is a temple in Sharda village, PoK, Neelum Valley. Sharda is a great place with green levels and streams.
Shogran:
Shogran is a popular tourist destination about 30 kilometers from Rati Gali Lake. Here, you’ll find some of nature’s best offerings: stunning mountain views, lush green valleys, and gushing streams. You can also hike to Paye Meadows or take a jeep safari at Siri to get the most out of your trip!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ratti Gali Lake is beautiful to visit and explore. It is located in Jhelum Valley, approximately three hours from Islamabad. The lake is most picturesque in the summer when the surrounding mountain peaks are snow-capped, making it a true sight.
Whether looking for a short weekend getaway or a longer mountain vacation, the Ratti Gali Lake Tour is a great choice. With various distances from other popular cities, you can find a suitable route from Islamabad to Ratti Gali Lake, no matter where you are coming from. Take your time and soak in all the sights of this beautiful lake and its surrounding areas.
Also Read:
- Top 10 Places in Neelum Valley
- Top 10 Places in Skardu Valley
- Top 10 Places in Naran Kaghan
- Top 10 Places in Swat Valley
- Top 10 Places in Hunza
We hope you like our fresh Ratti Gali Lake Travel guide for tourist lovers. If you have any queries, then feel free to contact us. Pakistantourntravel is promoting tourism all over the world.
Hi,
I am planning to visit enchanting ratti gali lake.Can I share rent of jeep from diwarian with other travellers or I have to hire full jeep?
You would mostly need dedicated Jeep from Dewariyan that cost near 7000 to 10,000 average nowdays.