Introduction to Ratti Gali Lake

Ratti Gali Lake is one of the alpine lakes in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and is a breathtaking lake in the middle of Neelum Valley. It has deep blue water and has some of the most beautiful mountainous backdrops. 

Amongst the numerous tourist attractions of Pakistan, Ratti Gali Lake is at the top of the list for adventure seekers, photographers who love nature, and all those looking for solace amidst beautiful scenery.

Altitude Ratti Gali Lake

Ratti Gali Lake, at 12,130 feet altitude, is flanked by lush green meadows, snowy peaks, and wildflowers. Its crystal-clear water and mesmerizing shades of blue and green owe their existence to glacier melt and snowmelt feeding the lake.

 This lake has been described by people as one of the most beautiful points in Pakistan due to its unexplored natural beauty.

How to Reach Ratti Gali Lake

From Islamabad

The distance from Islamabad to Ratti Gali Lake is around 370 kilometers. One may drive or use public transportation up to the town of Dowarian, which is the last car-accessible point.

From Lahore

The distance from Lahore to Ratti Gali Lake is about 550 kilometers. Most visitors travel by bus or in private cars but stop along the way to visit other attractions in 

Azad Kashmir

Main Road and Trek Information

Best Time to Visit Ratti Gali Lake

Ratti Gali Lake is accessible throughout the year. However, the best time to enjoy the lake is during the summer season. The winter season freezes the lake, and the entire area gets covered with snow. 

In June, the entire region turns into a green heaven. July to September is the most favorable season for tourists because the climate is mild and the meadows are at their best.

Temperature At Ratti Gali Lake

The temperatures at Ratti Gali Lake fluctuate from very cold winters to mild climatic conditions in summer. Here is a very brief description of the conditions in each season:

Summer (June – September)

The climate is quite gentle and nice, and the temperature goes as high as 15°C to 20°C during the day.

Autumn

It starts getting cold, going as low as 5°C to 10°C.

Winters

It’s snow-covered as the temperatures go below the freezing point.

Spring

It becomes warm and reaches around 10°C.

Note: Weather can change in a second as the altitude is too high.

What to Do and See at Ratti Gali Lake

Ratti Gali Lake offers excellent outdoor experiences and landscapes:

1. Trekking and Hiking

Adventure lovers have to trek from Dowarian to the lake. Trails are marked, and various shots of unique landscapes, wildflower meadows, and small streams will be traversed.

Scenic surroundings, colorful flowers, and still waters of the mirror-calm lake make it a photographer’s paradise. Surely the beautiful contrast of this blue-colored lake with a carpet of green grassy fields is photogenic enough.

Camping

Camp by Ratti Gali Lake is an experience that you will never forget, for it lets you sleep under the stars with a view of the lake. Campers must be carrying warm clothing and very strong tents as the nighttime gets very cold even in summer.

Safety and Precautions

There are a few safety tips that travelers should know:

Weather Awareness: Always be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially in the summer months when there is heavy rainfall.

Altitude Sickness: Since the lake is located at a high altitude, one can feel themselves experiencing altitude sickness. Drink lots of water and take time out to rest while on the trek

Gear: Good trekking shoes, a warm dress, or any waterproof gear is required in case you are planning camping.

Essential Details About Ratti Gali Lake

Permits to Visit: Permits might be required for the tourists. Contact the local authorities.

Local Guides: A local guide would make the journey worthwhile and inform one about the locality and guide them.

Food and Supplies: Food, water, and other things should be taken along in plenty as the facilities in the area are not sufficient.

Accommodation Options

There are no hotels directly near the lake. However, in the nearby town of Dowarian, a traveler can get accommodation options from guesthouses to small hotels. All of them are quite basic but are more than enough to fulfill one’s requirements. Alternately, travelers can experience camping right by the lake.