Ratti Gali Lake Trek: Azad Kashmir’s magical lake in the Neelum Valley

My trip to Ratti Gali Lake will always have a special place in my heart. It was my first time visiting Neelum Valley, Kashmir. It was also my first trip after getting married.

Our original honeymoon was supposed to be in Turkey. We had everything planned and could not wait to fly. Then COVID happened, and our trip was delayed for a few months.

Instead of staying home and feeling disappointed, we decided to make our own little honeymoon in Kashmir.

Looking back now, I am so glad we did.

We packed our bags, filled the car with snacks, turned on our favorite songs, and started driving from Islamabad. We laughed, talked for hours, and stopped whenever we found a beautiful view.

Since we were newly married, almost every stop ended with another photo together. I still smile whenever I look back at those pictures.

What I loved most was that getting there felt like an adventure. The journey, the exciting jeep ride, the easy hike through colorful meadows, and the first glimpse of the lake made the whole journey worth it.

I will share all the funny/ not so funny experience throughout the blog post. So, hang in there my friend!

If you are planning a trip to Ratti Gali Lake, this guide has everything I learned from my own visit.

I will share the best time to visit, the complete route, road conditions, jeep ride, trekking experience, camping options, packing tips, travel costs, and many practical tips that I wish I had known before my trip.

If you love peaceful forests and cool mountain weather, don’t miss my complete guide to Sharan Forest. It is another beautiful destination in northern Pakistan that deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

Where Is Ratti Gali Lake and Why Is It Famous?

Ratti Gali Lake is an alpine glacial lake in Upper Neelum Valley, Kashmir. It is located near the village of Dowarian at an altitude of about 12,130 feet (3,698 meters). The lake stays frozen for much of the year and becomes accessible during the summer months.

The lake is known for its bright turquoise water, colorful alpine meadows, and snow covered mountains.

On a clear day, the water shines in different shades of blue and green.

The peaceful surroundings make it one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan.

The name “Ratti Gali” comes from the word “Ratti,” which means red. It is believed that the area was named after the reddish color of the surrounding rocks and mountains.

Even though the lake does not reflect the mountains like Dudipatsar Lake or Saif ul Malook, its own beauty is enough to leave you speechless.

How to Reach Ratti Gali Lake

Reaching Ratti Gali Lake is part of the adventure. The roads are beautiful, the views keep getting better, and every hour brings you closer to the mountains.

If you are traveling from Islamabad, the total distance to Ratti Gali Lake is about 158 km to the lake access area, but the journey takes much longer than the distance suggests because of the winding mountain roads. We drove from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad in about 4 to 5 hours and stayed there for the night.

The next morning, we continued towards Upper Neelum Valley. The drive from Muzaffarabad to Dowarian took us around 7 hours with sightseeing stops along the way. Once we reached Dowarian, we parked our car and hired a local jeep for the next part of the journey.

The route follows this path:

Islamabad → Murree → Kohala → Muzaffarabad → Pattika → Kundal Shahi → Athmuqam → Keran → Dowarian → Ratti Gali Base Camp → Ratti Gali Lake

From Dowarian, a rough 16-18 km jeep track leads to Ratti Gali Base Camp. The ride usually takes around 2 hours, depending on the road conditions.

After reaching the base camp, there is a scenic hike of about one hour through alpine meadows before you arrive at Ratti Gali Lake.

Although some people drive their own 4×4 vehicles to the base camp, I would not recommend it.

The road is narrow, rocky, and full of steep climbs. Local jeep drivers travel this route every day and know exactly how to handle it. Trust me, you will enjoy the views much more when someone else is doing the driving.

If you are planning your trip from other cities, here are some approximate distances:

Want to learn more about Pakistan before planning your next adventure? Check out these 37 interesting facts about Pakistan that will make you appreciate the country’s history, culture, and natural beauty even more.

Best Time to Visit Ratti Gali Lake

The best time to visit Ratti Gali Lake is from July to September. This is when the snow has melted, the road to the base camp is usually open, and the lake shows its beautiful turquoise color.

I visited at the end of July, and the weather was perfect for sightseeing and trekking. During the day, I was comfortable in a full sleeve shirt. In the evening, it became much cooler, and I needed a light jacket. Nights at the base camp were cold enough to sleep with a blanket.

If you plan to camp, make sure you pack a few warm clothes even if it feels hot in Dowarian or Keran. The temperature drops quickly as you gain altitude.

I would also recommend starting your trek early in the morning. The weather is usually clearer, the light is better for photography, and you can enjoy the lake before more visitors arrive.

Avoid planning your trip during winter or early spring. Ratti Gali Lake remains frozen for much of the year, and heavy snowfall often closes the road to the base camp.

Starting your trip from Islamabad? Explore my guide to the best things to do in Islamabad before heading towards the mountains.

Where to Stay Near Ratti Gali Lake?

You have a few accommodation options when visiting Ratti Gali Lake. The best choice depends on how much time you have and the kind of trip you want.

For our 3-day Ratti gali lake itinerary, we initially planned one night in Muzaffarabad and 2 nights in Keran. But we also packed our camping gear for just in case. And that happened in the journey and we did camping at Ratti Gali base camp for one night.

That was my first ever camping experience in the mountains and that was wonderful.

Now, whenever we go to mountains (6-7 times a year), we don’t like to consider any other option. Tent feels like our little home in the mountains and we love it.

Anyhow, these are the OTHER options:

Camp at Ratti Gali Base Camp

Camping at the base camp is my favorite option. Spending a night in the mountains makes the whole trip feel more special. You can wake up early, start your trek before the crowds, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

If you do not have your own camping gear, you can rent a tent at the base camp. There are also small food stalls where you can buy simple meals and tea.

Stay in Dowarian

Dowarian is the last village before the jeep track starts. If you want to begin your jeep ride early in the morning, staying here is a convenient option.

Stay in Keran

Keran is one of the most beautiful towns in Upper Neelum Valley. It has a good selection of hotels, guest houses, and restaurants with lovely views of the Neelum River. You can stay here and make a day trip to Ratti Gali Lake if you prefer more comfortable accommodation.

Some popular places to stay near Ratti Gali Lake include:

• Keran Resort
• Eagle Nest Cottage
• Valley Trekkers

But you you spend at least one night at the ratti gali base camp for the experince.

Planning a longer trip to northern Pakistan? My Hunza travel guide covers the best places to visit, where to stay, and everything you need to plan an unforgettable journey.

My 4-Day Ratti Gali Lake Itinerary

Day 1: Islamabad to Muzaffarabad

Our trip began on a Friday afternoon. We left Islamabad at around 4 PM with a car full of snacks, our favorite playlist, and lots of excitement.

Since this was our mini honeymoon, every part of the journey felt special. We laughed, sang, and stopped whenever we found a beautiful view for another picture together.

After driving for about 4-5 hours, we reached Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir. We checked into our hotel, walked around Muzaffarabad Bazaar in the evening, enjoyed dinner, and got a good night’s sleep before continuing our journey deeper into Neelum Valley.

Day 2: Muzaffarabad to Ratti Gali Base Camp

We woke up early, had breakfast, and started our drive towards Dowarian. This road follows the beautiful Neelum River for much of the journey, so the views never get boring.

Our first stop was Dhani Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in Neelum Valley. The cool mist, fresh mountain air, and roaring water made it the perfect place to take a break. We spent about an hour there before getting back on the road.

Our next stop was Kutton Waterfall. Surrounded by green hills and crystal clear water, it was another beautiful place to relax. We had lunch there and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere before continuing our drive.

As we traveled further, we passed the Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project. Since both my husband and I are engineers, we were naturally curious about this massive project. We spent a few minutes trying to understand how everything worked, although it was much bigger and more complex than we had imagined.

The drive continued through the beautiful villages of Upper Neelum Valley. We passed places like Pattika, Kundal Shahi, Athmuqam, and Keran, with the Neelum River flowing beside us for much of the way.

One of the most memorable stops was at the Line of Control (LOC) near Keran. Seeing the Pakistan-India border so closely was something I had never experienced before. It was a quiet moment that reminded me how unique this valley really is.

By around 5 PM, we finally reached Dowarian. We parked our car there and hired a local jeep to take us to Ratti Gali Base Camp.

The jeep ride took around two hours over a rough mountain track. It was bumpy, exciting, and honestly much more fun than I expected.

We reached the base camp at around 7 PM. After a long but unforgettable day, we had dinner, enjoyed the peaceful mountain weather, and slept like babies under the stars.

Day 3: Trek to Ratti Gali Lake

We woke up around 6 AM feeling fresh and excited for the highlight of our trip. After getting ready, we started the trek towards Ratti Gali Lake.

The hike took about an hour and was easy to moderate in difficulty. We walked through green meadows filled with colorful wildflowers while snow covered mountains surrounded us from every direction.

Every few minutes we stopped to admire the views or take another photo.

When Ratti Gali Lake finally came into view, it was one of those moments that made the entire journey worthwhile. The bright turquoise water looked even more beautiful than the pictures I had seen before the trip.

We spent a long time walking around the lake, taking photographs, enjoying snacks, and simply sitting quietly while taking in the views.

After spending enough time at the lake, we hiked back to the base camp. We had breakfast, packed our bags, and booked another jeep back to Dowarian. By around 2 PM, we were back on the main road.

From there, we drove to Keran and spent the rest of the day exploring the markets, enjoying the beautiful riverside views, and visiting different parts of Upper Neelum Valley. That night, we stayed in Keran and relaxed after an unforgettable adventure.

Day 4: Keran to Islamabad

The next morning, we started our journey back to Islamabad. This time, we only stopped for short breaks, snacks, and tea along the way.

As the mountains slowly disappeared behind us, I already knew this would not be my last trip to Kashmir. Ratti Gali Lake had given me memories that I will always treasure, and even today, it remains one of my favorite places in Pakistan.

Things to Do at Ratti Gali Lake

You can easily spend a few hours at Ratti Gali Lake without getting bored. Whether you enjoy hiking, photography, or simply relaxing in nature, there is something for everyone.

1. Enjoy the Trek

The one hour hike from Ratti Gali Base Camp to the lake is one of the best parts of the trip. The trail passes through green meadows, small streams, and colorful wildflowers. The views keep changing, so the walk never feels long.

2. Take Lots of Photos

Bring a fully charged camera or phone because you will probably take hundreds of pictures. Every direction offers a different view of the lake, mountains, and surrounding meadows. Early morning usually gives the best light for photography.

3. Relax by the Lake

After reaching Ratti Gali Lake, find a quiet spot, sit down, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. We spent quite a while here eating snacks, talking, and simply taking in the views. Sometimes doing nothing becomes the best part of the trip.

4. Explore the Alpine Meadows

The area around the lake is covered with beautiful alpine meadows during summer. You will see colorful wildflowers, fresh mountain streams, and plenty of open space to walk around. Just remember to stay on the existing paths to help protect the fragile landscape.

5. Camp at the Base Camp

If you have time, spend a night at Ratti Gali Base Camp. Waking up in the mountains and starting your trek early in the morning is an experience that is hard to forget. You can bring your own camping gear or rent a tent at the base camp.

6. Watch the Local Flora and Fauna

During summer, the area comes alive with wildflowers, green grass, and mountain plants. If you are lucky, you may also spot local birds and other wildlife along the trail. Remember to admire nature without disturbing it.

7. Simply Enjoy the Journey

For me, Ratti Gali Lake was never just about reaching the destination. The road through Neelum Valley, the exciting jeep ride, the peaceful trek, and finally standing beside the lake all came together to create an unforgettable experience.

What to Pack for Ratti Gali Lake?

Packing the right things can make your trip much more comfortable. Since the weather changes quickly in the mountains, it is always better to be prepared.

Here are the things I recommend carrying for your Ratti Gali Lake trip:

• Comfortable trekking shoes with a good grip.
• One light jacket or fleece for the cool morning and evening weather.
• 2 Full sleeve shirts and 2 comfortable trousers.
• A pair of slippers to wear at the campsite after hiking.
• Your original CNIC, as you will pass through security checkpoints in Neelum Valley.
• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the hike.
• Light snacks like biscuits, chocolates, nuts, or energy bars.
• A small first aid kit with basic medicines.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap for daytime trekking.
• A power bank to keep your phone and camera charged.
• A flashlight or headlamp if you plan to camp.
• Personal toiletries and wet wipes.
• A pillow cover, a single bed sheet, and a light blanket if you prefer using your own bedding while camping or staying in hotels.
• A camera with extra batteries or enough phone storage because you will probably take more photos than you expect.

If you are visiting at the end of July or during August, you can wear normal summer clothes while driving to Keran or Dowarian. Once you reach Ratti Gali Base Camp, the temperature becomes much cooler. A light jacket is usually enough during the day, while evenings and nights are cold enough to need warmer clothing.

I also recommend packing as light as possible. A lighter backpack makes the trek much more enjoyable.

Travel Tips for Visiting Ratti Gali Lake

After visiting Ratti Gali Lake, here are a few things I wish every traveler knew before making the trip.

• Start your journey early to avoid driving late on mountain roads.
• Hire a local jeep from Dowarian instead of taking your own vehicle to the base camp. The road is rough, narrow, and best handled by experienced local drivers.
• Carry enough cash because ATMs are limited in Upper Neelum Valley, and many places do not accept cards.
• Keep your original CNIC with you, as you may be asked to show it at security checkpoints.
• Wear comfortable trekking shoes with a good grip. The trail is not very difficult, but proper shoes make the hike much easier.
• Carry enough drinking water and a few snacks for the trek. You will appreciate having them once you reach the lake.
• Keep a light jacket in your backpack, even if the weather feels warm in Keran or Dowarian. The temperature drops quickly at the base camp.
• Start your trek early in the morning for cooler weather, better lighting, and fewer people on the trail.
• Swimming is not allowed in Ratti Gali Lake. The water is extremely cold, and entering the lake can be dangerous.
• Help keep the area clean by carrying your trash back with you. The mountains are beautiful because people take care of them.
• If you plan to camp, check the weather forecast before your trip. Mountain weather can change much faster than expected.
• Take your time and enjoy the journey. Some of my favorite memories were not just at Ratti Gali Lake, but also on the road through Neelum Valley.

Nearby Places to Visit from Ratti Gali Lake

If you are already traveling to Ratti Gali Lake, I highly recommend exploring a few more places in Neelum Valley. Most of them are on the same route, so adding a few stops will make your trip even more memorable.

Sharda

About 30 kilometers from Dowarian, Sharda is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Neelum Valley. It is known for its beautiful scenery, riverside views, and the historic Sharda Peeth ruins. If you have an extra day, it is well worth adding to your itinerary.

Balakot, Kiwai Waterfall, and Siri Lake

If you are traveling through the Kaghan Valley side, you can also stop at Balakot. Nearby, Kiwai Waterfall is a refreshing place to take a break, while Siri Lake offers peaceful views surrounded by forests. From Siri, you can continue to Paye Meadows by jeep or on foot.

Shogran and Paye Meadows

If your trip allows, consider spending a day in Shogran before or after visiting Ratti Gali Lake. A jeep ride to Paye Meadows rewards you with rolling green hills, mountain views, and one of the most scenic landscapes in northern Pakistan.

Budget Breakdown of My Ratti Gali Lake Trip

Here is a rough estimate of what we spent during our 4-day, 3-night trip in 2021. These prices are for two people and can change over time.

Accommodation

• Muzaffarabad hotel (1 night): PKR 2,500
• Ratti Gali Base Camp camping (1 night): We had our own Tent
• Keran hotel (1 night): PKR 3,000

Food

• Breakfast (3 breakfasts): Around PKR 1,900
• Lunch and tea during the trip: Around PKR 2,000
• Dinner (3 dinners): Around PKR 2,600

Transportation

• Return jeep from Dowarian to Ratti Gali Base Camp: PKR 7,000
• Fuel: Depends on your vehicle and current fuel prices, so I have not included it in the total.

Other Expenses

• Drinking water: Around PKR 1,000

Estimated Total (excluding fuel)

• Around PKR 20,000 for two people.

FAQs About Ratti Gali Lake

Is Ratti Gali Lake Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, yes.

Ratti Gali Lake is more than just a beautiful destination. It is a complete mountain adventure. From the scenic drive through Neelum Valley and the exciting jeep ride to the peaceful trek through alpine meadows, every part of the journey becomes a memory of its own.

Even after visiting many beautiful places in Pakistan, I still remember this trip with a big smile.

Maybe it was because it was my first visit to Kashmir. Maybe it was because it was our mini honeymoon. Or maybe it was simply because Ratti Gali Lake is one of those places that stays with you long after you return home.

If you enjoy road trips, mountain scenery, camping, and a little adventure, I truly believe Ratti Gali Lake deserves a place on your travel bucket list.

Have you visited Ratti Gali Lake, or are you planning your first trip? I would love to hear about your experience or answer your questions in the comments below.