Ratti Gali Lake
A Hidden Gem in the
Northern Mountains of Pakistan
Ratti Gali
Lake is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventure-seekers and nature
lovers. Located in the Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir, Ratti Gali Lake is known
for its crystal-clear waters, stunning mountain views, and serene surroundings.
The lake is situated at an altitude of 12,130 feet above sea
level and is accessible only through a challenging trek. The trek to Ratti Gali
Lake starts from the village of Dowarian, which is located about 20 kilometers
from the town of Athmuqam. The trek takes about 5-6 hours, depending on your
fitness level and experience in trekking.
The trail to Ratti Gali Lake is a beautiful and scenic one,
with lush green meadows, rocky terrain, and several streams and waterfalls
along the way. The trek is best undertaken during the summer months, from May
to September when the weather is mild and pleasant.
The lake itself is a sight to behold, with its turquoise
blue waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and forests. The area around
the lake is ideal for camping, and visitors can pitch their tents and spend a
night or two under the starry sky. However, visitors must ensure that they
leave no trace of their presence behind and follow responsible tourism
practices.
For those interested in fishing, Ratti Gali Lake is home to
several species of trout, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
Visitors can rent fishing gear from local vendors and try their luck at
catching the elusive trout.
Apart from the trek to Ratti Gali Lake, the Neelum Valley
offers several other attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. The
valley is known for its scenic beauty, with several waterfalls, meadows, and
forests waiting to be explored. Visitors can also indulge in adventure
activities like white water rafting, paragliding, and mountain biking.
In conclusion, Ratti Gali Lake is a hidden gem that offers
visitors a chance to connect with nature and explore the beautiful landscapes
of Northern Pakistan. Its crystal-clear waters, stunning mountain views, and
serene surroundings make it a perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a day trip.
So, pack your bags, put on your trekking shoes, and head over to Ratti Gali
Lake for an adventure of a lifetime.
Reaching Ratti Gali Lake can be a
bit of a challenge, as the lake is located in a remote area of the Neelum
Valley in Azad Kashmir. The trek to Ratti Gali Lake starts from the village of
Dowarian, which is located about 20 kilometers from the town of Athmuqam.
To reach Athmuqam, visitors can take a bus or hire a private
taxi from the city of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir. Muzaffarabad
is well-connected to other major cities in Pakistan, including Islamabad,
Lahore, and Karachi, with regular bus and taxi services.
Once you reach Athmuqam, you can hire a jeep or a 4x4
vehicle to take you to the village of Dowarian, which is the starting point of
the trek to Ratti Gali Lake. The journey from Athmuqam to Dowarian takes about
2-3 hours, depending on the condition of the road.
The trek to Ratti Gali Lake is a challenging one and
requires a good level of fitness and experience in trekking. The trail is steep
and rocky, and visitors need to cross several streams and waterfalls along the
way. It is recommended that visitors hire a local guide to assist them during
the trek and ensure their safety.
The trek to Ratti Gali Lake takes about 5-6 hours, depending
on your fitness level and the number of stops you take along the way. Visitors
can also choose to camp overnight at the lake and return to Dowarian the next
day.
In conclusion, reaching Ratti Gali Lake requires some effort
and planning, but the journey is worth it for the stunning views and serene
surroundings that await visitors. Hiring a local guide, taking a 4x4 vehicle to
Dowarian, and packing appropriate trekking gear are essential for a safe and
enjoyable trip.
Raheel Rustam
1 Comments
What a beauty
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