Ratti Gali Lake Neelum
Ratti Gali Lake is an iconic glacial alpine jewel sitting at 3700 meters in Upper Neelum famous for its turquoise waters wildflower pastures and red mountain cliffs.
ExploreBanjosa Lake Rawalakot
Rawalakot, Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Overview
Located twenty kilometers from Rawalakot city at an elevation of 1981 meters 6499 feet above sea level Banjosa Lake is one of the most popular serene and family friendly tourist destinations in Poonch District Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Tucked inside a tranquil mountain basin the lake is a charming man made body of water surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests towering mountain ridges and lush green hillsides. Featuring calm emerald water smooth boating channels wooden lakeside walkways and cozy tourist rest houses Banjosa Lake offers travelers an easily accessible resort retreat. The lake environment provides a cool refreshing mountain climate in summer colorful foliage reflections in autumn and serene snowy forest scenery in winter making it a favorite spot for family picnics boating nature photography and weekend getaways from Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Highlights
- Scenic mountain lake nestled inside dense pine and deodar forests at 1981 meters elevation
- Highly accessible tourist destination situated just 20 kilometers from Rawalakot city
- Calm emerald waters ideal for pedal boating paddle rides and riverside strolls
- Surrounded by well maintained wooden resort cottages parks and pine walking trails
- Popular family picnic spot offering cool summer weather and peaceful nature retreats
Things To Do
- Enjoy relaxing pedal boating and paddle boat rides across the calm waters of Banjosa Lake
- Walk along the paved pine tree forest paths encircling the lake shoreline
- Photograph the vibrant reflections of surrounding pine trees and mountains in the lake water
- Stay overnight at wooden tourist cottages and enjoy peaceful forest surroundings
- Have a family picnic on the manicured grassy lawns and benches around the lakeside
Local Transportation
Easily accessible via a short 30 to 40 minute drive 20 km from Rawalakot city or a 3.5 to 4 hour drive 130 km from Islamabad along paved roads.
Accommodation
AJK Tourism Rest House Banjosa, Green Village Resort, private wooden cabins, eco lodges, and tourist hotels near the lake.
Food & Cuisine
Lakeside restaurants and cafes serve fresh fried fish, chicken karahi, vegetable pakoras, local flatbreads, cold drinks, and hot Kashmiri Kahwa tea.
Safety Information
Highly safe, accessible, well paved, and family friendly location. Observe standard boating safety rules and wear life jackets provided at the jetty.
Travel Tips
Visit during early morning hours or weekdays to experience the tranquil calm of the lake before weekend tourist crowds arrive.