Chitta Katha Lake Neelum
Chitta Katha Lake is a sacred high altitude glacial lake sitting at 3962 meters in Shounter Valley famous for its milky white water and snow peaks.
ExploreRatti Gali Lake Neelum
Neelum Ratti Gali, Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Overview
Situated at a soaring elevation of 3700 meters 12130 feet above sea level Ratti Gali Lake is widely celebrated as the Queen of Alpine Lakes in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Located in the high mountain sanctuary of Upper Neelum District the lake is fed by pure glacial meltwater from the surrounding snowcapped Himalayan ridges and red hued granite cliffs from which it derives its name Ratti Gali meaning Red Pass. The lake features deep vibrant turquoise waters set amidst vast rolling alpine meadows covered in vibrant summer wildflowers including alpine lilies and buttercups. Accessible via an off road 4x4 jeep adventure from Dowarian followed by a scenic short mountain trek Ratti Gali Lake offers travelers an unforgettable wilderness retreat ideal for high altitude camping nature photography glacial stream exploration and trekking.
Highlights
- High altitude glacial alpine lake sitting at an elevation of 3700 meters above sea level
- Celebrated worldwide as the Queen of Alpine Lakes in Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir
- Deep vibrant turquoise glacial waters surrounded by iconic red hued mountain peaks
- Vast high alpine pasturelands carpeted with colorful summer wildflowers and alpine lilies
- Premier wilderness destination for 4x4 jeep adventures alpine camping and trekking
Things To Do
- Take an adventurous 4x4 jeep ride up the winding mountain track from Dowarian basecamp
- Trek or ride a mountain pony through blooming alpine flower pastures up to the lake basin
- Photograph the striking contrast of turquoise lake waters against red granite cliffs
- Camp under brilliant starry night skies at the Ratti Gali high altitude basecamp pasture
- Explore surrounding glacial melt streams alpine ridge viewpoints and nearby small tarns
Local Transportation
Accessible via an adventurous 2 to 2.5 hour 4x4 jeep drive from Dowarian village along Neelum Valley Road, followed by a 1 to 1.5 hour hike or horse ride to the lake.
Accommodation
High altitude seasonal tented villages, eco camping grounds, and wooden alpine huts at Ratti Gali basecamp, or tourist hotel stays down in Dowarian and Keran.
Food & Cuisine
Seasonal basecamp food stalls serve hot green tea, Kashmiri Kahwa tea, fresh flatbreads, dal lentils, chicken karahi, pakoras, and instant noodle snacks.
Safety Information
High elevation site over 3700 meters. Wear warm layered windproof clothing, sturdy waterproof trekking boots, stay hydrated, and take slow steady steps to avoid altitude sickness.
Travel Tips
Leave early from Dowarian basecamp to avoid afternoon mountain fog, bring a power bank as mobile signals are unavailable, and carry adequate cash.