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.
ExploreSaral Lake Neelum
Neelum Saral, Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Overview
Perched at an extraordinary altitude of approximately 4100 meters 13450 feet above sea level Saral Lake is one of the highest most pristine and remote glacial alpine lakes in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Situated directly along the high mountain ridge pass that divides Neelum Valley from Kaghan Valley the lake is fed by pure glacial ice melt and pristine mountain streams. Saral Lake features striking deep blue and green alpine waters surrounded by vast rolling alpine pastures carpeted with colorful summer wildflowers dramatic granite mountain cliffs and snow fields. Accessible via adventurous wilderness trekking routes originating either from Gumot Nullah and Sharda in Neelum Valley or from Dudipatsar Lake and Jalkhand in Kaghan Valley Saral Lake offers high altitude trekkers an untouched off the grid alpine sanctuary ideal for wilderness camping nature photography and cross valley mountain expeditions.
Highlights
- Soaring high altitude glacial alpine lake sitting at 4100 meters above sea level
- Located on the picturesque high mountain ridge border between Neelum and Kaghan valleys
- Pristine crystal clear deep blue waters surrounded by alpine pastures and granite cliffs
- Carpeted with blooming colorful summer wildflowers during peak July and August months
- Premier remote wilderness destination for high altitude mountain trekking and camping
Things To Do
- Trek through alpine pine valleys streams and high mountain passes up to the lake basin
- Camp under brilliant unpolluted starry night skies on the alpine pastures beside the lake
- Photograph the stunning reflections of surrounding snow cliffs in the clear blue lake water
- Explore the high alpine Saral Pass ridge offering sweeping views into Kaghan and Neelum
- Experience an off the grid wilderness cross valley trek connecting Sharda to Naran Valley
Local Transportation
Accessible via a 4x4 jeep drive from Sharda to Gumot or Jalkhand to Besal, followed by a demanding 1.5 to 2 day wilderness mountain trek.
Accommodation
Wilderness self sustained camping in personal or rented alpine tents at Saral Lake basin or intermediate basecamps. No commercial hotels.
Food & Cuisine
: Pack travel energy rations, dried fruits, canned meals, hot tea, and basic mountain meals cooked at wilderness tent camps.
Safety Information
Extremely high altitude remote trek above 4000 meters. Hiring an experienced local mountain guide is mandatory. Ensure high physical fitness, cold weather gear, and waterproof boots.
Travel Tips
Carry high altitude medication, warm windproof thermal clothing, satellite navigation or power banks, and leave no trace by bringing all litter back.