Why Ratti Gali Lake Should Be Your Next Trekking Destination

Is Ratti Gali Lake worth the trek? Absolutely—but it’s no easy feat. Between unpredictable weather and a trail that feels longer than it should, getting there is half the adventure (and half the struggle). I learned that firsthand. But once you’re standing at the edge of that glacier-fed lake, surrounded by peaks that look almost unreal, every ache and annoyance feels like a distant memory. If you’re up for the challenge, here’s what you need to know before setting off.

So, What’s the Big Deal About Ratti Gali? 

Ratti Gali was my first-ever trek in Pakistan—yeah, I know, a bit late for someone born and raised here. But that’s exactly why it was unforgettable. I was part of an adventure society in college, and like most firsts, this one left a mark. There are grander hikes, sure, but there’s something about Ratti Gali that just stays with you.

Objectively speaking, Ratti Gali Lake is stunning. Picture this: a glacier-fed lake shifting between shades of emerald green and turquoise, cradled by snow-capped mountains. It looks so surreal you almost expect it to disappear when you blink. At an altitude of around 12,140 feet (3,700 meters), it’s one of Pakistan’s highest alpine lakes, fed entirely by glacial melt. And the best part? It’s way more accessible than some of the other jaw-dropping treks in Pakistan. If you’re short on time or can’t make it all the way to Gilgit-Baltistan, this is your next best bet.

Located in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, Ratti Gali is just a day’s drive from Islamabad or Lahore. From there, a rugged jeep track gets you to the base camp before you start the hike. It’s challenging enough to feel like an adventure but manageable enough for anyone with moderate fitness. Plus, you don’t need weeks of planning or a huge budget. It’s the perfect gateway trek if you’re just getting started with hiking in Pakistan.

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Getting There: From Lahore to Ratti Gali Lake

Getting to Ratti Gali Lake isn’t exactly straightforward, but that’s part of the adventure. There’s no direct public transport that drops you at the base of the trail, so you’ll need to rely on a mix of private car and jeep rentals. Public transport can get you as far as Neelum Valley, but from there, you’re on your own. If you’re up for the logistical challenge, it’s worth every effort.

I started my journey from Lahore, and it was a long haul. It takes about six to seven hours to get to Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir. The landscape starts changing the moment you cross Islamabad—city chaos fades away, replaced by towering mountains and winding roads. It’s a beautiful drive, but also a little nerve-wracking if you’re not used to narrow roads and sharp turns. Motion sickness is real on this route, so pack some meds if you’re prone to it.

From Muzaffarabad, it’s another four to five hours to Dowarian, the last village before the trek begins. The road hugs the Neelum River, with rugged mountains rising dramatically on both sides. It’s beautiful but also exhausting—don’t underestimate how draining long mountain drives can be. Make sure to stock up on essentials in Dowarian, because once you leave, you won’t find much in terms of supplies.

There’s no point trying to reach Ratti Gali via public transport. You’ll end up wasting time and energy piecing together routes that don’t connect well. Your best bet is to rent a jeep in Dowarian, or better yet, arrange one in advance. If you’re looking for help planning the logistics, reach out—I’ve done the groundwork, and I can point you in the right direction.

If you’re planning to combine this trek with other adventures, you might want to explore the North Pakistan Itinerary for more ideas on how to make the most of your trip.

Jeep to the Base Camp

From Dowarian, the adventure kicks up a notch. You’ll switch to a 4×4 jeep for a bumpy 15 km ride to the base camp. This is not your average off-road experience—it’s two hours of bone-rattling bumps, sharp turns, and sheer drops. If you’ve got back problems or are prone to motion sickness, brace yourself. The road isn’t just rough; it’s downright brutal. Recent floods have washed out sections of the track, making the ride even more unpredictable. I’m not exaggerating when I say that at times, it felt like the jeep was about to tip over. It’s thrilling, but also a little terrifying.

The cost for the jeep ride is around 1,500 PKR per person, or you can hire the whole jeep for 11,000-12,000 PKR. The prices vary depending on demand and your bargaining skills. There are no fixed rates, so negotiate. And just a heads-up: these jeeps are far from comfortable. Expect worn-out seats, dust-covered interiors, and a constant need to hang on tight. If you’re planning this trip with anyone who has back problems or a low tolerance for discomfort, maybe think twice about the jeep ride.

Once you finally reach the base camp, you’ll need a moment to catch your breath and recalibrate your spine. But the views immediately make up for the chaos of the journey. Snow-capped peaks surround you, and waterfalls cascade down the mountainsides. It’s a surreal contrast—the rugged, dusty jeep ride followed by pristine alpine scenery. The base camp itself is basic. Don’t expect luxury—just a few tents, makeshift stalls selling tea, and cold mountain air. But that’s exactly the charm of it.

The Trek: Base Camp to Ratti Gali Lake

From the base camp, the real adventure begins. It’s a 3 km hike to Ratti Gali Lake, and the trail is moderate in difficulty. You’ll gain about 300 meters in elevation, which doesn’t sound like much but feels steeper than it looks, especially at this altitude. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can hire a horse, but I’d recommend the hike. It’s short, not too challenging, and the scenery is worth every step. Plus, hiking gives you the freedom to stop and take in the views at your own pace.

The trail itself is easy to navigate. When I did this trek, the path was barely visible, and getting lost was a real possibility. But things have changed. Now, the trail is well-trodden, and you don’t need a guide. Just follow the beaten path and the steady stream of trekkers heading in the same direction. It’s straightforward, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. You’ll walk through lush meadows, cross crystal-clear streams, and navigate narrow wooden bridges. As you ascend, the air gets cooler, and the landscape becomes more dramatic.

There’s no mobile network here, so don’t bother looking for a signal. I actually found the disconnect refreshing—no notifications, no distractions, just the sound of the wind and your own footsteps. Start the trek early to avoid the midday sun and to have the lake mostly to yourself when you get there. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the lake, depending on your pace and how many times you stop for photos. And you’ll definitely want to stop for photos—the views are unreal.

The final stretch is breathtaking. You start catching glimpses of turquoise water shimmering in the distance, framed by snow-capped peaks. Then, suddenly, the lake appears in front of you, and it’s hard to believe it’s real. The water shifts between emerald green and deep blue, depending on the light and the angle. It’s cold, clear, and impossibly beautiful. I remember just standing there, trying to process the sheer beauty of it. It’s one of those views that makes every ache and annoyance of the journey fade away.

Camping at Ratti Gali Lake

We camped right by the lake, and it was magical. Setting up a tent surrounded by towering peaks and the sound of distant waterfalls felt surreal. But this isn’t glamping—this is raw, rugged camping. The temperature drops significantly at night, so layering up is essential. It gets cold, and the wind can be brutal. If you’re not prepared, it’s going to be a long, freezing night.

You need to carry all your food and water with you. There are no shops or stalls at the lake, but there are freshwater streams. If you’re not up for the logistics of camping, you can do this as a day trip and head back to doawariyan before evening. But if you’re willing to rough it out, waking up to the sunrise over Ratti Gali Lake is worth every chilly moment.

There were no safety concerns when we camped—no wildlife, no theft, no issues with unstable ground. It’s incredibly peaceful, but respect the environment. Pack out everything you pack in, including trash. There’s nothing worse than seeing plastic bottles and wrappers in such a pristine location.

One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll be passing through conservative areas on your way up, so dress appropriately. This isn’t the place for shorts or sleeveless tops. Once you’re at the lake, you can relax a bit more, but it’s always better to be respectful of local customs.

The Final Stretch

You’ll know you’re close when the air gets crisper and the towering peaks loom larger. The last 5 km or so is the perfect warm-up for the jaw-dropping view waiting for you. As you approach, you’ll catch glimpses of the turquoise water shimmering in the sunlight, and then—boom—Ratti Gali Lake in all its glory.

It’s hard to put the feeling into words. After hours of trekking, you’re greeted by this glacial lake, perfectly reflecting the towering glaciers and rocky cliffs surrounding it. You can’t help but stand there, taking it all in, feeling both small and incredibly lucky to witness something so beautiful.

Spending the Night by the Lake (Yep, We Camped!)

There’s something magical about camping by Ratti Gali Lake. Setting up our tent by the water, surrounded by the quiet of the mountains, felt like stepping into a postcard. The silence is overwhelming in the best way—just the sound of wind and distant waterfalls. Camping here is basic, so make sure to bring your own gear and enough supplies. It gets cold at night, so layering up is key. But trust me, waking up to the sunrise over the lake is worth every chilly moment.

Where to Stay Before and After

If you’re planning to stay somewhere before or after the trek, Keran is your best bet. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Dowarian and offers a few decent options for a good night’s rest. I stayed at Keran Resort, and it was just what I needed after roughing it out in the mountains. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s comfortable, quiet, and has the basic amenities that you’ll appreciate after camping by the lake.

Dowarian itself has a few guesthouses, but don’t get your hopes up—they’re pretty basic. Think hard mattresses, cold water, and food that’s just about edible. If you’re looking for something a bit more comfortable, stick to Keran. But if you’re just looking for a place to crash for the night before you head out, Dowarian gets the job done.

Things to Know Before You Go

Before you set off on this trek, there are a few things that are good to know—stuff I wish someone had told me before I went. First, you don’t need a porter, but if you’re carrying a lot of camping gear, it’s worth considering. It’s not a particularly long trek, but the altitude and the uneven terrain can wear you out faster than you think. Hiring a porter isn’t just about lightening your load—it also supports the local economy, so it’s a win-win if you’re planning to camp overnight.

The trail is easy enough to navigate on your own, especially now that it’s more developed. When I first did this trek, it was barely marked, and getting lost was a real possibility. But now, the path is well-trodden, and as long as you stick to the main trail, you won’t have any issues. Just don’t wander off trying to find a “shortcut” because that never ends well.

Weather is unpredictable at high altitudes, so keep an eye on the sky. Clouds can roll in out of nowhere, and it gets cold quickly. Start early to avoid the afternoon fog and give yourself enough time to take it slow if needed. Also, there’s no mobile network here—nothing, zero, nada. So don’t plan on making calls, checking maps, or posting Instagram stories along the way.

What to Pack

Packing right for this trek can make a world of difference. Layers are your best friend. The weather changes quickly, and you’ll go from sweating on the ascent to shivering at the lake. Pack a good windproof jacket, warm layers for the evening, and lighter gear for the hike itself. Sturdy hiking boots are non-negotiable—the trail is rocky and uneven.

Bring enough food and water for the journey because once you leave the base camp, there’s nothing up there. And don’t count on streams for drinking water unless you’re carrying purification tablets. I also recommend packing a power bank. I forgot mine and regretted it—there’s no electricity at the base camp or the lake, so once your phone or camera battery dies, that’s it.

Other essentials include sunscreen (the sun is brutal at this altitude), a hat, and a good backpack. If you’re camping, bring all your gear because there are no rentals at the lake. And most importantly, pack out whatever you pack in—trash, plastic, everything. Let’s not ruin the place for the next person.

Keeping Ratti Gali Clean

Look, this should go without saying, but unfortunately, it doesn’t: don’t litter. It’s painful to see plastic bottles and snack wrappers scattered around one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan. If you’re planning to visit, be responsible. Carry your trash back down with you. There’s no one coming to clean up after you, and the lake is remote enough that the garbage won’t “disappear” anytime soon.

If you see trash left behind by others, pick it up. It sucks to clean up someone else’s mess, but if we don’t do it, who will? It takes a few seconds and makes a huge difference. And if you’re traveling with people who don’t understand the concept of “Leave No Trace,” educate them—or better yet, don’t travel with them at all. It’s not hard: if you carry it up, carry it back down.

Final Thoughts

Ratti Gali Lake is beautiful, but getting there isn’t easy. It’s bumpy, rugged, and at times downright exhausting. If you’re looking for a comfortable vacation spot, this isn’t it. But if you’re up for an adventure that makes you earn every view, it’s worth it. It’s not the longest or hardest trek, but the terrain is rough, the weather is unpredictable, and there’s absolutely no connectivity—no calls, no texts, no notifications. Just you, the trail, and the mountains.

It’s a raw, unfiltered experience. If you’re used to cushy hikes with paved trails and tourist-friendly amenities, you’re in for a reality check. But if you’re willing to deal with the discomfort, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Pakistan. It’s not for everyone, but for those who take it on, it’s unforgettable.

If you’re planning to go, be prepared for the bumps, the cold, and the complete lack of connectivity. And above all, don’t leave anything behind except footprints.

If you’ve got questions or need more tips, drop them in the comments. If you’ve been to Ratti Gali, I’d love to hear about your experience.

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