About This Trek
Ratti Gali Lake sits at around 3,700m above Dowarian village in the Neelum Valley, ringed by snow patches well into summer and framed by wide alpine meadows. A jeep track covers most of the ascent, with a short final hike to the lake itself.
The combination of relatively easy access and genuinely spectacular scenery makes Ratti Gali one of the most popular overnight camping spots in Azad Kashmir, especially for travellers combining it with the rest of the Neelum Valley.
Trek Highlights
Ratti Gali Lake
A striking turquoise alpine lake at 3,700m ringed by meadows and snow patches.
Dowarian Village
The gateway village and starting point for the jeep track.
Alpine Meadows
Wide grazing meadows surrounding the lake, especially colourful in July.
Summer Snow Patches
Snow lingers around the lake edges well into the summer months.
Jeep-Assisted Access
Most of the elevation gain is covered by 4x4, leaving a short final walk.
Overnight Camping
Camp beside the lake for a sunset and sunrise view most visitors miss.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
We drive from Lahore to Muzaffarabad and continue along the Neelum River to Dowarian village, the base for the Ratti Gali trek.
- Drive Lahore to Muzaffarabad
- Continue along Neelum Valley to Dowarian
- Guesthouse check-in
- Overnight: Dowarian
A 4x4 jeep covers most of the ascent from Dowarian, followed by a short hike to the lake itself. We camp overnight beside the water.
- Jeep track from Dowarian up the mountain
- Short hike to Ratti Gali Lake
- Camp set up beside the lake
- Sunset views over the water
We descend back to Dowarian and begin the return journey toward Lahore, with an overnight stop available in Muzaffarabad if preferred.
- Morning descent to Dowarian
- Depart for Lahore via Muzaffarabad
- Optional overnight stop en route
- Arrival Lahore
What's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ All transport from Lahore, both ways
- ✓ 4x4 jeep for off-road mountain sections
- ✓ Camping / guesthouse accommodation as per itinerary
- ✓ All meals during the trek
- ✓ Experienced local trekking guide
- ✓ 24/7 WhatsApp support throughout
✗ Not Included
- ✗ Flights to/from Lahore
- ✗ Travel & trekking insurance
- ✗ Personal trekking gear
- ✗ Tips for guide, porters and driver
- ✗ Any costs due to road or route closures
Photo Gallery
