Lovely Lakes of Azad Kashmir
- Ratti Gali Lake -Neelum Valley
- Ratti Galli Small-Neelum Valley
- Hansraj Jaheel- Neelum Valley
- Kalasar Jaheel- Neelum Valley
- Gahatiyan Jaheel- Neelum Valley
- Sural Jaheel- Neelum Valley
- Moon Jaheel- Neelum Valley
- Ram Chakore Jaheel- Neelum Valley
- Mulaan wali Jaheel – Neelum Valley
- Bat kanali Jaheel Neelum Valley
- Shountar Jaheel- Neelum Valley
- Chitta Kattha Jaheel- Neelum Valley
- Chittah kattha jaheel 2- Neelum Valley
- Banjonsa Jaheel- Poonch Rawlakot
- Baghsar Jaheel Bhimber
- Subrri/Langar Pura Jaheel- Muzaffarababad
- Zalzal Jaheel- Jelum Valley( Chikar)
- Patliyan Jaheel Neelum Valley
- Maayi Narda Jaheel- Neelum Valley
- Noori Jaheel- Neelum Valley
- Khrigam Jaheel – Neelum Valley.
- Dak Jaheel- Neelum Valley
Ratti Gali Jaheel
Background
It was Dariyan, Sariyan, and Sar Jaheel before 2010, then Sariyan Sar (storage of pure clean water) and finally it was named Barkatiya Ratti Gali Jaheel. It is the Alpine glacial lake, in Neelum Valley. It is just 75 kilometers away in the south of Muzaffarabad. The most popular lake of Azad Kashmir. It is the base camp for the other five lakes of Neelum Valley.
It is approached by Dwariyan. Its distance from Dwariyan is just 16 Kilometers of 4*4 Jeep and then about one hour by footwalk. It is Ratti Gali because there are red(ratty phool) flowers in abundance, doubled by reflection in its pure water. It is the biggest lake in this area and the central point for twenty-six other small lakes and four waterfalls.
Here visitors find all necessities such as camping, food, accommodation, and Wifi.
Ratti Gali 2
It is the small lake of the big track. It is on the way to the main lake. It happens just after a 15-20 minute drive towards the Ratti Gali Lake. It is a locally populated area for local folks and cattle. It is called the sar means the storage of water for cattle. Many small ponds of water are called Sar in the local language. There is a waterfall that is the source of interest for tourists. Local people have residences in summer in their mud houses.
Hansraj Lake
It was known as “ Rata Sar” because of the red mountains all around. It is the middle point of Ratti Gali and Noori Top. It is famous for its high and cold, crystal-clear waters. It leads toward the Kaghan Valley. Its altitude is the higher one. It is also situated in Neelum Valley. It is part of the five lakes chain of Neelum Valley. It is situated on Ratti Gali Pass which is 3900 meters above sea level.
Famous Pakistani tourist Mustansir Hussain Tarur called it Hans Rag and it was liked and attached to it as its new name.
Kala Sar Lake
There are three lakes in this area. these are:
- Kala Sar
- Kala Sar
- Kalahari
. It is part of trica. Just a one-hour drive from Ratti Gali to Noori Top. Kala Sar 1 is just a one-hour footwalk from Hans Raj Lake whereas the other two are ahead of it towards the top.
Gahattiyan Lake
It is nearly a four-hour foot walk from Ratti Gale base camp. This is a track that leads from Ratti Gali to Hans Raj/Kala Sar and finally to Gahattiyan Lake. All these 3 lakes may be visited in one planned tour. It is known as Donga Sar/Donga Narr in the local language. There are three mini lakes around it Which are named Gahatiyan 1, 2,3.
Saral Lake
It is 13600 feet or 4100 meters above sea level. It is situated in Neelum Valley. It is approached by Basel and Doori Pat Sar. The second and suitable way is led from Jalkhad/Noori Top via Mian Sahib road and it meets the first at Dodi Patsar. There are horses available for visitors. There is a big stream called Gammot Nala.
Moon Lake
Moon Lake is also approached from Saral Lake. Its view in sunny weather is like a blue glowing moon if it is viewed from the top.
Ram Chakor/Choorwali lake
This is a lake that is part of the Saral area. It needs a 4-5 hour footwalk from Saral Lake. It is famous because of the Ram Chakor (bird) in abundance. It is called Pharar Narr in the local language. It is also named Mulanwali Narr. This is near the Moon Lake and Ram Chakor Lake.
Batkanali Lake
Batkanali lake is near Mulanwali lake. It may be approached from Jagran towards Shal and then a 7-8 hours footwalk that leads to Dahok Batkanali.
Shounterr Lake
Shounterr Lake is situated in Shounterr Valley in District Neelum. It is 3100 meters/10200 feet above sea level. This is the center of snowy mountains. Its water source is glacial mountains. It is also known as Spoon Lake. It is approached from Kel by Jeep traveling. It is near Shounter waterfall. It is the ending point of the road. It is famous as Batar Lake.
Chita Katha Sar
Chitta Katha Lake is just 20 kilometers away from Kel. Its base camp is Hoz Neelum village and then five KM of steep and dangerous climbing leads towards it. It is another lake of Shounter Valley. Its altitude is 13500 feet/4100 meters. This is the beautiful lake that is approached in a dangerous but attractively beautiful way. There are a few small lakes/Sar Lnda Sar, Punj Kathiyan, and three other lakes.
Hari Parbt a high mountain can be viewed from Chita Katha. This is a beautiful adventurous land It is hard to climb it. It is the third-highest mountain in this area. The other two are Tosheera Wanka and Sirwali.
Chitta Katha 2
Chitta Katha 2 is a small lake in the lower valley that is known as Chitta Katha 2. It is beneath Hariparbet Mountain.
Banjonsa Lake
It is nearly 18 kilometers away from Rawlakot City. It is a man-made lake. It is a very famous visiting place that is easy to approach. There is a dense forest. There are many rest houses. This is one kilometer wide and one kilometer long. It is depth is 52 meters. It is 1981 meters or 6499 feet above sea level.
Bagh Sar Lake
This is the lake of Smahni Valley in district Bhimber near LOC, in Baghsar Fort. This fort is famous and historical. It is 975 meters above sea level. It is a wide lake of a half kilometer in width. It is famous for water lilies and winter migrating birds. Its formation is interestingly similar to Pakistan’s map. This area is famous for stalwart Cheer trees and blooming water-lilies in abundance.
Subbrri/Lngarpura Lake
It is in the southeast of Muzaffarabad city. It is just 10 Kilometers away from the city. It is on Siri Nagar Road and can be viewed easily.
ZalZal Lake
Zalzal Lake was formed because of the devastating earthquake of 2005. It is about 10 kilometers away from Chikar and it is also approached from Hattiyan city towards Banihafiz. Its depth is 350 feet and its is area 3.5 kilometers. It is about 1828 meters above sea level. It is situated on Chilar to Ganga Choti road. Just at 10 kilometers distance. There is a tourist resthouse.
Pelican Lake
It is in Neelum Valley. It may be approached from Lawat Nala(Lawat Stream) Dawariyan is the base camp for this lake. It is reached after 3 hours of Jeep travel and then 30 minutes of footwalk. There are a few small lakes around it and there are many waterfalls to beautify this area. Jhag Chamber and Kanali Waterfalls are well known. There is another lake called Patliyan 2.
Noori Lake
It is on the Noori top. There is a big waterfall. Noori Lake is located in Haripur.
Mai Nadra lake
Mai Nadra Lake is about 14000 meters above sea level. This lake is a sacred place and it is a place for taking holy baths for Hindus. This is at a long distance of two consecutive days travel by foot.
Kharigam lake
Kharigam Lake is just behind Ratti Gali Lake. It is on the top of the backward hill. It is the dangerous and stony way. It is not for common visitors but for expert trackers and hikers.
Duck Lake
Its track starts at Janowaiy. It has a great resemblance with the Chitta Katha track. It requires about 9 hours of footwalk. There is no camping site. There are 11 more Lakes in Gale Valley in district Neelum. July to October is the best season to travel there.
FAQs
Q. When is the ideal season to go to the lakes?
A: Clear skies and nice weather are available in the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). Lower elevations can get very hot during summer (June to August), while winter brings snowfall and restricted access.
Q. Can one swim safely in the lakes?
A: Take care as you proceed. The water quality in lakes varies, and not all lakes are observed. Examine each lake and rank those that are best for swimming safely.
Q. What are the available activities at the lakes?
A: Boating, fishing, picnics, camping, and hiking are popular pastimes. Certain lakes provide amenities for particular uses, such as equestrian or aquatic sports. Verify specifics for the lake of your choice.