Ratti Gali lake

Introduction of Ratti Gali lake

Ratti Gali Lake is still another alpine glaciated lake, which is situated in Neelum Valley of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The lake is about 12,130 feet (3,700 meters). Above sea level with snowcapped mountain surrounds and green alpine pastures. One of the most beautiful places to visit. Ratti Gali Lake is famous for its blue hue which turns. Green and finally to turquoise, depending on the season.

To get to this lake, the travelers need to take a trekking path that goes across rugged valleys, steeper slopes and deep forests. Although there are excellent views at some points. But due to its sheer isolated beauty complimented with the serenity of the place. The Ratti Gali Lake has started to attract trekkers and lovers of nature in recent years. Provided there is plenty of wildlife and pristine environment, the lake is perfect for the purpose. The people who seek adventure, some peace and the ambiance to embrace the natural environment.

MY PERSONAL INTERESTS Ratti Gali Lake in the Neelum Valley also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir. A history that revolves with the beauty of the geographical status of the valley and the people who live there. The actual lake is of glacial formation resulting from melting of glaciers originating from the snow clad mountains. For centuries, the locals especially the Gujjar community and other nomadic. Shepherds have been familiar with the Ratti Gali Lake even though the area. At a considerable height it has, however, been allowed to be used to graze horses and cows.

Historical Significance:

1.   Ancient Settlement and Nomadic Traditions: It was the traditional abode of the nomadic people of the area belonging to the Gujjar tribe. Which used to migrate between low altitudes. High altitude meadows depending on availability of grass in the region around Ratti Gali Lake. Such people would come to the lake and the surrounding countryside to graze their animals during summer. There are many of the region’s myths and legends that are inspired by ancient folklore.

2.   Limited Exploration and Isolation: Ratti Gali Lake has remained congenial for most of the time and has been least explored. By the outside world mainly due to its absence from the main track. Its location is at a height of 12,800 feet in the mountainous terrains. Initially, the lake was only recognized by the local people. Only a few tourists passing through the valley of the river. Due to its beauty and altitude the area could only be visited by relatively small numbers. People prior to the development of road and trekking infrastructure in the second half of the twentieth century.

3.  Modern Discovery and Tourism: Ratti Gali Lake had existed as a well-known and reputed site in local folklore. Which made it popular among the members of society. Especially among the adventure tourist in 1990s and 2000s. Advancements in road network and an increased interest in trekking. Especially, hiking in the Neelum Valley have brought Ratti Gali Lake within easier reach.

Travel and Journey Actions:

This part of infrastructure of Ratti Gali Lake is richest. Different type of population of the species of the area. It also possess different varieties of animals including the snow leopard. Brown bear and few of the birds like the eagles and pheasants and also such items as cattle. Sheep, goats and birds and some other items. The mountains also saw some of the biggest geographical feature of the area and the biggest. Pinnacle of the country, the Ratti Gali Peak with estimated height of about +4700m.

The terrain is rough and quite non-specific, so the lake is quite frequented by tourists. Mountaineers who might want to have quite an adventurous walk.

Fauna and Flora

The Ratti Gali Lake and its surrounding has its own rich and exotic bio diversify of fauna and flora. The ecological state of the area is diverse and embraces snow leopards. Brown bear and birds such as eagles and pheasants sharp crested hills the Ratti Gali Peak of 4,700 meterseter. There is no flat land in the place to offer the hikers a perfect ground which they require. While they carry out their exercises on the lake .

.This trail spans across forests, streams and meadows a visit to this place rewards. The trekker with beautiful sights all through the journey.. Of course, it is not easy hiking and there are steep areas as well as unpredictable weather on this trek. A local guide could be advisable while touring the trail.

Being situated in Neelum Valley of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Ratti Gali Lake is Ancient historic lake which surrounded by many natural and scenic points of interest for the expeditions and nature lovers. Here are some of the famous attractions near or around Ratti Gali Lake:

1. Ratti Gali Lake Itself

•  The Lake’s Scenic Beauty: The main beauty of Ratti Gali Lake is the clear, bright blue water as a backdrop of snowy mountain and tall green grassy meadows. Visitors can enjoy watching the lake changing colors; it is blue during the summer and appears frozen in winter.
• Glacial Waters: The facility source of water for the lake is snow and icy water from the surrounding mountains while the water in the lake is so clear to give the location a peaceful environment. The lake is also good for camping and fishing you will also be able to see magnificent snowy hills surrounding the area.

2. Ratti Gali Peak:

•  The Highest Peak in the Region: Ratti Gali at 4,700 meters (15,420 feet) is the highest of these and can be observed easily from many location of the lake. They called it a ‘major’ sport for climbers and hikers, especially because they can view the scenic valleys and the landscape downhill.
•  Trekkers’ Paradise: If someone is an adventurous and wants to tour this region, another excellent place to visit but requires more climbing experience because most of the track requires mountaineering styles and offers sharp rocks and cliffs.

3. Alpine Meadows

•  Scenic Surroundings: It is relatively easy to get a sight of a variety of flora; the slopes around Ratti Gali Lake have a rich cover of flowers in summer. These beautifully cultivated fields are good for camping, for having picnicker and for any photography lover the place is blessing. That’s also equally as much as a great place for those into trekking to have a break and have a sight of other high profiled mountains.
• Wildlife and Flora: Different species of alpine plants and wild flowers kick start in the meadow hence the areas have attractive, colourful scenes in summer. These meadows also favor other small species such as wild goats, snow leopards and different kinds of birds making this region even more rich in bi diversity.

4. Dowarian Village:

• Gateway to Ratti Gali Lake: The trekkers, who want to visit Ratti Gali Lake, begin from Dowarian as a base. It is located around 30Km from Muzaffarabad and serves a starting point for the trek to the lake.
•  Local Culture: Dowarian helps to understand cultural conceptions of the area Gujjar and other native tribes have been living in the region. Earlier people have a very simple and restricted life but the hospitality of the people is quite eas, y to get by the visitors.

5. Neelum Valley:

• Valley of Beauty: Depend on own tour like I have done, within practically and around Neelum valley where meadows and forests there are many beautiful natural places to capture before or after visit Ratti Gali Lake such as Neelum valley Sharada Kel Arang Kel and Shounter Lake.
• Rivers and Waterfalls: Of all the water courses in Kashmire, The Neelum River is the most outstanding water course in the region. There are many waterfalls that include the largest Kerimabad Waterfall which cascades down through valley making the place a crucial natural tourist attraction point.

6. Trekking Routes:

• Challenging Treks: Geckos itself for your self , the way to Ratti Gali Lake is one of the most famous adventure treks and the trail through forests, streams and meadows is comparatively stiff. The Dowarian and Ratti Gali Lake trek takes 6-8hrs The trek through Dowarian and then Ratti Gali Lake is again a 6 to 8 hrs trek that provides excellent views of the valley along with the alpine like terrains and the surrounding peaks. The trek is widely referred to as one the most beautiful and attractive of all the Treks in the region.
•  Other Trekking Routes: Besides the above said trekking route in Neelum Valley some other common routes include Mahodand Lake Trekking Route and the Trekking Route to Shounter Lake.

7. Fishing in Ratti Gali Lake:

Angler’s Delight: Ratti Gali Lake has fish and many tourists like to fish in this area. Clear water of the lake acts as a perfect ground for the fishers to have quiet time. But fishing is controlled aimed at maintaining the balance of the lake’s flora and fauna and tourists are advised to take fishing responsibly.

8. Camping Sites:

• Camping by the Lake: The lake and the immediately adjacent meadows offer lots of great locations for camping. It was an extremely quiet area and the beauty of the lake as well as the surrounding, makes it an excellent place for camping. Trekking lovers spend a night around the lake so as to let come across the outstanding beauty of the nature at night.
• Trekking Campsites: On the way to Ratti Gali Lake there are certain spots where trekkers can pitch tents: These sites give picturesque scenic viewing points and enable the trekkers meet the people and enjoy the nature.

This is because the geography of the region adds a lot of value to the beauty of the lake hence making it to be among the recommended natural sites.