The best-known lakes in Azad Kashmir are Ratti Gali and Chitta Katha in Neelum Valley, Banjosa near Rawalakot in Poonch, and Mangla Lake near Mirpur. The first two are high alpine lakes reached on foot in summer. Banjosa is a pine-fringed lake with a paved road. Mangla is a very large reservoir.
This guide compares them so you can match a lake to your route and the season. It draws on our detailed Kashmir guides and the sources listed at the end. Last checked: October 2026. Trek lengths, road conditions and permission rules change, and published figures vary, so confirm with a local operator before you go.
Quick answer: which Azad Kashmir lake should you visit?
- Easiest by road: Banjosa Lake, about 18 km from Rawalakot on a metalled road.
- Best lake trek: Ratti Gali Lake, at roughly 3,700 m, reached by a jeep track and then a trek.
- Highest and hardest: Chitta Katha Lake, at about 4,100 m, reported as the highest lake in Azad Kashmir.
- Best months for the alpine lakes: roughly July to September, once snow has cleared.
Lakes in Azad Kashmir at a glance
| Lake | Region | Elevation | Access | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ratti Gali | Neelum Valley | About 3,700 m | Jeep from Dowarian, then roughly 8 km on foot | Trekkers, glacial scenery |
| Chitta Katha | Neelum Valley | About 4,100 m | Jeep to Upper Domel, then a hard trek | Experienced hikers and campers |
| Banjosa | Poonch District | 1,981 m | Metalled road, about 18 km from Rawalakot | Families, forest walks |
| Mangla Lake | Mirpur District | Lowland reservoir | Road access in the Mirpur area | Scenery on the Jhelum |
Elevations for Ratti Gali and Chitta Katha come from our lake guides and differ slightly between sources.
Ratti Gali Lake
Ratti Gali is a high alpine lake in Neelum Valley at roughly 3,700 m. The route is a jeep track from Dowarian to a trek base, followed by roughly 8 km on foot. Reports give anything from about 3 to 8 hours in total depending on the source and the state of the track, so allow a full day and start early.
The best months are roughly July to September, once the snow has cleared. A local guide is strongly recommended. Foreign visitors may need an NOC, so confirm with an operator. Our Ratti Gali Lake guide has the details, and the Neelum Valley trip guide helps with the surrounding route.
Who it suits: fit hikers who want a glacial lake without a multi-day expedition.
Chitta Katha Lake
Chitta Katha, also called Chita Katha Sar, sits at about 4,100 m and is fed by glacial streams. Our guide describes the route as Kel to Upper Domel by jeep, then a trek of roughly 8 to 9 km one way. Other reports give much longer figures, from about 5 km to 16 or 18 km, so sources clearly disagree. Go with a local guide and do not rely on any single number.
The ideal window is July to September, and camping is the usual way to enjoy it. Read the Chitta Katha Lake guide before planning. Foreign visitors may need an NOC.
Who it suits: experienced trekkers with a few spare days.
Banjosa Lake
Banjosa Lake is in Poonch District, about 18 km from Rawalakot and about 160 km from Rawalpindi. It sits at 1,981 m among dense pine forest, and is an artificial lake rebuilt by a local contractor. A metalled road leads to the lake from Rawalakot.
AJK Tourism Department rest houses and a few hotels, guest houses and tuck shops nearby. Summers are cool, with temperatures of roughly 16 to 25°C, while winters bring snowfall in December and January, and the surface is reported to freeze enough for people to walk on it. Confirm access in winter before travelling.
Who it suits: families and anyone who wants a gentle forest lake.
Mangla Lake
Mangla Lake is the reservoir behind Mangla Dam on the Jhelum River, in Mirpur District. Its surface area is about 250 sq km, with the dam built between 1961 and 1965 and opened in 1967. It is more a landscape of water and shoreline than a hiking destination. We have not verified boating facilities, so ask locally.
Who it suits: road travellers passing through Mirpur.
Best time to visit the lakes of Azad Kashmir
July to September is the window for Ratti Gali and Chitta Katha. Banjosa works in summer and, for snow lovers, in winter. Our best time to visit Neelum Valley guide covers road and season detail for the valley.
Practical tips
- Base yourself in Kel or Sharda for the Neelum lakes, and carry cash.
- Hire a guide for both alpine lakes and share your plan with your hotel.
- Ask an operator about NOC and permission rules for foreign visitors.
- Pack for cold, wet weather even in summer.
- Read our Azad Kashmir travel guide for general planning.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous lake in Azad Kashmir?
Ratti Gali is the most visited of the alpine lakes, while Banjosa is the easiest to reach by road.
Which is the highest lake in Azad Kashmir?
Chitta Katha, at about 4,100 m, is reported as the highest.
Do I need a guide for Ratti Gali?
A guide is strongly recommended, as the track and weather change quickly.
Can I visit Banjosa Lake in winter?
Yes, roads are metalled, but snowfall in December and January can affect access, so check first.
Is an NOC required for these lakes?
Foreign visitors may need one for the Neelum Valley treks. Confirm with an operator.
Trek details, permissions and road conditions change. Confirm them locally before you travel.