Karachi to Ratti Gali Lake Distance, Routes & Travel Duration

 

Traveling from Karachi to Ratti Gali Lake: A Detailed Guide

Introduction

Ratti Gali Lake, situated in the Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir, is a stunning alpine lake known for its crystal-clear water, lush green meadows, and snow-capped peaks surrounding it. It is a prime tourist destination for adventure lovers, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts. Traveling from Karachi, a bustling metropolitan city in the southern part of Pakistan, to this remote and serene location in northern Pakistan offers a unique combination of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. The journey requires thorough planning as it involves a combination of road, rail, and air travel options.

Distance Overview

• Karachi to Ratti Gali Lake (Direct Distance):
  • Approximate Distance: 1,550 kilometers (963 miles)
  • Travel Duration: Varies by mode of transportation and weather conditions.

Travel by Road: Karachi to Ratti Gali Lake

Traveling by road provides the most direct connection to the lake, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of Pakistan’s diverse landscapes. However, this option is time-consuming and requires endurance, as it involves long stretches of travel across different regions.

Route:

1. Karachi to Lahore (via N-5 and M-5 Motorway)

   • Distance: 1,210 kilometers (752 miles)
   • Estimated Travel Time: 18-20 hours (without breaks)
   • Description: Start from Karachi and head northwards via the N-5 National Highway. This road will take you through Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Multan before you merge onto the M-5 Motorway. Continue on this motorway until you reach Lahore.

2. Lahore to Muzaffarabad

   • Distance: 290 kilometers (180 miles)
   • Estimated Travel Time: 7-8 hours
   • Description: From Lahore, head towards Murree Road (N-75) and then take the Hazara Motorway (E-35) to reach Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir. The road is scenic but has winding turns and mountainous stretches as you get closer to Muzaffarabad.

3. Muzaffarabad to Dowarian

   • Distance: 100 kilometers (62 miles)
   • Estimated Travel Time: 4-5 hours
   • Description: From Muzaffarabad, travel further north into the Neelum Valley on the Neelum Road (N-15). The road is narrower and winding, especially after Sharda, as you approach Dowarian.

4. Dowarian to Ratti Gali Lake (Jeep and Trek)

   • Distance: 19 kilometers (12 miles) by jeep and 8 kilometers (5 miles) by trek
   • Estimated Travel Time: 2-3 hours by jeep + 3-4 hours trekking
   • Description: From Dowarian, hire a local 4x4 jeep that takes you to the Ratti Gali Base Camp. From the base camp, you’ll need to trek on foot to reach the lake. The trek is moderately challenging, but the breathtaking views make it worthwhile.

Total Road Distance:

• 1,619 kilometers (1,006 miles)
• Total Estimated Travel Time (with breaks): 34-40 hours

Travel by Train: Karachi to Ratti Gali Lake

Traveling by train offers a comfortable and scenic experience, particularly for the Karachi to Lahore segment. Although trains do not go directly to Muzaffarabad or Dowarian, you can combine train and road travel.

Step 1: Karachi to Lahore by Train

1. Karachi to Lahore (Pakistan Railways)
   • Distance: 1,210 kilometers (752 miles)
   • Estimated Travel Time: 18-20 hours
   • Description: The train journey from Karachi to Lahore is long but offers various options such as Green Line, Khyber Mail, and Karachi Express. These trains are equipped with sleeping berths and dining services, ensuring a comfortable journey. The scenic countryside and rural landscapes of Pakistan are a highlight of this leg of the journey.

Step 2: Lahore to Muzaffarabad by Road

1. Lahore to Muzaffarabad
   • Distance: 290 kilometers (180 miles)
   • Estimated Travel Time: 7-8 hours
   • Description: After reaching Lahore, you will need to take a bus or rent a car to continue your journey to Muzaffarabad. Follow the same route as mentioned in the road travel section via N-75 and E-35 motorways.

Step 3: Muzaffarabad to Ratti Gali Lake

1. Muzaffarabad to Dowarian by Road

   • Distance: 100 kilometers (62 miles)
   • Estimated Travel Time: 4-5 hours

2. Dowarian to Ratti Gali Lake (Jeep and Trek)

   • Same as the road travel section.

Total Train and Road Distance:

• 1,619 kilometers (1,006 miles)
• Total Estimated Travel Time (Train + Road): 30-35 hours

Travel by Air: Karachi to Ratti Gali Lake

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to cover the long distance from Karachi to northern Pakistan, significantly reducing the travel time. While there is no airport in Ratti Gali Lake or Muzaffarabad, you can fly to Islamabad and continue your journey by road.

Step 1: Karachi to Islamabad by Air

1. Flight from Karachi to Islamabad
   • Distance: 1,137 kilometers (706 miles)
   • Estimated Flight Time: 2 hours
   • Airlines: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), SereneAir, Airblue
   • Description: Direct flights are available multiple times a day from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport (KHI) to Islamabad International Airport (ISB). The flight duration is approximately 2 hours, and you can enjoy a quick and comfortable journey.

Step 2: Islamabad to Muzaffarabad by Road

1. Islamabad to Muzaffarabad
   • Distance: 125 kilometers (78 miles)
   • Estimated Travel Time: 3-4 hours
   • Description: From Islamabad, take the M1 motorway towards Murree and then continue on the N-75 and E-35 highways, passing through beautiful hill stations like Murree and Kohala before arriving in Muzaffarabad.

Step 3: Muzaffarabad to Ratti Gali Lake

1. Muzaffarabad to Dowarian by Road

   • Distance: 100 kilometers (62 miles)
   • Estimated Travel Time: 4-5 hours

2. Dowarian to Ratti Gali Lake (Jeep and Trek)

   • Same as the road travel section.

Total Air and Road Distance:

• 1,262 kilometers (784 miles)
• Total Estimated Travel Time (Air + Road): 9-10 hours

Key Points to Consider

1. Road Conditions:

   • The roads leading to Ratti Gali Lake, particularly from Muzaffarabad to Dowarian, are narrow, winding, and sometimes rough, especially in the winter and rainy seasons. It’s essential to check the road conditions before setting out.

2. Weather:

   • The best time to visit Ratti Gali Lake is from June to September when the weather is pleasant and the lake is accessible. The lake is often frozen or difficult to reach in the winter months.

3. Fuel and Supplies:

   • Ensure that your vehicle is well-fueled before entering the Neelum Valley, as fuel stations and repair facilities are limited. It’s also a good idea to carry snacks, water, and first-aid supplies for the journey.

4. Accommodation:

   • There are limited accommodation options in Dowarian, with guesthouses being the most common. If you plan on trekking and camping near the lake, bring your own camping gear.

Conclusion

Traveling from Karachi to Ratti Gali Lake is an adventurous journey that takes you from the bustling city life to the tranquility of the Himalayan region. While the journey can be long and challenging, the breathtaking beauty of the lake and its surroundings make it a worthwhile experience. Whether you choose to travel by road, train, or plane, each option offers its own unique perspectives on Pakistan's diverse landscapes and cultures.