There are some places that look too beautiful to be real until you see them with your own eyes. Pakistan’s Kashmir is one of those places. From glacial lakes that shine like polished mirrors to meadows that seem painted with a dozen shades of green, it feels like every corner is a postcard waiting to be captured. And the best part? It’s not just for adventure seekers. Families, casual travelers, even first-timers can find something here that speaks to them.
When to go (and when to be careful)
• Prime months for the high lakes: mid-June to September—that’s when snow has melted on the jeep tracks and alpine bowls are open. Ratti Gali, for instance, sits high (≈3,683 m) and is typically best in summer.
• Spring & early autumn: lush and calm, great for families and road-trippers.
• Monsoon (Jul–Aug): gorgeous but landslides can close roads—check updates before you roll.
• Deep winter (Dec–Jan): snow transforms the upper valleys; some routes shut temporarily.
Two easy starter routes
1) Neelum Highlights (4–5 days)
Muzaffarabad → Keran → Sharda → Kel/Arang Kel → Ratti Gali (via Dowarian) → back
• Keran (about 93 km from Muzaffarabad) makes a relaxing first night by the river.
• Sharda charms with river bends and the old hillside ruins above town.
• Arang Kel is that green “village in the sky” reached by a steep forest walk from Kel—slow, steady, and utterly worth it.
• Ratti Gali Lake is a day trip on a 4×4 track from Dowarian; allow a bumpy ride and a stroll at the top.
2) Rawalakot Meanders (2–3 days)
Rawalakot → Banjosa Lake → Toli Peer
• Banjosa Lake is pine-ringed, mirror-still, and man-made at ~1,981 m—ideal for a gentle walk or paddle.
• Toli Peer is all rolling meadow and big horizons; it’s a beloved picnic perch (~2,743 m).
Places you’ll tell everyone about
• Ratti Gali Lake
A high-altitude bowl of sapphire water under snowfields. Access is via Dowarian on a jeep track, then a short hike. Expect chilly winds even in July; carry a warm layer.
• Arang Kel
A hillside village that feels stitched from grass and wood. The climb is steady and shaded; take breaks and treat yourself to fresh parathas at the top.
• Sharda
Quiet riverbank walks, misty mornings, and a sense of old stories hanging in the air—plus the famous ruins on the ridge above town.
• Banjosa Lake
Picnic-perfect, with easy paths and family-friendly vibes. It can freeze in deep winter—an entirely different kind of beautiful.
• Toli Peer
A crest of meadows with sweeping views over the surrounding valleys; go for sunrise or late-afternoon light. Road conditions improve in summer; snow can close access mid-winter.
Getting around (the stress-free way)
• Road reality: Upper-valley roads can be narrow and rough. In monsoon, landslides sometimes pause travel; in winter, snow can block higher stretches. Keep plans flexible and start early.
• 4×4 essentials: For places like Ratti Gali, you’ll switch to a local jeep from Dowarian. Ask about track conditions on the day.
• Check-posts & ID: Carry your CNIC and follow local instructions near riverside viewpoints and high ridges.
Stay connected
Mainstream networks work in major towns, but you’ll often get the best reception on SCOM, which has broad coverage in AJK. Pick up a SIM in larger towns before heading deeper into the valleys.
What to eat
• Trout by the river (common along Neelum).
• Saag & makai ki roti, and of course noon chai (the comforting pink one).
• Keep snacks handy for long drives; cafés can be spaced out beyond the bigger towns.
Light, smart packing list
• A warm layer (even in July at the lakes), rain jacket (Jul–Aug), sunblock, cap, sturdy shoes.
• Power bank, basic first-aid, and cash for smaller villages.
• A small trash bag—leave the meadows cleaner than you found them.
Final Thoughts
Kashmir isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about experiencing nature in its purest form. The valleys and lakes aren’t only destinations, they’re reminders of how healing landscapes can be. Whether you’re a solo explorer chasing alpine lakes or a family wanting a cool summer retreat, this part of Pakistan has something that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
Travel here with respect — for the people, for the traditions, and for the environment. Take your memories and photographs back with you, but leave the meadows just as green and the lakes just as clear. Because the true gift of Kashmir is not just in visiting it once, but in knowing it will remain beautiful for generations to come.