The Chitta Katha Lake is an alpine-like natural beauty situated in the more stunning Shounter Valley of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.
Its name, Chitta Katha, means ‘white stream’ appropriately since the stream’s water is clear here because glaciers supply it.
This lake is situated at an altimeter of about 4500 meters, and it is a place that will satisfy the desires of tourists, trekkers, or any nature and adventurous lover by offering splendid sights in Neelum Valley.
If one is in search of some solitude among the lap of nature, beautiful Chitta Katha Lake is the right spot. It lies surrounded by snowy mountain peaks and greenery of meadows, and the water body is as blue as the sky.
Location:
Overview Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir Pakistan
Altitude
13,500 feet above sea level
Best time to visit
June to September
Famous for
Crystal clear water, excellent view, trekking path, and nearby mountains.
Attractions nearby
Dhani Water, Kutton, Keran Valley, Kel, domail, Shounter Dale etc.
The Chitta Katha Lake map is mandatory when planning an adventure trip.
The lake is in Shounter Valley in Neelum Valley of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The proper map also shows the trekking trail’s positioning in the base camps and other nearby points of interest, such as Shounter Lake.
Those from Islamabad drive to Muzaffarabad and then take a jeep from Kel for Shounter Valley.
Starting here, one gets to the country’s famous Chitta Katha Lake through a strenuous but incredibly scenic route across the hills and mountains. You can know your direction well during the hike through a map, as the trails are complex, especially for first-timers.
There are many real-time maps you can access online, and then there are the good old paper maps which come in handy when you find yourself in an area without a network.
Chitta Katha Lake is situated at a high altitude, and as a result, throughout the year summer, the temperature remains low.
The climate is between 10 and 20 degrees centigrade from June to September, the season with the most preference.
Although it’s warm in the daytime, reception could be cold, especially in the evening, with temperatures being below freezing.
The trekkers cannot access the lake between October to May because most of the winter months are covered with snow. The peaks around the lake and the valleys are snow-capped, making it nearly impossible to traverse the region without the right equipment and knowledge of mountain climbing.
Kel is the most popular approach to Chitta Katha Lake, connected by the road from Muzaffarabad.
From Kel, tourists have to take a jeep to Shounter Valley, the starting point of the trek to this lake. Experienced trekkers can also consider the Shounter Pass.
However, this is slightly longer than the recommended route and is usually off the beaten track for those with experience of high altitude trekking only.
The Travel North is focused on capturing and presenting the magnificent scenery of the Northern Areas of Pakistan.
